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Some help in tough times.

Information on job placement assistance, computer training, free health screenings, and more...

Some of us have recently been laid off. We understand this loss of jobs is particularly difficult during these times of economic uncertainty and we want to assure you that your union and all its members are here for you.

Here’s how Local 99 can help:
  • Our Member Resource Center is available to answer your questions at (213) 637-0296.
  • We will continue to provide jobs information in our Local 99 Jobs Clearinghouse. Check frequently at: http://www.seiu99.org/clearinghouse/Default.aspx
  • Local 99 contributes to the County Federation of Labor’s Community Services Program, which assists union members in meeting basic needs during difficult financial times. Services such as emergency food, shelter, utilities, and rent assistance are available to those who meet eligibility requirements. Call Local 99’s Member Resource Center at (213) 637-0296 to learn more.
  • Union Plus offers some unique services to Local 99 members. Some require that you have a Union Plus credit card and/or mortgage. For details, visit: http://www.unionplus.org/life-planning-services-legal/member-assistance-programs/union-safe-grants-laid-off
  • Our member committees are continuing to think of ways to respond to the recession and all its damage, such as the Community Health Fair, the Thanksgiving meals served at Fred Jordan Mission, and lobbying against further budget cuts.

Immediate steps to take:
  • As soon as you are laid off, immediately apply for unemployment. If you have any questions about how to do this, contact the Employment Development Department at www.edd.ca.gov or call 1-800-300-5616. (It sometimes takes a few tries to get through—especially since there have also been staff reductions and furloughs here, too.)
  • Begin looking for work. Two good places to start are Local 99’s Jobs Clearninghouse (mentioned above) and your nearest WorkSource Center (wib.co.la.ca.us).  Also, for laid off LAUSD employees, please call the District's outplacement services at (213) 353-4300.
  • Free computer classes are available at the L.I.T.E. (Living Independently Through Employment) Center. Learn computer basics such as how to how to operate a mouse, use office software, set up and use a free e-mail account, and use the Internet. Classes are held every Saturday and space is limited. Contact Dave Berry at 213-623-1173 or dberry.lite@srdcla.org to reserve your spot.

If things get worse for you and your family:
  • Contact the County. Dial 211 or log on to www.healthycity.org (click the “services” tab) for information on food, transportation, health, and shelter assistance.
  • Also, the city of Los Angeles’ Family Source Centers offer assistance. For the center nearest you, see http://mayor.lacity.org/PressRoom/PressReleases/LACITYP_008757.
  • The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health offers free and low-cost health screenings for low-income women without health insurance. Call (800) 793-8090 for an appointment.
  • Download a copy of “The People’s Guide to Welfare, Health, & Other Services” for other Los Angeles area services:
    English: http://www.lacehh.org/tpg/documents/english08PeoplesGuide.pdf
    (Please note that with budget cuts, some services and nonprofit agencies have also had to cut back. Don’t get discouraged if you find that one program has closed. There are many agencies still providing services.)

    Español: http://www.lacehh.org/tpg/pdf/tpg2008es.pdf
    (Tenga en cuenta que con los recortes presupuestarios, algunos de los servicios y agencias sin fines de lucro también han tenido que reducir. No se desanime si usted encuentra que un programa ha cerrado. Hay muchas agencias aun proporcionando servicios.)