*TTIE is not partnered with any these organizations; we are merely amplifying these resources. If you would like to add to this list, please email us at info@writeinclusion.org.
HEALTH INSURANCE & MENTAL HEALTH
Medi-Cal: If you are at threat of losing your health insurance, you can apply, but it does not cover mental health services.
LA Community College : Take a one-credit course at any LA Community College, pay the health fee, and gain access to their mental health insurance, including 12 sessions with a therapist.
FUNDING & SUPPORT
Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund: #PayUpHollywood’s permanent emergency fund to aid film and TV support staff.
Humanitas Groceries for Writers: Humanitas is distributing grocery store gift cards to current WGA writers in need, as long as supplies last. Though the WGA strike is over, the Groceries for Writers project remains active.
World Harvest: Call to verify hours of operation.
Inevitable Emergency Fund for Disabled Writers: A responsive cash granting program for disabled writers in crisis.
Union Plus: Strike grants, discounts, and support waiving monthly insurance payments.
Entertainment Community Fund: Offers free social services programs for people in entertainment, including emergency financial assistance and counseling.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation: Financial aid for SAG-AFTRA members; cannot be due to strike, but may offer support around other hardships.
Motion Picture and Television Fund: MPTF members are eligible for needs-based temporary financial assistance as well as mental and physical wellness.
Behind the Scenes Grant: Offers entertainment technology professionals a Basic Needs Grant and a Counseling Grant for mental health services.
Broadcasters Foundation of America: Monthly grants offered for those in broadcasting with financial need due to illness, accident, age, or other misfortune.
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation: The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial assistance and counseling services to theatrical exhibition and distribution workers experiencing hardship due to illness, accident, or underemployment.
The Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund: Interest-free loans for WGAW members through a partnership with the Motion Picture and Television Fund. Also available for writers who are no longer members, but pay an annual fee to qualify for Guild services. May receive as many as two loans of up to $7,000 each, for a total lifetime amount of $14,000.
Live and Work Well: click on "Browse as a guest with code": MPIPHP to access mental health resources, legal and financial counselling and more.
Calfresh/Snap: CalFresh is a state program intended to help low-income people put healthy food on their tables each month.
Housing is Key: The California Mortgage Relief Program is now accepting applications. Homeowners, apply today to get caught up on your housing payments.
PG & E Assistance: PG&E offers many programs that can help you save money on your utility bill.
CalWorks: A public assistance program that provides cash aid and services to eligible families that have a child(ren) in the home.
The Union Solidarity Coalition: Direct financial support to crew members who have lost health insurance due to strike-related shutdowns.
Green Envelope Grocery Aid: $100 grocery grants for lower-level WGA members, support staffers, and other guild members (SAG, IATSE, etc.).
Broadband For All — Affordable Connectivity Program: Discounts to help households afford internet and devices they need for school, work, healthcare, and more.
Dramatists Guild Foundation: for dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists).
Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan: for people who are also in the IATSE/Animation Guild, MPI is offering a one-time Individual Account Plan withdrawal of up to 20% of funds starting September 1st. They’re also crediting hours to certain members’ health plans.
Labor Community Services: Drive-through food distribution events for Hollywood labor. Members from any labor union are welcome. Some events say “open to all entertainment industry kin.”
Friends in Deed: This Food Pantry provides food assistance to low-income and no-income families in the greater Pasadena and Altadena areas. They also offer toiletries, diapers & formula, and pet food.
Foothills Unity Center: Check website for food distribution times and upcoming events.
The Peoples Project: Powered by the LA Fed, The Peoples Project is a mutual aid resource directory that connects people to food drives, housing/rental assistance, and more.
Los Angeles Mission #dotheWRITEthing Assistance Fund: A dedicated fund to assist those affected by the strikes. Any entertainment guild member is eligible for aid.
ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT
Hollyslist: Facebook group for small jobs, free stuff, etc.
Swing or LAUSD: Options for teaching as there is currently a teacher shortage. It can take a month or longer to qualify.