Union support available for California wildfire victims 

California is once again facing catastrophic wildfires, with thousands of acres burning and entire communities being forced to evacuate. Some of our SMART-TD members are on the frontlines of the devastation, both as first responders and as victims themselves. 

Our brothers and sisters working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) have been hit particularly hard. General Chairperson John M. Ellis from our Los Angeles general committee (GO-875) has informed us that 10 to 15 of our members have already lost their homes to the flames. With the fire’s rapid movement, that number is expected to rise. They face heartbreaking losses, but they are also responding with courage by participating in emergency rescue operations and ensuring that California residents are safely transported to shelters. Their families, homes, and personal belongings remain in jeopardy. 

How to request assistance from SMART-TD’s disaster relief fund 

The SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund is here to assist those affected by such crises. If you or another SMART-TD member you know has suffered damage to their home or living situation, please reach out to the Chairperson of your General Committee. They will provide you with a short application form and walk you through the process. If you aren’t sure who your General Chair is, that information is available on the SMART App along with their contact information by clicking the arrow to the right of your local’s meeting date and location. If you do not have the app, your local officers will be able to get you in contact with your General Chair.  

How to contribute to our brothers and sisters in need 

We know that the spirit of solidarity runs deep in this union, and we are asking for your help to ensure that we can continue to support our California brothers and sisters during this time of crisis. Donations to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to those members who need it most, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from this tragedy. 

When disaster strikes, we are reminded that our union is not just a collection of individuals—it is a family. If one of us is in need, we rise to the occasion. Over the years, SMART-TD has supported our members in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other natural disasters, providing vital assistance to those whose lives have been torn apart. The need is just as great today, and we need to step up once again. 

If you can contribute, we encourage you to make a donation. Whether large or small, your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are at risk.  

Thank you for standing with our union family during this time of crisis. We will rise to meet this challenge together. 

Contributions can be made payable to:  

SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund 
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N  
Suite 325 
Independence, OH 44131 

Please call the Transportation Division office at (216) 228-9400 with any questions regarding the Disaster Relief Fund.