For those who don’t know, the Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides Local 802 members with reliable assistance in times of trouble and dire need. This need may arise from catastrophic illness, dramatic career downturns, or due to demonstrable financial hardship. Many musicians suffer from episodic employment and lack health insurance, pensions and other benefits found in most full-time jobs, and as a result this career is often a difficult one, lived without a safety net. The Emergency Relief Fund can offer:

• Financial assistance
• Mental health support
• Addiction and recovery aid
• HIV/AIDS services
• Senior services or caregiving support
• Services due to chronic health, illness and injury
• Career support
• General social service help

As Local 802 member Bob Dylan — who also serves as an honorary advisory board member — famously wrote, “The times they are a’changing.” This has never been more evident than in the lives of musical artists who are aging and face declines in health and financial security. When they need assistance, our Emergency Relief Fund is there for them, providing support and assurance that they are not alone in their later years. The ERF needs the sustaining support of music lovers and patrons of the arts to ensure that no deserving member goes without aid in times of crisis. Your tax-deductible contribution will ensure that the music will play on! To apply for help or to donate, start at https://erf.local802afm.org

Bettina Covo has returned as the fundraiser for the Emergency Relief Fund; contact her at Bcovo@Local802afm.org