George Nee Labor Solidarity Fund

George Nee

Named in recognition of George Nee’s decades of leadership and advocacy for working people in Rhode Island, the fund reflects the labor movement’s ongoing commitment to solidarity, dignity, and supporting workers when they need it most.

Through this partnership, eligible union members experiencing a temporary financial crisis may receive emergency financial assistance to help stabilize their households and navigate difficult circumstances.

The George Nee Labor Solidarity Fund provides one-time emergency financial assistance to eligible union members in Rhode Island experiencing a temporary hardship due to a qualifying life event. Assistance is intended to support members facing unexpected financial instability caused by circumstances beyond their control.

Eligible applicants may receive a one-time grant of up to $1,250 per calendar year, paid directly to an approved vendor such as a landlord, utility provider, or other eligible service provider, subject to eligibility requirements and available funding.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

  • · Are an active union member in good standing of a participating local union
  • · Have been a union member for at least 6 months
  • · Live or work in Rhode Island
  • · Have a household income at or below 80% of Rhode Island median income
  • · Are experiencing a temporary financial hardship tied to a qualifying event
  • Qualifying hardships may include:
  • · Loss or reduction of wages
  • · Layoff or reduced work hours
  • · Serious illness or injury
  • · Death of an immediate family member
  • · Disaster, housing loss, or major home damage
  • · Caregiving crisis
  • · Other qualifying emergency situations

Please speak with your union steward or representative to confirm participation eligibility and begin the application process.

How to Apply

Applicants must first meet with their union steward or representative. Your union representative will help review eligibility, complete the application packet, and ensure all required documents are included before submission.

Once your packet is complete, call 2-1-1 and press 9 to:

  • · Create or confirm your profile
  • · Schedule your application appointment
  • · Confirm all required documentation has been completed

Please note that application and verification appointments are conducted in person.

Applications are generally reviewed within 72 hours after submission of a complete application packet. Approved payments may take up to 10 days to be issued directly to the vendor.

Required Documents

Applicants should review and complete all required materials before scheduling an appointment.

For detailed eligibility requirements, required documentation, payment information, and additional program guidance, please review the Frequently Asked Questions document.

· View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Coming Soon)

· Ver Preguntas Frecuentes (Español)

Confidentiality & Support

All personal and financial information submitted through the application process is handled confidentially and used only for program administration and reporting purposes.

For assistance with the application process, applicants should first contact their union steward or representative.

To check the status of an application or ask additional questions, email:

infoempowermentcenter@unitedwayri.org