To request financial assistance from the AFSCME Local 328 Hardship Fund, use the link below to fill out and submit the required form. We’re currently working on updating our informational flyer.
Hardship Fund Request Form
If you have income to cover your basic needs, such as from unemployment, disability insurance or sufficient vacation/sick accruals, you do not qualify for assistance.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please call the AFSCME Smart Center at (844) 758-6466.
Employees are eligible for up to $750 in hardship fund assistance per rolling 12-month period. Exceptions to these limits can be made on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Local 328 executive committee or executive board at the monthly board meeting (3rd Wednesday of the month). Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA) and AFSCME Member Service Center (MSC) cannot grant exceptions to the criteria below. This fund cannot be used to supplement or replace income lost by a member because of discipline.
Please note: Members receiving childcare funds must be utilizing a childcare provider that is licensed by their state and may be subject to tax reporting per IRS regulations (1099s may be issued if exceeding the annual threshold set by the IRS). Alternatively, members are strongly encouraged to utilize their own available funds if using unlicensed childcare and accept hardship funds to pay for housing and/or food.
Please refer to MOU #8 in our AFSCME 2026 - 2028 contract and our Hardship Fund Eligibility Policy for additional information about the hardship fund.
Please take advantage of these additional resources:
Emergency Resources in the Portland/SW Washington Area:
Rent & Utility Assistance
211info – Call 211 or visit www.211info.org
(Comprehensive resource for housing, utilities, food, and more)
Impact NW – www.impactnw.org | (503) 721-1740
Neighborhood House – www.nhpdx.org | (503) 246-1663
Emergency Shelter & Housing
Transition Projects – www.tprojects.org | (503) 280-4700
Council for the Homeless (Clark County) – www.councilforthehomeless.org | (360) 695-9677
Food Assistance
Oregon Food Bank – www.oregonfoodbank.org
Clark County Food Bank – www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org
Transportation Assistance
Ride Connection – www.rideconnection.org | (503) 226-0700
(Free transportation for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals)
Also please check out your other Benefits & Programs at AFSCME Intl :FYI: This Medical Bill Negotiating Service can potentially help to lower any amount you may owe. https://www.afscme.org/member-resources/afscme-advantage
You may need these to access:
AFSCME ID # xxxxxxxxx
Local # 328
Council # 75