Help Available for Colorado members impacted by devastating wildfires

Colorado is facing a devastating wildfire emergency as dangerous conditions continue across the state. Multiple fast-moving fires have forced evacuations, destroyed homes and properties, and left countless families facing uncertainty. With hot temperatures, low humidity, and Red Flag Warnings continuing across much of Colorado, firefighters and first responders remain engaged in an around-the-clock effort to protect lives and communities.

Unfortunately, this disaster has hit close to home for our union family.

SMART-TD has members living and working in the affected areas, including BNSF members from Local 945 (La Junta, Colo.), Union Pacific members as well as our brothers and sisters from the Colorado & Wyoming Railroad out of Local 204 (Pueblo, Colo.). As these communities continue to battle the fires and begin the difficult road to recovery, we want every affected member to know one thing:

You are not alone.

“Our hearts are with every member and family affected by these devastating wildfires,” said SMART-TD Colorado State Safety and Legislative Director Carl Smith. “We want to be there to help our members during this terrible time. Please reach out and let us know where you are, what your situation is, and what SMART-TD can do to help you and your family. That’s what our union family is here for.”

Assistance is available through the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund

The SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund exists for moments exactly like this.

If you have suffered damage to your home, have been displaced by evacuations, or your living situation has been affected by the Colorado wildfires, we encourage you to reach out immediately. Our union is committed to helping members and their families through difficult times, and assistance is available for eligible members through the Disaster Relief Fund.

Members seeking assistance should contact the chairperson of his or her General Committee, who will provide the Disaster Relief Fund application and help guide you through the process. If you are unsure who your General Chairperson is, you can find their contact information in the SMART App by selecting your local’s meeting information. Members may also contact their local officers for assistance in reaching the appropriate General Chairperson. Additional information about disaster assistance is available through SMART-TD’s Disaster Relief program.

If you have questions about the Disaster Relief Fund or need help connecting with the appropriate representative, please contact the SMART-TD office at (216) 228-9400.

Help us support our Colorado brothers and sisters

Throughout our history, SMART-TD members have always answered the call when fellow union members face hardship. Whether responding to hurricanes, floods, winter storms, or wildfires, our strength has always been found in our solidarity.

Today, our brothers and sisters in Colorado need that same support.

We are asking members who are able to consider making a donation to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund. Every contribution, large or small, helps ensure that we can provide meaningful financial assistance to members and their families as they recover from this disaster.

To help us get assistance directly to members as quickly as possible, please do not designate your donation for the Colorado wildfires or any specific disaster. Simply make your contribution payable to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund. Undesignated donations give the union the flexibility to respond immediately, without unnecessary administrative or governmental restrictions that can delay assistance getting to our members. Rest assured that we understand the intent behind these donations and will ensure they are used to help TD members affected by this disaster while preserving our ability to respond quickly whenever and wherever members need us most.

Donations to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund can be mailed to:

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

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

The wildfires may test our members, but they will never face these challenges alone. When one member of our union family is hurting, all of us have an opportunity to stand together.

To every member in Colorado affected by these fires: your SMART-TD family is thinking of you, standing beside you, and ready to help however we can.