LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild Foundation has established a support fund to assist people in financial distress as a direct result of the Hollywood writers strike.
The Writers Guild of America went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Nov. 5.
Since then, most scripted TV series have been shut down.
The Writers Guild Foundation said its new fund is intended exclusively for non-WGA members directly affected by the strike and WGA members in financial need should seek assistance through existing Writers Guild support services.
The fund was created to provide emergency assistance for food, housing, medical needs, and other expenses, but will not provide cash assistance.
Where appropriate, however, the foundation may pay one or more bills on behalf of the applicant, as recommended by the staff of the Actors Fund, which is assisting in the distribution.
To be eligible for assistance, a worker must have been employed in the industry for two of the past five years.
The Writers Guild Foundation said it is seeking contributions for this new fund.
