Money being raised to help struggling nightlife industry workers

PITTSBURGH — Help is on the way for people who work in the nightlife industry.

In conjunction with the 1-year anniversary of COVID-19 shutdowns, an online fundraiser has been launched to raise funds for hospitality, entertainment, service and related workers in Allegheny County.

“Night Life Line,” a crisis relief group, is hoping to raise $250,000 for people who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the industry. That includes entertainers, servers, bartenders, stagehands, event promoters, security workers and cooks.

“It’s been pretty dire for workers in our industry. A lot of folks, even if they are back to work, they’re not making the same amount of money,” Taylor Stessney, co-founder of Pittsburgh Restaurant Workers Aid and a planning committee member for Night Life Line, said. “For some, it’s kind of picking which bill do they prioritize over another? Is it not paying rent or paying their phone bill in order to get by?”

As the money is raised, people who are unemployed or underemployed will be able to apply for grants of up to $500 to help make ends meet.

“Right now, our short-term goal is to raise $50,000, that way we can start our first round of applications. Hoping by March 31 to open the applications for aid,” Stessney said.

If you would like to donate or apply for help, CLICK HERE.

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