Many are looking for ways to support the community as news of immigration enforcement actions spreads. Here are some general resources and ways to help:
General resources
- Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) has a resource hub and hotline
- ACLU of Maine and ILAP have partnered up to compile resources so you can prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement activity in Maine
Places to volunteer:
- Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition operates a hotline and offers training for volunteers in this and other programs
- The Portland Public Schools have various volunteer opportunities to support students
- Parents of students can also check with their Parent-Teacher Organization for ways to help
Where to donate:
- The Foundation for Portland Schools has a Families in Crisis Fund that supports families of PPS students with rent, utilities, and other basic needs in times of crisis and a PPS Food Fund that is currently purchasing and distributing discounted grocery store gift cards to families
- The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is Maine’s only statewide legal immigration services
- Presente Maine works in community to provide food and material support directly to displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines in Maine
- Maine Solidarity Fund supports bail funds, legal fees, and more for our immigrant and Trans neighbors.
- Project Relief directly supports specific community members that have been detained by ICE
- Community Relief Fund supports bail funds, legal fees, and more
- Mainers for Humane Immigration’s Freedom Fund supports bond funds
- Project Home (formerly Quality Housing Coalition) has created an Emergency Housing Fund to support households unable to cover housing costs due to loss of income
- The Locker Project welcomes food drives and maintains a list of high priority items on its site
