The L/A Rapid Response Fund is strategically designed to keep those impacted by ICE operations in their home and in their community. This looks like eviction prevention, backing efforts to coordinate eviction moratoriums, and providing direct support to those facing housing insecurity.

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The L/A Rapid Response network includes partners like Generational Noor, Gather to Grow, Community Organizing Alliance, Southern Maine Worker's Center, and many more. Decisions about this fund are made collectively by organizers from the L/A area to directly support members of their community. Though this fund is specific to housing needs, the payment of legal fees and bonds for detained community members is supported by other partner organizations like the Maine Solidarity Fund.

 

Transparency on Decision-Making Process

We're working on building the capacity to support as many people as possible while prioritizing those with the most emergent needs. We are receiving information about families in need through partnership with on-the-ground organizers and faith leaders.

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Priority is assessed on a scale, with families facing immediate eviction, two or more months behind on rent, directly impacted by detainment, or with children, disabilities, or other medical hardship ranked highest. Beyond using our funding to directly pay bills, we will invest in other mutual aid projects to help build a strong web of support infrastructure to serve our community in the long term.

 

But Hasn't the Surge Ended?

Immigrant communities have been targeted by law enforcement before this moment and will continue to be as things return to "normal operations".

As noted in the letter to Gov Mills encouraging her support of an eviction moratorium in Portland, "Many Maine households are stuck between two awful choices: showing up to work and risking abduction or not showing up and risking their livelihood, their ability to keep food on their tables, and a roof over their heads."

Regardless of announcements suggesting the ICE surge has ended, collateral damage has been done, and we must remain responsive to the needs of our neighbors. To build a more stable community and collectively ready ourselves for future threats, there is a wealth of work to be done beyond traditional rapid response.

As these communities have lived with disadvantage in work, housing, and food access before the surge, the compounding impacts of this moment may be felt for generations.