#Maine groups launch #EmergencyFund to support #immigrants and #TransPeople
Maine Public | By Ari Snider
Published July 16, 2025
"Several Maine organizations are launching a rapid response fund to support immigrants and trans people in the state who they say are facing increased threats under the #Trump Administration.
"The #MaineSolidarityFund will help cover the cost of legal representation and bond payments for immigrants in #ICEDetention, and provide support to their families.
"#MarpheenChann, executive director of the Cambodian community group #KhmerMaine, believes this approach will be more effective than individual fundraisers for each case.
" 'Our communities can come together to raise money and pool resources, and collectively make sure that our community members are taken care of as they're navigating these very difficult times,' Chann said.
"#KrisPitts, co-executive director of #MaineTransNet, said the fund will help cover #LegalFees in harassment cases, and #GenderAffirmingCare not covered by insurance. Pitts said there's a growing need for support as the Trump administration pursues a number of policies targeting transgender Americans.
" 'For our trans and #nonbinary community members, particularly, the sense of urgency, I think, is there in a way that it wasn't before,' Pitts said.
"Other groups involved in the effort include #PresenteMaine, #GatewayCommunityServicesMaine, and the #CommunityOrganizingAlliance.
"The goal is to raise $1 million over the next year and a half."
#Maine #MaineResists #TransLivesMatter #NoHumanIsIllegal #ProtectImmigrants