Help Restore Dignity, Connection, and Hope for People in Detention

Every day, hundreds of people are held inside immigration detention facilities while separated from their families, communities, and support systems. Many face barriers to accessing necessities, legal resources, emotional support, and meaningful communication with the outside world.

We are launching a community-wide fundraising campaign to address some of the most urgent needs identified directly by detainees and their families. Our goal is to build systems of support that restore dignity, reduce isolation, and ensure that no one is forgotten.

Every contribution makes a difference.

Your donation will help us:

  • Launch a detainee and family hotline.
  • Purchase requested recreational and educational materials.
  • Assemble care bags for new arrivals.
  • Support families visiting loved ones.
  • Expand access to legal and community resources.

Together, we can ensure that people experiencing detention are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Donate today. Share this campaign. Stand with detainees and their families.

Because every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.

Initiative 1: Baking for a Cause

Support never tasted so good! The Carceral Accountability Council is bringing a sweet touch to our mission with freshly baked, authentic treats made just for you. This is a fun, delicious way to fuel meaningful change and support our community work. Treat yourself to something special today—every bite makes a difference!

Order here

Initiative 2: Detainee and Family Hotline

Goal: $2,000/Annually

We are working to establish a dedicated hotline for detainees and their loved ones to report concerns, request assistance, and share information about conditions inside the facility.

The hotline will help us:

  • Document urgent needs and concerns.
  • Connect detainees with resources and support.
  • Monitor conditions and identify emerging issues.
  • Strengthen communication between detainees, families, advocates, and community partners.

Reliable communication can be the difference between isolation and support. Your donation will help make this vital resource possible.

Initiative 3: Recreation and Comfort Items Requested by Detainees

Detainees have specifically requested activities and comfort items that provide mental stimulation, reduce stress, and help them maintain a sense of humanity during detention.

Requested items include:

  • Scrabble and Spanish Scrabble
  • Chess sets
  • Wooden domino sets
  • Playing cards, Uno, and Phase 10
  • Sudoku books
  • Adult coloring books and colored pencils
  • PS5 games (rated E or appropriate for all ages)
  • PS5 controllers
  • Books in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian
  • Bibles and faith-based materials in multiple languages
  • Religious items such as rosaries, prayer cards, and prayer mats
  • Knitting and crocheting supplies
  • Stamps
  • Envelopes
Donate here

Initiative 4: Welcome Care Bags for New Arrivals

Many people enter detention with little or nothing. We are assembling care bags that provide comfort, practical necessities, and information about available resources.

Each care bag may include:

  • Candy bar ($1.12)
  • Honey bun ($0.60)
  • Mini donuts ($0.35)
  • Chips ($0.37)
  • Sleep mask ($0.25)
  • Earplugs ($0.09)
  • Loofah ($0.60)
  • Mini lotion ($0.44)
  • Instant coffee ($0.33)
  • Ramen ($0.45)
  • Tuna ($1.00)
  • Resource pamphlet with legal and community contacts ($1.00)
  • Bag ($0.40)

Total: $7.00

A complete bag costs only a few dollars but can provide immediate relief during an incredibly stressful and uncertain time.

A donation of:

    • $7 helps provide a care bag for someone entering detention.
    • $50 helps provide care bags for 7 individuals.
    • $100 helps sustain ongoing distributions and resource materials.

 

Donate here

Initiative 5: Visitor and Family Support

Families often travel long distances to visit loved ones in detention. Many arrive without information about available community resources and support services.

We are developing a visitor support table outside the facility during peak visiting hours to provide:

  • Legal aid information
  • Food assistance resources
  • Clothing resources
  • Housing and community support referrals
  • Community resource guides
  • Light snacks and refreshments for visiting families.

By supporting families, we strengthen the connections that help people endure detention and prepare for life beyond it.

Donate