Emergency Relief Fund for LGBTQ+ Immigrants & Asylum Seekers

Support LGBTQ+ Immigrants: Compassion in Action

At the heart of all we do is a profound compassion for our community members who face daily threats to their safety and well-being. The Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) stands as a beacon of hope for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers in New York City. In the midst of unprecedented challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing essential support and resources.

Why Your Support Matters
We are living in a time where fear and uncertainty are constant companions for many in our community. The rise in anti-immigrant sentiments, coupled with transphobic policies and the threat of deportation, has created an environment where our community members feel unsafe and unsupported. These are individuals who have fled violence, discrimination, and persecution, seeking a better life only to encounter new forms of hostility.

The Impact of Your Generosity
Your contributions have already made a tangible difference. Thanks to the unwavering support from individuals like you, we have distributed over $115,000 in mutual aid to over 490 LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers. This financial assistance has been crucial in addressing urgent needs such as immigration services, access to healthcare, food security, and housing stability.

How We Can Continue Helping
Expand Our Emergency Relief Fund: Our goal is to raise $20,000 to continue and expand our efforts. This funding will allow us to reach more individuals in desperate need of support.

Provide Essential Services: We offer guidance, emotional support, and material aid to those navigating the complexities of outdated immigration laws and systemic discrimination.

Build a Resilient Community: By fostering a network of care and safety, we aim to protect the dignity and rights of our most vulnerable members, empowering them to live without fear and with the resources they need.

Mutual Aid Saves Lives
Your compassion and generosity are the driving forces behind our mission. By donating, you are not only helping to alleviate immediate needs but also contributing to the long-term resilience of our community. Every dollar donated goes directly towards making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

Ways You Can Help
Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, adds up to create significant change.
Monthly Donor: Become a monthly sustainable donor to amplify a lasting impact.
Share: Spread the word within your networks to amplify our call for support.
Advocate: Stand with us in advocating for policy changes that protect and uplift LGBTQ+ immigrants.

Together, we can ensure that Black and Brown LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers in NYC receive the support they need to thrive. Your involvement is not just a donation; it's a declaration of solidarity and a message of hope. Let's show that compassion can conquer fear and that, united, we can build a future where everyone is valued and protected.

Our Emergency Relief Fund for LGBTQ+ people will benefit:

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ newly arrived asylum seekers in NYC

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ undocumented immigrants in NYC

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ HIV impacted people in NYC

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ immigrant families in NYC

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ unemployed sex workers in NYC

  • Caribbean LGBTQ+ hourly essential workers in NYC

What will we fund?

  • Hot Meals: Community members in immediate need of a hot meal can contact CEP to place a pick-up food order at a local establishment of their choice

  • Healthcare Co-Pays: To support immunocompromised community members to fill prescriptions, including HIV-impacted people

  • Visa Debit Cards: CEP will issue prepaid Visa cards to help cover grocery, personal care needs, and toiletry costs

  • Direct Cash Transfers: Emergency cases that involve the threat of eviction or similar critical issues may be given cash directly

  • Cash transfers: To help address quality of life issues that result from loss of income, such as the payment of various essential utilities and bills (electricity, heating, phone, etc.)

  • Metrocards: Transportation support for low-income LGBTQ+ immigrants working reduced hours

A dedicated team leads CEP’s advocacy and organizing. The team focuses on community building and education, facilitation of pro bono legal representation for Caribbean LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, culturally competent mental health resources, visibility at city-wide pride parades and cultural festivals, and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Caribbean diasporic community through storytelling and resource sharing.

The Caribbean Equality Project is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, registered non-profit organization. To the extent permitted by law, all contributions are fully tax-deductible.

To learn more about the Caribbean Equality Project & for regular updates on our work, connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at @CaribbeanEqualityProject and on Twitter @CaribEquality.