We have raised just over $11,000 so far! These funds have been able to free 12 community members; reuniting partners and spouses, brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandparents, and grandchildren. Organizers with the bond fund have spent countless hours in the past weeks building relationships with those incarcerated inside the jail and family members of individuals awaiting release. While this shared time has created the opportunity for deeper connections, it has also revealed disturbing insights into conditions inside the jail, such as rampant medical neglect, officer abuse, and suicide, proving just how crucial it is to get people out amidst the current public health crisis.

To determine who can be released, our process involves identifying people in the jail who either already have support networks in place or creating ways to facilitate the construction of new ones. This work requires establishing connections to families and friends, public defenders, and more to ensure that there will be continued health and well-being following their release. Additionally, it’s important that everyone we bond out has consented to their own release.

Due to the flaws of Alachua County’s court system, the majority of those awaiting release are being kept on bonds of $10,000 or more. The 12 releases we’ve accomplished thus far have used up half of the monies initially raised for the fund. With some of the money on reserve to assist those we’ve released in obtaining necessary supplies and groceries, we now have less than $3,000 remaining to continue this vital work. With no end in sight for the current COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue our efforts to step in where our elected officials have failed to act. We will remain working tirelessly to defend our community until our elected officials, State Attorney Bill Cervone and Sadie Darnell, decide to make good on their oath to serve and protect.

We are all very thankful for your monetary support. Please consider making another contribution and sharing the donation link widely within your networks so that the work can continue.