Project Relief Maine announced in a Sept. 6 Instagram post that it would be forced to cease operations if its fundraising goals are not met. The organization has been a vital resource for marginalized communities across the state since 2019, and has called on allies and supporters to step up as it faces a critical financial shortfall.
The group launched a “Community Support for Project Relief” fundraiser, which aims to raise the funds necessary to keep Project Relief Maine running and continuing its fight for racial justice and mutual aid.
As a Black-led organization, Project Relief Maine is at the forefront of addressing inequities faced by Black and underserved populations in the state. Since its founding, the group has provided crucial assistance by supporting families without housing, combatting white supremacist threats and advocating for victims of police brutality. Most recently, the organization sheltered 25 individuals and families –many with young children– who were left to sleep outside in Portland due to a lack of space in local shelters.
The urgency of the situation is clear. With winter approaching and demand for their services growing, Project Relief Maine is at risk of ceasing operations just when the community needs them most. The organization shared via its social media channels that they are seeking $10,000 in donations, which will allow them to keep employees on staff as they fight social injustice. The message is simple: without adequate funding, Project Relief Maine will no longer be able to offer its services to the Maine community.
The organization emphasizes that recurring monthly donations are crucial for its continued operation and survival. They assert there is a nationwide trend of Black led organizations receiving less donations than they need to survive, and Project Relief Maine is relying on grassroots support to sustain its work.
“The harsh reality is that Black-led organizations like ours aren’t receiving the support we need. Since the media has turned away from the Black Lives Matter movement, the vital work happening on the ground is being overlooked, underfunded, and ignored,” the organization stated in its fundraiser description.
Project Relief Maine’s work spans a broad range of services, including financial aid, emergency housing support, food distribution and mental health resources. Their focus extends beyond immediate relief to long-term advocacy, with efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism and fostering equity for future generations. Yet, without sufficient funding, these initiatives are at risk of disappearing, leaving some of the state’s most vulnerable populations without a safety net.
Project Relief Maine is calling on the community to act, and as of Oct. 6 only has $700 left to raise. Without financial support, Project Relief Maine won’t be able to continue its vital work. For allies and those invested in dismantling racial injustice at UMaine, this is the moment to show up so the organization can keep showing up for Maine’s most marginalized communities.