Hi all,

I am organizing this fundraiser for my friend James, who is currently incarcerated at New Haven Correctional and needs financial support for his release. Some friends and I have been working with him to secure money for housing, transportation, and other necessities. With this support, James will be able to more easily look for job opportunities in the area and pursue the aspirations he has for his community.

James had been making arrangements to stay with his grandmother in Dixwell, when in October of 2020 she sadly passed away. While dealing with this tragic loss, James was incarcerated in November on a technical parole violation for four months at New Haven Correctional, awaiting a trial with no option for bail. Two months into his sentence, due to the unsafe and negligent conditions at New Haven Correctional, James contracted COVID-19. Held in a room with dozens of other people sick with COVID-19, he dealt with limited access to medicine, unsanitary living conditions, and few opportunities to contact his counselor. Even while sick, James fought for the wellbeing of both himself and other inmates.

After only being free for two months, James was re-incarcerated at New Haven Correctional is again fighting for his freedom in an unjust bail and criminal justice system. He has yet to have a trial for this technical parole violation, but thankfully has organized legal support for himself on the inside.

This past year, James and I have become good friends, and there are few people who have supported me as consistently as he has. Before he was incarcerated, I would speak with him daily, and since his being detained I have spoken to him over the phone three to four times each week. Please join me in supporting James as he fights for his freedom. All funds will go directly to James’ commissary and post-release fund.