Mutual Aid for Ana & Rich

On behalf of The Medicine Objective, I'm fundraising for dear friends, healing collaborators, and community activists, Ana & Rich and their family. Ana & Rich welcomed us with open arms when we came to Denver, CO for Psychedelic Science 2023 in need of community support to actualize our vision for the BIPOC Chill & Liberation Zone and Theatre of the Oppressed performance. They show up for community with all that they have (no matter how much they have), serving as a leading example of how rich and powerful acts of love for your community can be.

Below is the story of their struggle and need at this time:

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We had an unexpected issue with our lease and were not able to be renew it. I was unable to secure a new apartment in time for our rapid lease termination due to barriers to proving income. So, I applied for an income based apt because I’m doing some part time work for the STAR Network. The STAR program is an alternative to policing program that I helped create in Denver. The application takes 3-4 weeks, but mine is taking longer because they can’t verify that I don't receive child support for my pregnant 16 year old daughter. I was able to get an employee rate for a hotel through a family member but it has depleted all of my savings. Our family has been in a hotel for 42 days+ waiting on this.

Meanwhile, I'm helping with the humanitarian crisis in Denver.

30,000 Venezuelan people have arrived in Denver so far this year (I am from Venezuela). Busses from Texas arrive every day with people in shorts and crocs or flip flops. They’ve never experienced winter. There are so many children. I’ve been tirelessly translating, advising and advocating ( groups, orgs, churches, DHS, mayors office, etc) helping move people through TPS and EAD ( temporary protected status and employment authorization), created and translated a hosting agreement for community use, helped connect most vulnerable families to hosts, street outreach to encampments, delivery of emergency supplies.

Here’s an article: https://coloradosun.com/2023/12/07/migrant-encampments/

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We extend deep gratitude for your trust in our work and in our relationships, as you consider making a financial contribution in mutual aid for Ana & Rich. All proceeds will go to moving costs.