Families in the Lucy Laney School community in North Minneapolis (like many others) are facing an incredibly difficult time. The recent uptick of ICE agents and immigration raids in our city has created fear and uncertainty for many, especially for those with loved ones who have been detained. Some households have lost their sole breadwinners, leaving them struggling to cover basic needs and keep their families together.

Many families are now at risk of losing their homes or going without essentials like food, diapers, and other necessities for their children and babies. The stress and anxiety are overwhelming, but together, we can help provide some relief and hope.

All funds raised will go directly to families in need, helping them pay rent and utilities, and providing grocery donations and necessities for children. Your support, no matter the amount, will make a real difference. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help our neighbors through this challenging time. Thank you for standing with the Lucy Laney School community.

Per gofundme requirements, here is additional info:

1. Relationship to people we are raising money for: I live in North Minneapolis. I a former public school teacher and neighbor collaborating with my community to provide aid to fellow Northsiders. The beneficiaries of this fundraiser are fellow students and families of students who attend Lucy Laney Elementary. They are our immigrant neighbors and community members, specifically those targeted by ICE. Given the nature of the situation, the beneficiaries necessarily remain anonymous.

2. The funds initially go into an account in my name. From there, we distribute to families.

3. Requests are received by school social workers and family liaisons. They receive requests from families who are in crisis and requesting specific amounts to help with rent, utilities, groceries, and other urgent needs. Those needs are vetted by a team, including social workers and family liaisons. I withdraw those amounts from the account holding the gofundme funds (this fundraiser). For a few families, it is a direct electronic transfer (zelle) from my account to a family's account. For most families, I provide the withdrawals in cash or check to other individuals that are also connected within immigrant communities who deliver directly to the families. We strive to protect people's privacy to allow them to stay safe in their homes. Please note, the beneficiaries are anonymous. As a donor, please know that and be okay with it when considering whether to donate.

4. Families request a specific dollar amount for specific needs, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and other basic needs. We fully fund those requests where we can, and families spend the funds accordingly. Money is divided among families based on their specific request/need.

5. We expect all donations will be used to fund requests from families, with remaining amounts to partially fund any outstanding requests. On the off-chance there are funds left over, they will be donated to a northside community organization of the school’s choosing.

Contributions are not tax-deductible for the donors, because this campaign is not a registered 501(c)(3) charity