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CAMPAIGN ENDING--please read description

Hey again folks, I'm back with another update--good and bad news, but please read to the end!


I'm going to start with the bad news here. Originally when this campaign started, I planned about a two year run to get us the funding we needed for our project. In an ideal world we would have had the backing of another nonprofit, or at least been in process to file for nonprofit status by this point. Failing that, I would just see if donations could get us to the amount we needed to make that happen. These plans were all being made in November, in a world where I once thought covid would come and go, and life would be normal again. Clearly, that did not happen. I've been fully unable to get into contact with lawyers, despite the begging and pleading. I assume they're swamped as everyone else is at the moment. I've run into similar situations with speaking to similar nonprofits. I'm told I'm doing great work, but they can't help me. And that's understandable. Everyone is up to their neck in trouble right now, I know I am. I'm a freelance artist trying to keep a roof over my head. And I know that the money we raised needs to go somewhere, quickly.  


The fact of the matter is, this beautiful dream of safe housing for Two Spirit people in need throughout the midwest simply cannot become a reality right now. Our hearts were in the right place, but this is a project that will have to be revisited in the future. To put this quite simply, we are not going to reach that goal, short of a miracle. But for Two Spirit and transgender Indigenous people in the midwest, we have the ability to offer a different miracle. None of the funds from this campaign have been used yet. I would like to offer that anyone who would like their donations be refunded can feel free to contact me for it, no questions asked. All remaining funds will be put toward direct aid in the hands of Indigenous Two Spirit people who need it, with emphasis placed on those located in the midwest.


Now for the actual good news! An individual who I respect the work of so much, Tuck Woodstock, has been running transgender oriented mutual aid programs for some time now. Their work has been crucial during the pandemic, when more transgender folks than ever are finding themselves in need. I originally came into contact with Tuck through their podcast, Gender Reveal, and have considered myself a huge fan ever since. Frustrating as it may be to put this campaign to bed, I’m elated to announce that the funds from this campaign will be directly going to help Two Spirit and Indigenous transgender folks who already reached out to Tuck’s campaign. We’re still working out the kinks, but the remaining funds after any refunds are given out will be given to Two Spirit and transgender Indigenous folks in the form of rolling grants, until the funds have been used up. 


I want to thank you all who have stuck with me from the bottom of my heart. We pushed, we tried our best, but I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest that we help people who need it now, rather than keep grinding away without the funds to make this a success. We couldn’t have gotten as far as we did if it was just me crying alone on the internet! So chi miigwetch. I know we’ll be able to revisit this beautiful dream again someday.


Until next time,

Elijah Forbes
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 3 yrs
  • Sara Trenner
    • $5 
    • 3 yrs
  • Elizabeth Perez
    • $15 
    • 3 yrs
  • Sally Cobb
    • $20 
    • 3 yrs
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Organiser

Elijah Forbes
Organiser
Lansing, MI

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