Books for Migrants is now the Migrant Support Collective! Join us in celebrating at our launch party in Chicago on Sept. 29!

the collective impact

Updated August 8, 2024

Illustration of the U.S. showing the detention centers where migrants have participated in MSC, as of August 2024

Funding

While the vast majority of MSC’s library materials funding has gone to books, the requests we have received from detained migrants have also included journals, writing utensils, stickers, and cards. Additionally, about 40% of requesters place multiple requests.

148

requests filled

195

items purchased

$3K+

funds distributed

Recipients

Although only .1% of detained migrants are LGBT (based on data from The Florence Project), they account for 17% of MSC's total requests, highlighting the significant need for social services and connection for detained LGBT migrants.

93

detained migrants served

22

detention centers reached

17%

identify as LGBTQIA+

“We have clients who have been [detained] for a long time and I think being able to go back to their interests and their favorite authors, reading about a specific topic, all that adds more power to them and gives them a sense of hope.”

MSC Funding Participant

Beyond Detention: Scaling Our Impact & Vision

Expand Programs & Services

We plan to provide programs and services beyond library materials, including art programs, mental health support, and funding for phone calls and commissary purchases.

Grow the Collective

We plan to hire full-time staff so that MSC can have an even bigger impact in the future.

Incorporate as an Independent Nonprofit

We are in the process of incorporating to be an independent nonprofit organization.

Illustration of two women holding books

Support Our Work

As a completely volunteer-run mutual aid fund, we depend on your donations to keep us going. We invite you to be part of creating a world where migrants live free from the injustices of detention.