DSM Mutual Aid

BAIL FUND - Primarily provides bail for protesters arrested in Central Iowa. Also provides support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons or arrestees in Central Iowa through mutual aid in the form of bail, commissary funds, legal fees, court fees, probation fees, fines and other costs associated with arrest, incarceration and court appearances. Persons Benefited (Unduplicated Count) = 10

CAMP AID FUND - Delivers material assistance - primarily heaters, new propane tanks and refills, tents, batteries, food and water - but other household and personal items as well - directly to unhoused individuals' encampment sites throughout Des Moines, IA. Volunteers served ~70 folks each week. Persons Benefited (Unduplicated Count) = 127

RENT RELIEF FUND - Provides rent and utility assistance for individuals and families in Des Moines, IA. While open for all to apply, priority is given to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, Transgender, Non-binary, Women and Persons of Color. All applicants who apply for Rent Relief Assistance also receive brief, personalized counseling and a comprehensive list of available housing resources in Polk County, IA. This program was established at the request of Des Moines Black Liberation Movement Collective (DSM BLM Collective, EIN 85-2720434) and is promoted as the "DSM BLM Rent Relief Fund". DSM Mutual Aid handles all financial aspects of the program while an independent committee formed by DSM BLM Collective makes all applicant approval decisions. The Rent Relief Fund closed December 31, 2022, for the time being. Limited capacity of volunteer time to manage the fund and diminished incoming contributions for the mutual aid disbursements were the two main reasons for the closure. Persons Benefited (Unduplicated Count) = 166

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP - In June 2021, DSM Mutual Aid began a fiscal sponsor relationship for Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund (ITMAF). The goal of this fund is to provide financial assistance to Trans and Nonbinary individuals in the state of Iowa as they access gender-affirming care, which beginning in 2023, includes travel costs to access this care. No fees are charged ITMAF for this service by DSM Mutual Aid and all income and expenses are included in DSM Mutual Aid's financial activity. Contributions of $17,678 were received during the year. Persons Benefited (Unduplicated Count) = 77