Everyday hundreds of neighbors are trapped in local county jails in Benton and Washington County because they are too poor to buy their freedom. This is an injustice we cannot ignore.

The Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition (AJRC) is happy to announce the NWA Hummingbird Project. Through this community bail fund, NWA Hummingbird Project works in conjunction with the community to post bond, currently no greater than $5,000, and to then connect the individual to community supports like your organization.

Our mission is to end the unjust criminalization of poverty and the practice of pretrial detention in Arkansas. Pretrial detention and cash bail punish poor people, especially people from oppressed groups such as Black, brown, native, and LGBTQ people.

Why the ‘Hummingbird Project’? Hummingbirds represent freedom and resilience. While we often feel overwhelmed and powerless, in this powerful parable the hummingbird says we are going to do something about this no matter how small we may appear. Indeed, we are small, but our community is mighty.

Those that are free to fight their case outside of jail have better case outcomes and their lives are able to continue with their jobs, back with their families, and strengthen their lives. Our neighbors are resilient and we know that the resilience increases as we support each other as a community.

Will you donate to support the immediate freedom of neighbors trapped in Benton and Washington County jails?

This is a revolving fund, meaning that once individuals complete their court, any donations will revolve back into the fund so that another person may be free.