The Philadelphia Community Bail Fund started off in May of 2017 as the National Mama’s Bail Out Day when a group of grassroots organizers came together to give imprisoned mothers an opportunity to spend Mother’s day at home with their families. After they connected with and learned from those they were able to bail out, the need to continue freeing people serving pre-trial sentences was recognized. In November of 2017, the PCBF formally became a bail fund.
The goal of the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund is to end cash bail in Philadelphia. Until that is done, they will post bail for residents who cannot afford to pay.
Between their start in May 2017 and April 2019, the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund has bailed out 110 people who were too poor to do so. They have posted bails as low as $50 and as high as $32,000. Around 50% of the people bailed out are women and over 90% are Black and Brown People.
Because the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund is assisting in the effort to keep people out of jails simply because they can’t buy their freedom, they also take referrals to people you might know who need help.
If you have a loved one or there is someone you know who is being held on a bail that they cannot afford and are within the Philadelphia County, you can contact the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund at phillybailout@gmail.com or call 267-225-6047. You will have to give as much information as you can about the person, including their full name, birthdate, and PP number. You would also need to include your email address and phone number so that they can reach out to you if they need any more information.
Additionally, if you do not have anyone to refer to the agency, you can also make donations to help the cause. To donate, visit https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/PhiladelphiaCommunityBailfund/general
