Neighbors Organizing Against Racism has announced a new program to help those who find themselves in the Berrien County Jail and can’t afford bail.
Director Trenton Bowens tells us the Berrien County Bail Fund will pay the bail of individuals who are charged with non-violent, minor misdemeanors. It’ll also connect them to resources for broader help.
“Should a person be in jail when they are battling substance abuse, or should they be treated and connected with resources like Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health or be provided wraparound support services, making sure they’re getting to court and getting the total wellness of their bodies?”
Bowens says the Berrien County Bail Fund is being supported by an Upton Big Idea Grant and a grant from the AEP Foundation.
If someone lands in jail for a minor offense and can’t get out, family will be able to contact the fund.
“We’re going to have 24 hour wraparound support services,” Bowens said. “When somebody calls us, somebody will be on the phone to answer. Our volunteers will go through rigorous training.”
Bowens says a short stay in the jail can be devastating for someone who’s already living paycheck to paycheck. One arrest could cost them their job or even their children. The Berrien County Bail Fund aims to fix that by paying bails of $3,000 or less.
The service will launch in January, and we’ll have more information then.
