The Marie Equi Institute
Mission
To enrich the health of the trans, queer, intersex and gender expansive community through trauma-informed care, culturally-affirming services and social justice advocacy. We are currently focused on raising funds for our Red State Migrants Fund. In recent times, we've witnessed a heart-wrenching surge in individuals seeking refuge from red states, where oppressive anti-trans legislation threatens their safety, dignity, and access to gender-affirming care. Trans and queer people are bravely embarking on difficult journeys to find a haven here in Portland, where they can experience acceptance, support, and belonging. As Red State Migrants arrive, our mission at The Equi Institute becomes even more crucial. With open arms, we welcome these new community members and strive to provide them with the critical resources they need to thrive.
Bottom Line for Portland
The Equi Institute's team of peer workers work directly with queer, trans, BIPOC, unhoused folks in Portland to facilitate access to services and resources. Since launching our Community Health Program in 2020, we have served over 1,000 individuals experiencing houselessness as well as organizing LGBTQAI2S+ and BIPOC-focused community events that cultivate joy and belonging. If you believe that housing is healthcare, access for all identities, and human solutions for people living at the sharpest intersections of oppression, donate today. We can't do this without you.
Quote
“People don’t see me as another staff or someone superior, they see me as one of their own. It helps me open the door to get to know them better to be able to help them in more specific ways. They build trust in me, they share more stuff with me, and that’s one of the biggest things we need is trust. And that way I can know exactly how to help” - Lupe Medina, Community Health Worker
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The most important lesson from our work in primary care was that healing for our community must address the causes of health inequity. We focus our services around LGBTQIA2S+ folks, BIPOC, folks with significant mental health concerns, unhoused folks, people who use drugs, disabled folks, and elders. Equi’s staff are trained in the philosophy and practical application of the theories of cultural and gender affirming health care, Health at Every Size, Racial Justice, and Economic Equality, with a focus on community advocacy, education, and positive sociocultural change.
Incentives
The first donor on 11/1 and 11/8 will receive a $25 gift card. Enjoy a meal on us at Friendship Kitchen, a Vietnamese and Queer owned restaurant with incredibly beautiful/yummy food and cocktails
The person who donates $100 or more from Wednesday, November 15th to Wednesday, November 22nd will receive a tasting for two at their beautiful estate. Accompanied by a lovely charcuterie board and a flight of delicious wines.
The first person to donate $30 or more on Wednesday, November 22nd will receive a $50 gift card to Arium, a beautiful plant store located off of MLK.
The first person to donate $75 or more on Giving Tuesday November 28th will receive a free floating session at Float's relaxing location on Hawthorne. “Being in a float tank is like relaxing in outer space.”
The first person to donate $50 or more on Wednesday, December 6th will receive a $100 gift card to any of their vibrant restaurants. Enjoy a margarita and tacos on us!
The first person to donate $75 or more on Wednesday, December 13th will receive a free acupuncture session on the date of their choosing at the wonderful Asha Integrative Wellness center. Feel refreshed and re-centered with some wellness.
The first person to donate $100 or more on Wednesday, December 20th will receive a luxurious french champagne saber experience for 2+ people at their lovely wine shop on Mississippi. Pop a bottle of bubbles for the new year on us!
The first person to donate $150 or more on Wednesday, December 27th will receive a healing and beautiful one night stay for two in one of their lovely Grove Rooms at a time of your choosing. Find a moment to be surrounded by snowy forest and soak in their invigorating hot springs.
The Marie Equi Institute is in the Health category which is sponsored by CareOregon.
They're a small-sized organization with activities in Clackamas Co., Multnomah Co., Washington Co. and beyond.