Coronavirus Phone Line for Barton Jail Prisoners!

We're part of a group called Barton Prisoner Solidarity Project with the goal of thinning the walls that separate prisoners from the rest of the community, amplifying their voices and former prisoners. Our group includes former prisoners, the loved ones of folks locked up, and Hamilton residents who believe that a world without prison is possible.

We have opened a phone line for folks inside to call and tell us about the conditions that they are experiencing and have gotten that number in to the jail via a banner being held for prisoners to see. Since the outbreak these folks are not seeing visitors, experiencing even slower mail and are almost all triple-bunked. We want to establish contact with folks on the inside now so that we have some solid links as the situation changes.

After two days and dozens of phone calls, the cost so far is over $100 (provincial prison phones are huge scam). We are asking you to help us keep the phone line open to keep the connection strong between those locked up and the outside -- the $2000 we are asking for will keep the line going for several months.

We are taking notes on the calls and posting updates about conditions inside to our facebook  and twitter.