Our Mission
KOI is a Washington-based mutual aid organization focused on providing material support to trans individuals fleeing legislatively hostile US states
How does KOI help?
- Arranging and funding transportation for accepted evacuees from their original state to a “safer” state
- For accepted evacuees who relocate to Washington:
- Temporary housing with volunteer hosts (evacuees may be hosted in multiple locations)
- Assistance with necessities (e.g., grocery gift cards, pre-paid public transportation cards, etc.)
- Connecting evacuees to local resources: Apple Health (state Medicaid), WorkSource (unemployment assistance), and Seattle Housing Authority programs, Community events
How can I help KOI?
- PRIORITY NEED: Care Coordinators! We are looking for folks who can consistently hang out with and help guide an evacuee 1-2 days (evenings, weekends okay!) a week. Helping them with things like signing up for state health insurance, figuring out HRT, getting gender affirming clothes, or just going to events with a buddy. If you are interested, please sign up here.
Impact
As of January 2026:
- Over 30 relocations to “safer” states, 10 specifically to the Seattle-area.
- We specialize in helping younger, less experienced and early transition folks who need more assistance. We have assisted 5 individuals in getting jobs and housing, including at least one who had never had a job before.
- 70k+ raised in donations (all funds go toward caring for evacuees).
What’s Next
KOI has just gotten its 501c(3) status! Donations to us are now tax exempt! More information to come…