Needlepoint strives to actualize the word “Sanctuary” in the face increasingly ineffective and oppressive policy choices (i.e. The War on Drugs) throughoutMaine communities. Our mission is to reject the status quo and strengthen Maine communities by engaging in solidarity-driven mutual aid efforts, facilitated by both peers and harm reduction allies alike. We collaborate alongside each other to address resource disparities, tangibly alleviate suffering, and affect a long overdue paradigm shift from punishment to support. Needlepoint Sanctuary prioritizes the free provision of food, hygiene supplies, syringe exchange, naloxone supply and training, and programs designed to minimize harm associated with drug use, which have been shown to drastically reduce instances of fatal overdoses in the communities with which we partner.Additionally, we organize park clean ups, offer harm reduction workshops and other educational content (often in artistic forms such as zines, chalk art, and even graphic design), and fundraise to fill other resource gaps where possible. We offer in-person distribution as well as delivery services in Bangor, Portland, and other small rural communities like Dover-Foxcroft and Waterville. We cannot do this work alone, and in fact we thrive in coalition. Our partners include Health Equity Alliance, Food and Medicine, and harm reduction organizations like Maine Access Points and the Church of Safe Injection. We reinforce each other to improve systems.