Mutual Aid
The Twin Cities have had a tumultuous past year, to say the least. However, it has also been a year in which our community members have come together more than ever before. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in the explosion of mutual aid organizations popping up across the metro area in the months following George Floyd’s murder.
Mutual aid is, at its simplest level, helping your neighbor out. In a system of mutual aid, communities take care of their members rather than leaving individuals reliant on solely their respective resources. Those who participate in mutual aid do so with the understanding that they are a member of a symbiotic community, where everyone gives and receives equally. This takes away the inequality and dependency that recipients of charity and non-profit services often struggle with. We’ve curated a list of local mutual aid organizations that serve a diverse set of needs across the metro area.
1. Community Aid Network MN (CANMN) was formed when three pre-existing mutual aid sites merged to combat both the effects of the pandemic and the effects of systemic racism after the murder of George Floyd. CANMN serves 60-80 families each week, making sure to provide culturally-appropriate food and other much-needed items. A portion of the fund also goes to Somali translation services to ensure that all community members can get help when they need it.
2. Auto Outreach Minneapolis provides free auto work for BIPOC and homeless folx in the Minneapolis area. Auto Outreach offers on-the-job training to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer mechanic - no prior experience needed. The organization charges white folx a “highly affordable” fee for auto work to fund its pro bono work. It also accepts donations.
3. Proletariat Prints is a group of activist screen printers who create antiracist and abolitionist designs. All materials are ethically sourced and as sustainable as possible. Black and/or Indigenous folx receive free or discounted prints upon request.
4. St. Paul Camps Support is a fund that works with unhoused people in St. Paul and distributes supplies to several local encampments. They prioritize building relationships with residents so that they can be as effective as possible, while avoiding saviorism.
5. The Trans Disabled Care Fund provides monthly payments to trans disabled people in Minnesota for any care-related need that they may have. They prioritize BIPOC when possible. Their current goal is to raise $3600 by May 1st to continue providing payments for 36 people and counting.
6. The Phillips Community Free Store is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating a sustainable community and long-term food security. They accept donations of groceries, household items, baby needs, and PPE, as well as monetary contributions. Volunteers sort, package, and deliver these items to those in need in the Phillips community.
7. The Sanctuary Supply Depot is a central hub that collects and distributes survival supplies to meet the needs of unhoused people in Minneapolis. They regularly post lists of supplies that are currently needed on their Instagram, and also accept monetary donations via PayPal.
8. The People’s Laundry is a queer-run organization that provides laundry services and clothing to people who need them. They accept clothing and monetary donations. They also have need for volunteers who can sew or have access to free laundry or transportation.
9. Provision Community Restaurant is a cafe in Whittier that provides meals on a “give as you can” basis. Diners can donate time, money, or volunteer service to support their efforts. Provision also runs a Harvest program that connects community members with others in the community who are seeking mentorships and support.