The Ward 6 Mutual Aid Network is partnering with Christ United Methodist Church to host a Community Food and Supply Drive to help neighbors in meeting the challenges of COVID-19 in Southwest DC. The Mutual Aid unit reports that they now have a waiting list with 40 unfulfilled requests for food in Southwest DC.
The DC Mutual Aid Network has organized Ward by Ward to help those who are hit hardest by the economic consequences of the coronavirus. “For people who are living paycheck to paycheck and are living in Public Housing, the economic consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic start taking effect immediately,” wrote Maurice Cook, Executive Director of Serve Your City DC, which is part of the effort.
The DC Mutual Aid Network has already helped thousands of residents across the city, including some referred to it by the city. The basic model is that donations of goods are collected at hubs, monetary donations are used to purchase additional necessities, and then grassroots organizers who already have relationships in the community are making sure that these necessities are delivered to the neighbors who are in need.
What to Give
The Mutual Aid group is seeking donations of:
- Food: shelf staples (canned tuna and chicken, soup, cereal, pasta, rice, bread, etc.); fresh fruits & vegetables
- Personal Care: soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, towels, washcloths
- Cleaning Supplies: disinfectant spray and wipes, gloves, bleach, trash bags
- Children’s Goods: books, cards, art supplies, working or broken laptops
- Mask materials: scrap fabric (100% cotton, tight weave fabric such as sheets and t-shirts), elastic strapping or hair ties
- Monetary Donations: donate via PayPal at ServeYourCityDC.org (please indicate ‘Mutual Aid’)
When to Give
Donations will be collected at Christ United Methodist Church (900 Fourth St. SW) throughout April on these days and times:
- Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m.
Want to volunteer? Sew masks? Just learn more?
- Email Karen at karenlmcmanus@gmail.com for Southwest-specific questions.
- Contact Julee at juleeliz@gmail.com to sew masks.
- Contact the Mutual Aid Network at ward6mutualaid@gmail.com for general questions.
If you or someone you know has a critical need, call the Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683-9962.
