Neighbors Unite for Mutual Aid as Prices Soar and Aid Wanes

Communities are increasingly turning to each other for support as formal aid systems falter. This grassroots response, known as mutual aid, is gaining traction in cities like New York and Atlanta, where individuals are stepping up to address local needs directly.

Kashish Ali, a 32-year-old first-generation Pakistani immigrant, exemplifies this movement. In early November, she shared on Instagram, “Times are tough. We take care of us.” For years, Ali has organized fundraising efforts to stock community fridges in Atlanta and New York. She estimates that friends and family have entrusted her with thousands of dollars, allowing her to buy and distribute groceries to those in need.

Ali’s journey began in 2021 when she discovered a community fridge outside a brewery in Atlanta. After contacting the organizers through social media, she volunteered and quickly raised $700 in just a few hours for her first grocery run. Now, she views these efforts as part of her daily life rather than mere volunteering. “When I start putting granola bars, fruit, or yogurt into a fridge, people immediately come around to look, chat, and grab something to eat,” she said. Ali shares the receipts and photos of her contributions on Instagram, fostering a sense of connection among her followers.

One of the core principles of mutual aid is inclusivity. There is no requirement for individuals to show identification or prove their income. Most local projects are organized by volunteers, many of whom are also recipients of aid. This blurring of lines between those who give and those who receive sets mutual aid apart from traditional nonprofit work. A common mantra within the movement is “solidarity not charity.”

Interest in mutual aid has surged during times of crisis. According to Aaron Fernando, an organizer with Shareable, participation in their Mutual Aid 101 webinars increased dramatically, with 1,100 attendees joining the first session this year. “It just is and continues to be a disempowering and scary time for a lot of populations,” Fernando noted. He emphasized that such circumstances prompt individuals to seek alternative resources and prioritize community safety.

Yoly Nuñez, who has organized food distributions with the Collective Focus Resource Hub in Brooklyn since the pandemic began, also highlights the need for mutual assistance. Her group collaborates with local businesses to recover food that would otherwise go to waste. “We thought, we need to organize and see how we could help each other,” Nuñez explained.

As a former merchandiser in the fashion industry, she now channels her skills into sourcing free food and supplies. The Collective Focus team places fresh produce and prepared meals into community fridges outside their storefront, where they are quickly claimed. Nuñez encourages others to start their own mutual aid initiatives, believing that building more groups will strengthen the overall community.

Despite its grassroots nature, Collective Focus has become a tax-exempt nonprofit to secure funding for their space. While they pay some staff, most decisions are made collectively, fostering an environment where all members contribute to shaping the group’s direction. Georgina Edmonds, a long-time neighborhood resident, recently expressed her desire to start a project focused on a community garden for medicinal herbs, emphasizing the empowerment of their members.

As mutual aid continues to gain momentum, it serves as a crucial lifeline for many facing economic hardships and uncertainty. The community-focused approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-lasting connections among participants.

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