Mutual aid is a framework for communities to band together to meet the needs of their neighbors while working to understand and dismantle the root causes of those unmet needs. This age-old practice flourished and drew increased attention as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and widened the holes in our institutional social safety nets.
These networks of kinship and care are distinct from other forms of charity like non-profits or foundations because of their commitment to minimizing barriers (like paperwork and judgment) for those in need, collectively resolving the root causes of inequality, and working within the constraints of the community's skills and resources. Throughout the year, we will highlight forms of mutual aid that are alive and well in our community.
Please let us know about the mutual aid networks that you support or have supported you>>
This month we're highlighting the efforts of Portland Mutual Aid Network, which began in the summer of 2020, to support the houseless/unsheltered community living downtown who were displaced and upended by the Police Bureau's attacks on protestors.
Volunteers spoke directly with community members to find out what they needed and responded by gathering and distributing requested supplies (shelter, food, personal hygiene). The work of this non-hierarchical group continues because members of our community continue to live with unmet needs.
Learn more about getting involved with or donating to Portland Mutual Aid here>>