In March 2020, East of the River Mutual Aid’s hotline opened and we received the first calls from our neighbors in Wards 7 and 8. Mutual aid is not new, particularly East of the River. What we do today is just one example, and it will continue to evolve as crises like the pandemic arise. Your much needed donations - and especially monthly support - will allow us to continue to grow and dream about the future we all need to thrive. EOR Mutual Aid was created to respond to the ongoing crisis caused by COVID-19 -- and governments’ failure or unwillingness to respond -- and our work stands on the foundation of years of social movements and mutual aid in DC and around the world.
Over the last 21 months, here’s what we’ve done:
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Supported more than 14,500 requests for food, produce, diapers, cleaning, masks, and hygiene supplies over our delivery hotline.
Held 8 pop-up events to provide school supplies for virtual learning, over 500 winter coats, gloves, socks and holiday food items.
Launched youth learning pods at our supply hub with our partner Black Swan Academy
Established a stipend program to support fellow community members who lead the daily mutual aid operations
Created a COVID-19 vaccine hotline and supported over 50 families get access to the vaccine
Gathered special holiday free food donations with more than 100 turkeys delivered in one day alone
Collaborated with local Black farmers to provide fresh produce in our bags
Created a relationship with the Greater DC Diaper Bank so that all DC mutual aid groups had access to 80,000 free diapers a month.
Participated in/led other mutual efforts such as letter writing to incarcerated community members, contributing to commissary funds, community medicining, burial/memorial services for neighbors lost to community and police violence, helped families with housing after house fires and unsafe living conditions, and much more.
While we have organized all of these things in our community, evictions have already started and we are preparing for massive displacement. On top of this, parents have been forced to choose between sending their kids to school, possibly bringing COVID home to vulnerable family members, or face Child Protective Services and the police at their door.
What we know is that these crises and more will continue to come. Help us continue being there for our community by donating today. Just follow the link and give as generously as you can.
Other ways you can help us stay ready for what's to come:
Become a recurring donor!
Join our Patreon!
Donate new childrens’ winter coats!
Donate turkeys!
Follow us on social media!
With Love and Peace,
East of the River Mutual Aid Core Team