Mutual Aid: Communities Helping Communities

Valentine's Day Weekend was one for the books this year. A large winter storm left Portland under a blanket of ice and snow. Many of our city's citizens were left stranded in their homes for days, often without power or heat. It was a grave reminder of the difficulties the houseless folks in Portland face every winter. A snow day is a rare occasion in Portland, because of this the city is often underprepared for snow and ice, and the ability to offer shelter to those in need with short notice is no exception. The inability to make systemic change within our goverment at a faster pace can be extremely daunting. As we wait for election season, or for bills to become laws, the people who really need things to change continue to suffer. But some Portlander's are taired of creating mutual aid funds. Mutual aid is a way for communities to take control of their own healing. At its core mutual aid is all about reciprocity: the pay it forward movement come to life. Mutual aid is not a new concept, but it really came alive in Portland during the Black Lives Matter movement of summer 2020. The houseless were fed by unemployed line cooks, respirators were donated to families who's homes were most effected by tear gas, and funding was raised to help those arrested during the protest get legal help and pay bail fines. And with the crazy snow this weekend came new forms of community support. Groups like Don't Shoot PDX, PDX Defense Fund, and PDX Free Fridge, who have primarily focussed their energy on aiding BIPOC communities shifted their focus this weekend and began seeking funds and recources for those most affected by the storm: Portland's houseless community. The weeks leading up to the storm were filled with tent, food and warm clothing drives. During the storm some groups took in donations and used the money to reimburse those who bought hotel rooms for their houseless neighbors. All three groups, and many more, lead social media campaigns encouraging Portland to get out and help their neighbors. Even Portland's popular Buy Nothing Facebook Pages were filled with nieghbors offering to help with rides to work, or extra blankets. Mutual aid does not only allow everyday citizens a chance to get involved and help when they feel helpless, it also encourages a sense of community. So many of the problems we face as a city and a country are tied to our lack of community. When we get involved with mutual aid, we begin to lessen the sense of seperation so many of us feel from our neighbors. If you would like to get involved with some of Portland's wonderful mutual aid funds, we highly encourage you to give @dontshootpdx @pdxdefensefund and @pdxfreefridge a follow on Instagram and Twitter. For a map of all PDX Free Fridge Locations visit PDX Free Fridge Map