Volunteers are the heart of the DC Mutual Aid Networks

by Cassandra Hetherington

Mutual Aid groups have existed across time and cultures. Normally they develop within marginalized communities, harnessing collective power to provide basic needs for people failed by government systems. Mutual aids have operated within Wards 7 and 8 for years, but now there is one in every DC Ward.

As people began to lose their jobs during the pandemic, more local residents found themselves unable to purchase basic items for themselves or their families. Simultaneously, Washingtonians wanted to assist their neighbors. Volunteers from the already existing mutual aids worked across the city to support the creation of ward specific mutual aids.

In early spring, the Ward 4 Mutual Aid began as a spreadsheet, whereby local residents in need of groceries were matched with other local residents who would buy and deliver them. By September it became evident that this was not sustainable.

Pastor Gerald Eltson offered the Brightwood Park United Methodist Church as a central location for donations and distribution. Today, 40-70 families twice a week pick up their necessities from the church while 80-100 households receive home deliveries. At the onset, 350 Ward 4 residents signed up to help their neighbors but as the pandemic has continued, that number has decreased to an active core of 75-100 weekly volunteers.

The United Methodist Church in Brightwood Park serves as the location for the Ward 4 Mutual Aid Network

Mutual Aids are not charity, rather they are opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors. For instance, a native Spanish speaker who came to the Ward 4 Mutual Aid for food was connected with a neighbor who wanted to learn Spanish. The two meet often and help each other improve their language skills. Once, a parent who could not provide a birthday party for her young daughter contacted the Mutual Aid. As soon as this became known to the community, a young Ward 4 resident donated her best toys for the occasion.

The Ward 4 Mutual Aid is an egalitarian entity, absent a hierarchy, and anyone who desires has an opportunity for a leadership role. All major policies are made collectively, usually through the Slack App or on video calls. When a decision needed to be made about home deliveries, people convened online; one person drafted the policy and twenty others edited it. The final document became the groups’ decision, which they believe is a more meaningful outcome due to each person’s contribution.

Ward 4 residents Sarah Bagge and Rita Radostitz have volunteered for the Ward 4 Mutual Aid since the early days of the pandemic. Sarah works on the distribution side while Rita focuses her energy on deliveries and donations. What motivates each woman to give so much of their rare free time is that she enjoys participating in her community. Both are relatively new to DC and have met numerous neighbors through their volunteer involvement. Sarah is motivated by the “little opportunities for true mutuality” and asserts that “everyone has something to give or offer.”

Rita does not see the need for the Ward 4 Mutual Aid ending when the virus is under control as the economic effects will be felt for years. For now, neither Rita nor Sarah can visualize what will happen to the Ward 4 Mutual Aid when it is safe for the church to reopen for services.

As things continue, they fear that the needs will only increase the longer businesses are closed or operating below capacity. The group is considering doing a winter coat drive and organizing to provide cash for rental assistance once the eviction pause is lifted.

Petworth News is highlighting a local nonprofit or charity each Tuesday in November (until National #GivingTuesday on December 1st). Whether it's time, a donation or simply helping to get the word out about these organizations, we can make a difference together in our community.

With the holidays upon us, they hope people may feel more compelled to assist their neighbors. More volunteers are needed, especially Spanish speakers, to answer the hotline and conduct intakes or help on distribution days. People are strongly encouraged to contribute financially or through the wish lists instead of dropping off items. This is because items can be purchased in bulk and are therefore more economical.

Additionally, the model of mutual aid is to meet people where they are in an exchange of caring, not to impose on each other. Good things can come from tragedy, and perhaps what this pandemic has demonstrated is that ultimately, our greatest strength lies in helping one another.