As residents face increasing economic challenges, grassroots organizers have stepped up to provide vital support and mutual aid — from food distribution to emergency housing assistance.
Mutual aid is a collective effort where community members pool resources and skills to directly support one another, focusing on solidarity rather than charity and addressing needs that often fall through the cracks of government systems.
Kelly Kim, owner of SoYo Yogurt Shoppe in south Anchorage, has been hosting monthly mutual aid meetups at her storefront, where community members can package snack packs, hygiene and harm reduction kits to distribute to houseless neighbors.
She initially became involved in mutual aid by crowdfunding through her social media for those in need, for diapers and baby formula to rent money for families facing eviction.
“I refuse to live in a world where people don’t care,” Kim said. “I have also realized that people care, but they don’t really know how to start, or they don’t really have the opportunity. When I started doing mutual aid and crowdfunding for people, there were so many people that were willing to help.”
After getting involved with local community organizers and visiting local camps of houseless neighbors, Kim began holding events for her neighbors living outside.
“If I were in a situation where I was at the mercy of my fellow community members, I would want them to have the most compassion for me. I would want them to care for me and reach out a hand for me. What good is wanting and expecting that if I’m not doing the same for other people?”
Kim encourages those looking to get involved with mutual aid to connect with some of the many organizations in town providing assistance to those in need.
LOCAL WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault — New and practicing attorneys can provide pro-bono legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault pertaining to divorce, child custody and other civil proceedings. Those looking to get involved can complete this form and send it to cpate@andvsa.org and mlowrance@andvsa.org in the ANDVSA Legal Office.
Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness — This local nonprofit is focused on moving houseless neighbors off the streets, and has resources available on their website for how Anchorage residents can make their own DIY hygiene, first aid, snack pack and harm reduction kits. Next volunteer opportunities: Dec. 2 and Dec. 16.
AWAIC, Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis — AWAIC is accepting new and gently used clothing items for survivors of abuse, up to two kitchen-size trash bags per donor. Appointments for donations must be made; unscheduled donations will not be accepted. AWAIC also has an Amazon wishlist that residents can purchase items needed for the shelter. Urgent needs include pads and tampons, deodorant, toothpaste, towels, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, razors, bar soap, lotion, facial cleanser, dental floss, body wash, chapstick, baby shampoo, hairbrushes and combs. A complete list can be found on their website.
Bean’s Cafe — In addition to their annual Thanksgiving meal, the Bean’s crew coordinates a Christmas Eve meal every year that volunteers can donate their time to. Bean’s is looking for extra people to lend a hand to kitchen prep and pantry pack building. Volunteers must be older than 16; anyone under 18 years of age needs to be accompanied by an adult, all volunteers must complete documentation of paperwork beforehand. Next volunteer opportunity: Nov. 28.
Brother Francis Shelter — The shelter prepares breakfast and lunch for their Meal Team Monthly Slots. There is also a Foot Care Clinic that meets twice a month to support clients by tending to their feet. Urgent needs include winter gear, towels, toothbrushes and bike locks. A full list of items is available on their website. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Saint Francis House Food Pantry.
Covenant House Alaska — Licensed hairdressers and barbers can provide haircuts to Alaska youth with the organization’s full salon setup. Certified therapy dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations are always encouraged to visit. In addition to recreation, music and arts and crafts, the nonprofit is always seeking community members to facilitate games, offer music lessons and foster a creative environment for youth. All volunteers have to complete an onboarding process.
Food Bank of Alaska — The Food Bank is always looking for volunteers to add to their programs, including packing for the mobile Mountain View pantry, senior box building, washing crates, food reclamation and more. Donations are always encouraged. Next volunteer opportunity: Nov. 25.
Habitat for Humanity Anchorage — Habitat is always looking for community members with a desire to teach or share their skills to lead classes pertaining to finance, gardening, tool safety, household knowledge. Current shifts are available on their online calendar.
Downtown Soup Kitchen Hope Center — The Downtown Hope Center provides multiple programs for those experiencing homelessness, and teaches them the skills needed through their bakery and culinary programs. Assemble snack packs, sandwiches, and cups of soup for lunch and dinner service, sort through donations in the clothing room, launder used clothes, or lead an activity or song for the group. Sign up here.
Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services — Anchorage youth ages 15-24 are encouraged to apply to be a mentor to refugee youth for the Youth Mentor program. RAIS is also seeking Meal Team and Move-in Team volunteers to help fill fridges for new neighbors, and to help make their house a home.
This story has been updated to provide more context about mutual aid.
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
