Poku-poku
Poku-poku means “little by little” in Kriolu. That is the ethos of this space: big change from small steps.
Each month, a thoughtful selection of funding needs will be highlighted to raise awareness and support. Your generous contribution to any of these initiatives goes further than you might realize! Each cause will center around mutual aid or boots-on-the-ground organizations that are actively delivering essential care directly to those in need. It is through the strength of our community that we can collectively make the world a better place for everyone. As a Kabuverdianu space, I am committed to ensuring that at least one cause each month will focus on addressing the needs of people and organizations throughout Cabo Verde, emphasizing the importance of solidariadadi, komunidadi, y midjoria di these communities.
To keep up with monthly opportunities, sign up for email notifications
May 2026
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Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM):
AIM keeps incarcerated mothers and children connected. Working with mothers in the Alabama prison system, AIM assists in organizing monthly visits, reconnection services, and so much more!
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Two facts stood out on the VPBP site that I would like to point out:
“The female prison population has risen 8-fold from 13,000 in 1980 to over 250,000 today. At present, there are over one-million women behind bars in the US or under the control of the criminal justice system in some form— including parole, probation, jail, state, and federal prison.”
“The vast majority of women in prison are victims of violence prior to their incarceration, including domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. We know that the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence against women is a significant determinant of mental health problems, including use of illicit drugs and substance use disorder.”
While this project is based in Virginia, there are some other prison birth assistance programs around the country, but not nearly enough.
Alabama Prison Birthing Project
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Sex work is work. When we discuss labor rights in this country, sex workers are often alienated from the discussion. DecrimNY has been working to end the discrimination and stigma around sex work to make New York safer for sex workers. In February of 2021, they worked with lawmakers to successfully repeal New York’s “Walking While Trans” law, and they are actively working to boost the social conscience around criminal records to have sex-work-related crimes expunged from records due to the lasting effects of having a criminal background by way of a non-prosecution policy for sex workers. Follow along with their work and remember that sex work is not wrong- it’s just stigmatized.
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According to the US. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage as of 2026 is $7.25/hr. Some states pay even less than that. Can you guess what the state of Georgia’s minimum wage is in 2026?? $5.15/hr. The only other state with a wage that low is Wyoming. That is criminal neglect of workers on both a state and federal level. With the exception of Arkansas ($11/hr) and Florida ($14/hr), a majority of southern states adhere to the federal minimum wage. As prices skyrocket across the country, the federal minimum wage makes life unlivable. Even with wages above the federal minimum, workers’ rights are not secure.
Union of Southern Service Workers is a workers’ union organizing to demand fair treatment of workers across the South. Some of their demands include:
Equal pay regardless of race, gender, age, immigration status, or sexual orientation
Protection from sexual harassment, homophobia, and racial discrimination,
Fair grievance practices
Safe workplaces
Healthcare benefits for workers and their families
Paid sick leave
Regular weekly schedule with advanced notice of schedule changes
Decision-making power over working conditions
No retaliation for union activity
Read the full list of demands and support their work here
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Stop Cop City has been an ongoing effort since 2020(2021?) to protect Atlanta’s 381-acre forest from being converted into what is called a cop city (a mass-scale cop training facility). Groups of land defenders have been fighting the city, corporations, and risking their lives to end this $106 million facility that voters did not consent to. If you are against mass detention facilities, which act as modern-day concentration camps, then you should be against the training facilities for their state-organized abductors.
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Leftover Love Baltimore is a nonprofit that focuses on the redistribution of fresh leftover food from local businesses to provide for communities in need in and around Baltimore.
April 2026
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Memories Foundation prioritizes one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations: youths in foster care. For those in foster care, special memories such as birthdays, prom, or even moving into a college dorm can be challenging when your living situation lacks stability.
Memories Foundation is a Maryland-based nonprofit changing that. They host multiple celebrations for youths in foster care in PG County, all the way out to Baltimore. These efforts take time, money, and community to put together, so check out their site for ways to get involved!
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Shelters are often depressing spaces for the animals they house. If you love animals- especially dogs- volunteering at shelter is a great way to contribute to giving animals a gentle life and some companionship. We need more animal-daft people to show up and give these dogs a happy life. Plus, volunteering at a shelter is a great way to have multiple pets without your living space being covered in fur, but there’s a chance you may want to take a dog home! Beyond a Buddy connects people to adoption, fostering, and health resources for dogs in the Prince George’s County animal shelter. Check out their volunteering opportunities below.
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Direct from their “about us” page:
“We have only two goals: to end NYPD murders and to stop the displacement of low-to-middle income people from Brooklyn, NY.”
Equality for Flatbush is a Black-centered abolition housing rights group protecting Brooklyn’s neglected community members.
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Sex work is work. Workers in all fields deserve fair treatment. While their mutual aid program is currently on pause, Strippers United is a nonprofit that offers several resources for dancers, including legal resources, scholarships, grants, and information on workers’ rights.
Learn More
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Continuing the fight against Alagator Alcatraz through environmental justice.
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Abortion/wellness access for undocumented people in Albuquerque, NM.
March 2026
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Voices Unchained is a 501(c)(3) organization working to connect teen mothers and survivors of trauma to education and counseling through community-funded initiatives.
Their 3rd annual diaper drive is taking place on May 12, 2026. To add your support, you can either shop their Amazon wishlist or donate directly to the organization through their site (links below)
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What I knew: Sisters In Cinema offers several unique, inclusive programs for Black girls, women, and gender non-conforming individuals looking to expand their knowledge and experience in filmmaking. The organization is based in Chicago. They are always offering programs!!! Hint, hint to the Black aspiring filmmakers reading this :)
What I didn’t know: They’ve been around since 1991 and have been an online resource since 1997!
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About Face was founded and created by veterans who have been organizing to put an end to the U.S. foreign policy of permanent war.
For active duty service members and National Guardsperson in need of resources to navigate current times, they, along with other resources such as the GI Rights hotline, can help.
GI Rights Hotline: 1-877-447-4487
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I try to highlight a new mutual aid group each month. This month, I wanted to focus on this group serving the Silver Spring/Takoma Park, MD area. If this is your area or close by, check out their resources and volunteer opportunities (and donate- duh!)
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Each Step Home is an advocacy group committed to providing support to those facing the violence and gross mistreatment of the US immigration institution and its extremely harmful policies.
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Recently, I helped raise funds for a trans youth in Kenya who was sexually assaulted. In that time I’ve gotten to know his story and the stories of his friends. They are a group of trans refugees who fled from Uganda to Kenya. Given Kenya’s strong anti-LGBTQ+ stance, they are not safe.
They are raising funds to cover additional medical costs from the recent assault and to cover the cost of relocating to South Africa for their safety. You can learn more about their stories and donate using the link below.
February 2026
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Amilcar Cabral is renowned around the world as a key liberator in Cabo Verde’s independence, but what about the women who also fought to secure rights and freedom for Cape Verdeans?
This short film seeks to highlight the contributions of women in Cabo Verde’s long-fought battle for independence. You can support this film by donating towards it’s porduction here:
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This one is a resource within a resource! From the Free Minds “Our Vision” :
We envision a DC where Black and Latinx communities have abundant access to resources for healing, growth, creative expression, love, and connection. In our future, mass incarceration no longer exists.
I can’t fit all of the work they do and the resources they offer in a small space, but check out the many volunteer opportunities they offer, legal resources, and even consider donating!
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Sharve is a TA and student at Temple University. She is a TA in an MFA program with a 4.0 gpa and is experiencing financial troubles that put her in jeopardy of not being able to afford working towards her degree. She currently has a balance of $1787 and is raising funds to cover her education.
Venmo: @twirlmagic
Goal: $1787.00
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Phoenix is a disabled non-binary community advocate and facilitator.
They lost their job in mid-2024 and ran out of funds at the beginning of 2025 and have been reliant on bouts of mutual aid, withdrawals from 401K, and personal loans. Due to being abused throughout their childhood and early adulthood, they are now estranged from their adoptive parents and have no familial support, safety net, or safe place to stay.
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This organization has worked tirelessly to boost visibility for Black missing persons nationwide. Their platform places eyes on stories that go underreported or unreported. Along with social awareness and action steps, they share various youth and family resources.
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I couldn’t pick just one resource to share, so I am sharing a link to their many resources here:
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U Empower of Maryland (UEMD) is a Baltimore-based multi-service nonprofit that provides services through a resource hub. These services focus on food insecurity, housing assistance, documentation needs, and mental health resources.
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Also called “Maryland Safe Haven” on social media, they label themselves as Baltimore’s first trans-led drop-in wellness center.
In addition to meeting basic needs, they offer harm reduction, case management, HIV/STI testing + PrEP linkage, and a lot more!
Learn more about their work and support!
January 2026
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Eva Mendes lost her brother in October 2025. She and her sister journeyed back to Cabo Verde for his funeral, and upon return to the US, Eva was detained by ICE and has been in custody ever since. Eva has been a permanent resident of the US for over 40 years and, despite a minor criminal record, has maintained a valid green card- she deserves to stay in the place she’s called home for over 4 decades. She is a mother of 6 and grieving the loss of a sibling. Please consider donating to her fund to help cover legal fees.
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Street Breaking Art is a collective of young Congolese artists based in Goma. Direct from their Gofundme:
With your support, we want to:
Renting a secure house where we can live and continue our artistic activities
Providing refuge for children and young artists in danger
Equip this house with the essentials: beds, mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils, basic necessities
To create a place of warmth, peace, and humanity, far from bombs and screams — a place where art can still heal
Every donation, even the smallest, can change a life.
Providing a bed for a child who sleeps outside.
To offer a paintbrush to a trembling hand.
To offer a moment of peace to a wounded heart.
_________________
Donation Link
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Anti-AI data center movements are growing across the nation. Below are 2 that I want to highlight. The first, No Landover Data, is a local movement in my area against a proposed data center in the heart of a community- we do not want ANY data centers harming our state’s residents or natural resources and beauty.
The second, Memphis vs Musk, is focused on the ongoing battle facing Memphis residents against the Musk-owned data center for Grok, an AI program. Along with excessive water and energy usage, residents have complained of several health disparities as well. Click each link to view multiple ways to support each cause. Sign a petition, join a meeting, get involved.
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Makin’ Groceries is a pay-what-you-can Cajun cafe in Portland, OR, providing a unique approach and dignity to food insecurity.
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Prisoners for Palestine is a prisoner-led collective in the UK representing all those detained under charges related to Palestinian liberation. There are currently, as of Jan. 6, 2026, 4 hunger strikers in the UK continuing into days 65,59,58, and 44 of their hunger strikes against the UK government and Elbit Systems for ongoing complicity in genocide and association with Israel. Learn more about how you can support their cause.
December 2025
December is the “season of giving,” so I am encouraging everyone to donate to as many mutual aid requests, food drives, coat drives, and grassroots organizations as they can afford to give to!
November 2025
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If you’re looking for food assistance, housing assistance, health support, and more, Find Help is a nationwide database of resources. Use the link below to see what options are available in your area!
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Here’s a running list of some places offering food assistance within the DMV, Delaware/Philly area:
DC:
SOME (So Other’s Might Eat)
Capitol Area Food Bank *(DC/MD/NOVA)
ReDelicious
MD:
The Storehouse (PG County)
VA:
Philly:
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As recovery efforts in Jamaica are underway, here are ways to support relief efforts. As I find reputable sources for Haiti and Cuba, I will share those as well.
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Hope & Haven For Refugees has been providing relief efforts to those fleeing RSF attacks in Sudan.
Please continue to support their work and learn about the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
October 2025
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TRP Immigration Justice
Prairie State Legal Services
Legal Aid Chicago
Illinois Coalition for Immigrants & Refugee Rights (ICRR)
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
Chicago Legal Clinic
*These are based on a general consensus of trusted resources. Please vet and verify each source before utilizing services. Still looking for LGBTQ+ friendly options
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If you’re reading this from an electronic device give Congo a few moments of your time to learn about ways you can show solidarity as they battle an ongoing genocide.
“Team Congo strives for justice and a peaceful Congo, where every individual lives in dignity and security.”
-Team Congo
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Help my friend as he navigates housing and job insecurity, a leg injury, and mental illness.
September 2025
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This petition aims to activate the 1 million voices of the Kabuverdianu diaspora in holding the government of Cabo Verde accountable for its neglect of the citizens of São Vicente after the recent flood damage caused by tropical storm Erin. Yes, São Vicente will rebuild. No-it will not be a quick or easy process. By signing this petition, you will be telling the elected officials of Cape Verde that quick and easy fixes to rebuild one of its most profitable islands will not be accepted. That we, the entire Kabuverdianu community, stand with the people of São Vicente as they battle with this new normal and grieve the loss of lives, homes, and more.
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DC has always been a community-focused city. “We keep us safe” has always been the root of many community initiatives. Harriet’s Wildest Dreams' SAFETY SQUAD has been fueling initiatives ranging from mutual aid to jail support.
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Recently, a cholera outbreak has caused over 350 deaths in Sudan, and medical treatment is extremely limited as people flee active war and genocide. Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition Support has been working with volunteers and doctors as they act to treat as many people as possible.
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Continue supporting survivors of war and genocide in Congo.
August 2025
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As people begin to familiarize themselves with the ongoing genocide in Sudan, we can all do our part in being a part of action steps and mobilizing. The Sudanese Diaspora Network is a great resource if you’re looking for somewhere to begin!
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As Palestine faces ongoing man-made famine, please continue to donate to organizations distributing aid as well as to mutual aid. Distributing funds is not an offsetting action step, so it’s important to redirect where/how you spend your money as well. BDS stands for “boycott, sanction, divest”. Check out the link to the BDS Movement’s boycotting toolkit to learn how you can divest from companies funding and enabling genocide.
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Watermelon Pictures is a production company that works to share Palestinian stories through powerful visuals and impactful projects.
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Just going to leave this here in case it can help someone…
July 2025
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The Mel Johnston Institute is a 501(c) (3) organization in Maryland, conducting food distribution for those in need. If you’re in need of groceries or wish to donate, check out their website for more information.
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This Google Doc is a working list created by ReDeliciousDC for DC and other states!
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UndocuProfessionals provides resources and opportunities for undocumented students and allies
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June 2025
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Adriana Smith has been declared legally dead on February 19, 2025. She was 2 months pregnant at the time of her death. Due to ass backwards reproductive laws, the state of Georgia has been forcing her family to keep Adriana’s deteriating body in the hospital as an incubator for the baby. This dehumanizing and dismissive treatment of women’s bodies is yet another example of how medical racism affects Black women in the worst ways. The family has yet to meet their financial goal of $275,000. Please click the link below to read more about Adriana’s story, donate, and keep sharing. Just because her headline is no longer trending does not render her irrelevant—justice for Adriana and her family.
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UPDATE: Since creating her GoFundMe Ebony has been able to raise $500 of her $1600 goal. Please continue to donate. Even small donations can make a difference. She has since been displaced and has had trouble remaining in contact; however, she still has to receive donations and provide updates from time to time. Let’s try to meet her goal and exceed it!
Original post:
A community member is currently facing eviction within less than 24 hours. Due to ongoing struggles with mental health disorders, they are currently facing temporary job insecurity as well. Please consider donating to help them in their journey towards housing and job stability. As of 4/2/2025, we have only raised $250. Please continue to donate!
GOAL: $1500
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Looking for ways to connect with others in the Cape Verdean LGBTQ+ community? Here are a few safe spaces both within Cabo Verde as well
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On November 29, 2024, the LGBTQ community lost an important figure. Tchinda Andrade was one of the first openly trans women in Cabo Verde. She paved the way for others to be themselves and worked to end trans discrimination.
Unfortunately, the film “Tchindas” is not available to view in its entirety online, however I encourage everyone to view the clips that are available and continue to study the work Tchinda provided as a cornerstone of LGBTQ history.
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How do I even summarize how beautiful this is??? Just click the link below and learn everything you need to know about this program. When it comes to mental health and community care, writing to someone can change their life and yours. Writing to someone incarcerated can bring ease to one of the toughest times in their life.
May 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can buy security, stability, therapy, housing, food, all of the foundations we need to exist in a capitalistic society. When people have their most basic needs met, only then can they begin to focus on their mental health so I want to encourage everyone to donate to as many Mutual Aid funds as possible this month if you have the means to do so. If you need help creating a fund or have one you would like me to share, please never hesitate to reach out!
April 2025
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Recently evicted, now homeless, mother of 2 under 5 and currently 5 months pregnant in need of funds for basic necessities such as food, shelter and (maternity) clothing. She is currently staying in a motel and her housing voucher has expired.
Goal: $950
CashApp: $Help4MomInNeed
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A community member is currently facing eviction within less than 24hrs. Due to ongoing struggles with mental health disorders they are currently facing temporary job insecurity as well. Please consider donating to help them in their journey towards housing and job stability. As of 4/2/2025 we have only raised $250. Please continue to donate!
GOAL: $1500
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I have been following SwapDC’s journey for a while now! Zsameira, the founder of SwapDC, is a true inspiration for those trying to find ways to make their community a better place! SwapDC hosts local clothing swaps, repair events, workshops, and works to bring awareness around climate justice to DC. Support their ongoing efforts!
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Potomac Conservancy safeguards the lands and waters of the Potomac River and connects people to this national treasure.
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Biflores is a nonprofit group working to conserve and teach about biodiversity on Cabo Verde’s smallest island, Brava. As eco-tourism has become popularized globally, this is a local organization worth supporting.
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City Blossoms is a DC-based nonprofit that offers multiple programs to teach children about nature, gardening, and provides multiple green spaces directly in the city! Check out their volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved.
March 2025
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“Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network (MSMA) is made up of community organizations and hundreds of individual volunteers who are committed to supporting migrants arriving in DC.”
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Lewa is 36 and fighting stage 3 cancer. Her sister has created a fundraising campaign through GiveALittle to help raise the $65,000 funds needed for Lewa’s treatment in Christchurch. If donating from the US please remember the currency difference and donate generously.
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Opportunity to connect with your neighbors and engage with your community while assisting in limiting food waste. Check out ReDelicious DC’s Sunday distribution.
Volunteer Form
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This organization helps raise and distribute funding for local trans rights groups throughout the US/US territories. “Every penny we raise goes to our grantees with no restrictions and no strings attached because we truly believe in trans leadership.” Trans people are a part of our past and will always have a place within our collective future.
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“Street Sense Media produces journalism, film, theater, photography, audio, illustration, and more, all for the purpose of providing economic opportunity for and elevating the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness. The content of our media aims to challenge perceptions of homelessness and those it affects while creating common ground upon which we can build a stronger community.”
February 2025
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This is a personal favorite: Mari Copeny, also known as Little Miss Flint, has been doing amazing work in her community to help the residents of Flint, Michigan, access lead-free water. As a predominantly Black community, this crisis has negatively affected the health of over 12,000 people by exposing them to unsafe levels of lead. Donate directly to her water filter fund to support the continued efforts to bring water equality to communities affected by high lead levels!
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Like the title says! This is a master list of displaced families from the LA Wildfires. Altadena is a historic Black city where climate racism/injustice has displaced thousands. Pick a name or a few and give what you can! Consider donating your time, skills, and services as well as families await the green light to go back home and try to rebuild.
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OR NQTTCN for short, this network of therapists centers healing justice for, per their site, “Black, Indigenous and People of Color, poor people, disabled people, women, femmes, and queer, trans and intersex people.” I love any initiative that puts the mental health of marginalized people first, so go check them out and consider donating as well! Trans people CANNOT be erased! Get the hell over it!
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From their site: “The Youth Justice Coalition (YJC) is working to build a youth, family, and formerly and currently incarcerated people’s movement to challenge America’s addiction to incarceration and race, gender and class discrimination in Los Angeles County’s, California’s and the nation’s juvenile and criminal injustice systems. “
Trying to summarise this was difficult, so copy + paste it is! Check out their action page to see how you can donate your time as well as funds.
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Much like Sudan, it is difficult to learn more about the ongoing genocide in DRC due to the lack of internet access/phone access for those immediately affected by the genocide. Cobalt mining, much like diamond mining or açai picking, is riddled with controversial practices. Following organizations such as Friends of Congo is a great way to educate yourself on how the genocide in Congo affects all of us, from cobalt to women's safety issues. Stay informed and
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Finding resources to support Sudan and DRC through actions has been difficult, but we must all KEEP EYES ON SUDAN. Whether it’s boycotting the UAE, calling/emailing your representative, signing a petition, or donating to relief efforts at refugee camps, we must all continue to keep eyes on Sudan and call for an end to this genocide. I recommend following pages via social media /blogs such as Sudan Solidarity Collective in order to keep up to date on any developments being overlooked by larger media outlets..
January 2025
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Where to donate to people who've lost their homes in the LA fires
This is a working list of several mutual aid requests for people rebuilding after the wildfires in LA. Consider choosing a few to donate to and share as well as help spread the word!
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Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) has put together a Google sheet with multiple fire and evacuation resources. Please consider keeping up with programs such as this as communities rebuild
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Maryland2Palestine Actions & Interest Form
Are you looking for ways to continue supporting the people of Palestine beyond monetary donations? Donate your time! Maryland 2 Palestine organizes protests, educational events, and calls to action. I suggest following their social media to keep updated. but read their mission first to educate yourself about the group.
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“Brewed to be equal parts informative, comedic & revolutionary, AHUS offers a tangible medium for those to communicate views we hold dear through the use of symbolic expression”. AHUS offers a monthly book club, Patreon, creates/boosts mutual aid requests, and donates 20% of the sale of their merch to designated organizations.
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Black femme navigating disability, chronic illness, single parenthood, and the US healthscare system.
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Ward 8 Woods Conservancy is a grassroots nonprofit organization that works to increase the health, beauty, and public enjoyment of urban forests East of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC.
December 2024
December is the “season of giving,” so I am encouraging everyone to donate to as many mutual aid requests, food drives, coat drives, and grassroots organizations as they can afford to give to!
November 2024
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Support efforts to provide aid to those fleeing war in Darfur, Sudan
The Saving AlGeneina initiative has been working on providing safe refuge for those displaced by the ongoing genocide in Sudan.
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Content Warning: Police Brutality
On October 21st Cape Verdean native, Odair Moniz, was shot by the Police in Lisbon while unarmed. His family is seeking mutual aid to support the costs of seeking justice as well as laying a loved one to rest.
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Family seeking aid for emergency evacuation and surgical needs
Help a family flee unsafe conditions and reunite with their son in the US. Funding will go towards immigration legal assistance, hernia surgery for the mother, and a used car. L.A. based? Want to donate a car?
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The funds go directly to purchasing goods and covering distribution costs on the ground.
Ele Elna Elak is a volunteer-led initiative providing direct aid and shelter to the people of Gaza. If you wish to donate to the organization directly click here
October 2024
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Beloved Asheville is responding urgently to Hurricane Helene!
BeLoved Asheville is deeply committed to supporting our community during this time of crisis. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we are dedicating all our resources to providing essential aid to those affected.
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Content Warning: Domestic Abuse
They are not safe returning to their own home and need help! Please consider donating as she navigates employment, child care, groceries, and legal fees.