History
2019
Mutual Aid was established as a core pillar of the Coalition’s mission and programming when we founded in 2019.
2019
One of the first programs we launched in 2019 were our Community Resource Fairs. We sought to meet the needs of our neighbors by hosting events that offered opportunities for neighbors to access legal aid services, sign up for public benefits, and more. Beyond offering services and referrals, we provided free home goods, clothing, and foodstuffs. We realized the potential of these events, and they have been a staple program since 2019.
2025
The Coalition expanded our mutual aid sector through increased delivery and pop-up events with free services, clothes, books, food, and hygiene/beauty products to bring dignity to those we serve in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We believe clothes, food, transportation, good health, and housing are fundamental rights we should all be afforded. We strive to help people on a rolling basis to get what they need with our form to get financial assistance with rent, bills, groceries, and etc
Social Service Referrals:
We are conscious that the Coalition does not have the capacity or resources to serve all our neighbors, so we have developed a long list of service providers throughout Chicagoland. When neighbors request services or resources we don’t offer in-house, we provide direct connections and referrals to our partners.
Community Legacy Resource Collective:
Starting in 2022, we have been hosting a 12-week fellowship program for people impacted by criminalization, where they receive a variety of services and training to support them in the reentry process. Fellows are paid, and receive professional cannabis training, therapy services, health care advocacy, free professional clothes and fitting, legal aid services, and much more. By providing holistic wraparound resources and support, we are proud that not a single fellow was incarcerated after completing the program.