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On this day so focused on the love between individuals, today we are reflecting instead on the revolutionary power of love in community and our opportunity to manifest that love through mutual aid.
We’re reading bell hooks’ essay “Love as the Practice of Freedom” and her conversation with Thich Nhat Hanh on building a community of love. We’re also reflecting on radical self-love and the way all of these practices can nourish our work.
We are putting these values into practice today too. Volunteers are running a Community Love Valentine’s Day Shift today to catch up on requests for support from neighbors. If you’re not part of today’s shift but want to be support the effort, donate in honor of community love today.
More info is below about what we’ve been up to lately, resources you can use, and ways to get involved.
Stay healthy and stay safe this week. In solidarity,
Ward 4 Mutual Aid
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Yesterday’s freezing rain didn’t stop us from being out for our regular time distributing tents, thermals, and other supplies for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Find us on Georgia Avenue NW at Taylor Street every Saturday afternoon.
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Redistribute your stimulus
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As of today we’ve supported more than 100 neighbors with stimulus check redistribution. That’s incredible.
If you received a stimulus check and would like to contribute it to a neighbor who needs it, fill out this form and our stimulus team will connect with you:
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- DC Water Wants To Help Pay Your Rent
“A new program provides assistance for renters in multi-unit apartment or condo buildings affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, who make less than 80% of the area median income. More information »
- How To Access Local Officials’ Constituent Services Funds
“Need help with rent? Overdue utility bills? Got a typewriter that needs repairs? All of these goods and services are only a phone call away…Although you might have to jump through some hoops, here are the seven local elected officials who keep constituent funds and how to hit them up for a check.” Learn more »
- Washington Area Fuel Fund now open
“Since 1983, WAFF has distributed nearly $29 million to help 300,000 local homes keep their heat on while they get back on their feet. On average, WAFF helps between 7,000 and 8,000 families in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.” Learn more »
- Get help with CARES funding
If you have lost income due to COVID but are excluded from unemployment or the federal stimulus, the new DC CARES fund is distributing $1,000 payments just for you. Sign up and learn more: http://dccares2021.org. Need assistance applying? Our allies at Many Languages, One Voice (MLOV) are available to help. Call 202-332-1264 and ask for Jairo.
- Gentrification as Public Policy: Business Improvement Districts, Displacement and Development in DC
“Join Serve Your City, Current Movements, Empower DC and SWDC Action for this second series event on gentrification, public policy, and BIDs.” February 17, from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Register »
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Valentines Day reasons to become a monthly donor
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Roses are red
Mutual aid is a force
Monthly donors make us
A dependable resource
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Ward 4 Helpline:
Text or call (202) 681-3098. Se habla Español.
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Groceries and supplies are available for anyone on Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Saturdays from 12-2pm at Brightwood Park United Methodist Church, 744 Jefferson St. NW. No appointment or signup needed.
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