Due to recent current events, many are worried about their livelihoods, ability to support themselves and their ability to simply exist as a minority identity in this country. Scientists, patients and health care workers are not exempt from these devastating new policy changes. It is easy to feel hopeless or like there is nothing you can do — but times like these are when it is most important to reach out to your community. Mutual aid organizations are a great way to give or seek out much-needed support. Here are several organizations that may help connect you with your community in Baltimore.
For those facing food insecurity:
The Maryland Food Bank allows you to look up nearby places distributing food based on ZIP code, including the location and times. Their website offers educational resources for those looking to learn more about the local impact of food insecurity. They are also accepting volunteers, including those looking to volunteer as a group!
Community fridges provide ready-made meals for those in need to stop by at their own convenience. There are several throughout Baltimore. It is a great place to find a meal when other resources may not be open or serving. It also offers a way to reduce food waste by putting your post-catering or post-party leftovers to good use! (Just remember to portion out the food, and label with what it is and the date.) Community fridge locations that are currently open are:
- Fells Point Fridge: 315 S. Durham St., 21231
- Govans Fridge: York Road and Notre Dame Lane, 21212 (behind the Loyola building)
- Patterson Park Fridge: 123 N. Linwood Ave., 21224
- Waverly Fridge: inside of Red Emma’s at 3128 Greenmount Ave., 21218
- Falls Road Free Pantry: 4248½ Falls Road, 21211
- Community Pet Pantry: 800 S. Ellwood, 21224
Baltimore Food Not Bombs serves homemade, vegan meals to those in need. Want to help contribute? They cook in St. Luke’s Church in Hampden every Saturday through Monday morning and early afternoon. In need of food? Freshly cooked meals are served at Laurens St./N. Fremont Avenue around 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Mondays. On Sundays, meals are served around 3–4:30 p.m. at Pennsylvania Avenue/North Avenue See the hyperlink for more specific details.
The Food Security Coalition provides a food pantry to all Hopkins affiliates. They are always in need of more volunteers and happy to provide food for those in need. They open their pantry located at 615 N. Wolfe St., Suite W1600 on Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m.
For those looking to become more self-sufficient, seed libraries are a great option to grow your own food! The Northwood Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library offers a seed library as a part of the Pratt Test Kitchen program. GroGive also recently opened their own seed library in The Avenue Market at 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. Be sure to collect the new seeds from what you grow to help restock the free seed libraries!
For those seeking immigration-related resources:
The Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition is a great resource for immigrants to find support. They host biweekly briefings to keep advocates, legal professionals and immigrants up to date and informed about the latest policy developments. Furthermore, they host workshops and trainings to educate community members on how they can protect and support themselves or their neighbors. If you want to further help support your local immigrant community, check out their Get Involved page with a list of local organizations in need of volunteers.
For those facing houselessness:
Project PLASE has been helping empower People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment in Baltimore for decades. Their services include a food pantry, free clothing, case management, temporary housing and permanent housing — working to connect those in need with the necessary resources.
Paul’s Place in Pigtown is another organization dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in Baltimore. Their programs include lunches on Monday–Friday, health and wellness services, peer recovery, family services, workforce development and case management. Get involved by signing up for one- to three-hour sessions to serve meals, sort donated clothing, assist in career preparations and more!
For LGBTQ+ folks seeking support:
Baltimore Safe Haven is a trans-led wellness drop-in center in Station North for local LGBTQIA+ individuals looking for community, support or resources. Their goal is to not only help local queer folks survive but also thrive in Baltimore. Some of their programs aim to provide safe and affirming housing, address food insecurity, support transition, prevent violence, foster economic independence and promote community awareness.
The Pride Center of Maryland offers programs for the LGBTQIA+ community, including youth, adults, seniors and families! Their services include mental health counseling, physical health services, support groups, education and helping queer folks access resources. If you drop by their center in Baltimore’s Station North neighborhood, you can use their computer lab, free store and library! Those looking to volunteer at Pride Center of Maryland can help with community outreach, health fairs and community tabling, event planning and more.
For those looking to get involved in environmental efforts:
Trash Free Maryland advocates for improved regulations that protect Maryland’s environment. They emphasize producer responsibility to reduce plastic pollutants. Every several months, they host cleanups within the city. Not only does participating in these cleanups help them collect data to support their policy efforts, but they usually offer volunteers free drink vouchers to use at local breweries. It’s a win-win!
Blue Water Baltimore is a local organization that advocates for protecting and restoring the land and water within the city. Additionally, they lead tree-planting events and trash cleanups around the city. Those interested in volunteering can choose from one-time, yearlong and group opportunities.
Maryland Magnet Fishing Club hosts weekly meetups to clean up the Baltimore Harbor. They meet every Thursday from 6–8 p.m. at the Bond Street Pier in Fells Point, using magnets to pull out trash thrown into the water.
Looking for a place to meet like-minded individuals with an interest in mutual aid? Check out one of Baltimore’s favorite local bookstores: Red Emma’s in Waverly. This is not any old bookstore — Red Emma’s hosts a regular variety of conversations, workshops, classes and other community-building events.
Communities are strongest when they come together to support each other, leading to benefits for both those seeking aid and those providing a helping hand. Whether you are in need of help or looking to support others in your community, I hope this offers a good starting point. This is by no means a cumulative list of all the resources that Baltimore has to offer. Feel free to comment with any other local mutual aid organizations that deserve a shoutout.
I will leave you with a quote that helps me feel grounded in these overwhelming times:
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”
–Jana Stanfield
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