By Regina Mazur

For more than two years, the mission of Ward 6 Mutual Aid has remained the same:  providing Black and Brown youth and families with the resources that others in DC may already have, and whether it’s after-school enrichment and tutoring programs, or lifesaving work, Ward 6 Mutual Aid has been instrumental in keeping our community safe and providing our neighbors with food and supplies. A partnership between the Christ United Methodist Church and the Southwest Pod of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) as well as their collective work with Black and Brown grassroots organizations have proven to be an incredible contribution to this cause. 

SYC/W6MA continuously seeks different ways to assist the community by leading different projects throughout the year.  Events such as food distributions, and clothing drives are just a small part of the actions that SYC/W6MA undertakes to help the community. The Southwest Pod is incredibly grateful for the donations and support that they continue to receive.

The Third Annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash was a success! But there’s still much more work to do: 

With the help of our dedicated supporters and community partners, the third annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash at Audi Field was a huge success, providing over 1,500 backpacks and 500 digital devices to Black and Brown students in mostly Wards 5-8! In partnership with the D.C. United Foundation and sponsored by several great community organizations (including the Capital Yacht Club Community Chest), we threw a great party on August 27 at Audi Field full of families, fun, and food to celebrate the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Thank you for standing in solidarity with our mission to ensure Black and Brown DC youth have access to the tools and resources necessary to succeed this school year.  The Bash is still going! You have until Friday, September 23, to support even more Black and Brown youth this school year. Visit serveyourcitydc.org/b2sb for more information and to contribute to keeping the work going! 

Interested in ways to help?

SYC/W6MA continues to collect non-perishable foods, toiletries, and household cleaning items on Wednesdays and Fridays 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church’s back courtyard gate (900 4th Street Southwest: entrance near library). 

This Month’s Donation Needs: 

  • Food: instant coffee, tuna, soup, breakfast bars, pasta noodles, Ensure, salt, pepper, sugar.
  • Cleaning: dish soap, spray disinfectant
  • Household: new or gently used bed sheets (twin, full, and queen); bath towels; hand towels; kitchen towels; lightweight plates, bowls, cups/glasses, and silverware
  • Personal Hygiene: deodorant, mouthwash

You can find the SYC/W6MA table at the Southwest Farmers Market every Saturday of the month (weather permitting). Donations of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products are accepted and help to provide a healthy selection of food. Please stop by to say hi and donate. 

Food Distribution takes place at Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) at 900 4th St SW.  On the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. CUMC gives out groceries, paper products, and cleaning supplies. SYC/W6MA gives out fresh produce, eggs, and bread every Saturday at the same time and location.  If you need additional support with food and supplies, please call the Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683- 9962 or email  ward6mutualaid@gmail.com

Want to Learn More or Get Involved? We need more people to help with the food distribution on Saturdays. Please contact us for more information at  swmutualaid@serveyourcity.org

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