When formal systems stop working, neighbors turn to 'mutual aid'

Key takeaways:

Woman raises money to stock community fridges in NYC and Atlanta.

Mutual aid emphasizes solidarity, low barriers, and local volunteerism .

Interest spikes during crises like pandemics or economic uncertainty.

Groups like Collective Focus provide food , clothes, and household items to communities.

NEW YORK — “Times are tough. We take care of us.”

In early November, Kashish Ali posted those words to her Instagram story as part of a yearslong practice she’s had to fundraise for food and drop it off at community fridges in Atlanta, where she’s from, and now in New York, where she lives. Ali, who is 32 and a first generation Pakistani immigrant, estimated that her friends and family have trusted her with thousands of dollars over the past couple of years.

For her,