Photo courtesy Triiibe Foundation
Nobody knows how to serve a community better than other community members. Mutual aid is one of the most effective ways to get people the help they need in difficult times. As institutions can fail and people can fall through the cracks, community aid groups are here to ensure everyone is getting the help and resources they need. If you’re looking for support in these uneasy times, seek out some of the city’s mutual aid groups.
Co-founded by musician Siri Imani, Triiibe self-describes its mission as “[Providing] positive representation to urban culture through growth, community, and creativity.” In addition to uplifting local artists and musicians, the foundation runs programs to aid food insecurity and homelessness.
The last Sunday of each month, Triiibe hosts Potluck 4 The People at Piatt Park. In addition to serving food, this volunteer-run event distributes hygiene products, clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, and whatever else will help the unhoused and displaced members of the community. Triiibe also has an downtown community garden with regular youth gardening programs and seed exchanges. You can join the organization as an individual or as a business, school, or restaurant to provide time, money, and/or goods and services.
The Cincinnati branch of the Food Not Bombs organization distributes food and other necessities to those in need while advocating with nonviolent direct action for peace and change. FNB also functions as a food rescue group, taking and using unsold produce. If you want to catch one of their regular events, they serve a free vegetarian and vegan meal at Piatt park at 1 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.
If you wish to help out FNB, the organization hosts benefit shows, clothing drives, and other volunteer activities. Their next event will be a community potluck on November 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boxelder Community Room. In addition to a vegetarian/vegan dish, the group is requesting attendees bring cold weather items to donate like coats, hats, waterproof gloves, winter boots, and tents.
Coalition for Community Safety
CCS is one of the biggest harm reduction groups in the city and focuses on health and drug safety. They can often be spotted at community events and concerts handing out free narcan, fentanyl test strips, clean needles, and first aid gear. Members also provide hot meals, clothes, water, menstrual products, and more to people living on the street.
Over the last four years they’ve distributed over 20,000 meals, 20,000 narcans, 20,000 fentanyl strips, 40,000 syringes, and 40,000 menstrual products to the people of Cincinnati. The Coalition for Community Safety also performs street medic services, outreach programs for the unhoused, and regular free narcan training courses. In addition to donating monetarily, you can help CCS by purchasing products from their Amazon wish list.
With the livelihoods of trans individuals and especially trans youth in the balance, it’s more important than ever for them to have a safe place to be themselves and be uplifted by their community. Transform began as a free closet where trans youth could get gender-affirming wardrobes provided by donations. While they still run that successful closet, Transform has grown and expanded with regular community programming for people of all ages. At the Transform House there are movie nights, game nights, D&D parties, and more for trans and queer individuals to socialize in a safe environment. Weekly support groups are also held at the house for both individuals and families.
Transform is always seeking volunteers and accepting donations of both money and clothes. Make sure you check the group’s list to see what kind of items they’re looking for at the moment. They will be hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance from 6 to 10 p.m. on November 20 with free dinner, performances by Siri Imani and DJ Boywife, an open mic, and private storytelling.
Short for Churches Active in Northside, this organization dedicated to fighting poverty has been a fixture of the community since 1991. CAIN is primarily known for their food assistance programs. At their food pantry, people from all zip codes can choose the items they want, including fresh produce. Hot meals are also served up regularly— every Monday at 3:30 p.m. is the Phil’s Place Community Meal and the Peace Potluck is held every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Annette’s House. They also make snack packs, senior food boxes, and have a free community fridge.
CAIN also fights poverty and homelessness with their rent and utilities assistance program. Any residents of Northside who may be struggling to make end meet can apply. In 2023, the organization started the Poverty Liberation Collective, a group that utilizes advocacy and activism to fight poverty at a systemic level. CAIN is always accepting volunteers, monetary contributions, and resource donations.
Facebook Comments