Financial solidarity, the practice of direct fundraising for individuals in need in our community, has always been a huge part of STL Mutual Aid. Unfortunately, over the last few years, our monthly donations into the STL Mutual Aid Fund have steadily decreased while the need for urgent funds has remained extremely high, with our waitlist still totaling over 500 people. We know this is due to a number of factors, including people’s decreasing ability to give due to their own circumstances, increased costs of living, and a systemic lack of available local, state and national resources. 

Due to this reality, we have decided to pause the mutual aid fund and stop distributing funds directly to individuals. Instead, we will continue to crowdfund for individuals through our platforms and encourage people to donate directly to people in need of support through this spreadsheet. We believe this is more in the spirit of mutual aid, and is also more practical and much quicker for people who are needing urgent assistance. Anyone who wishes to add themselves to the spreadsheet can do so through this form, and anyone who gives to someone else on the spreadsheet can record their contribution through this form. 

What does this mean for people on our waiting list? 

Your name will still be on our waiting list, and in the event that we do get more funds we will continue to reach out and notify you. In the meantime, we encourage you to add yourself to the spreadsheet and let us know if you would like us to share your information through our platforms. 

What does this mean for donors? 

If you choose to give to STL Mutual Aid, your donations will be used to sustain our network and our community building efforts. If you would like to contribute to supporting individuals, we ask that you do so by giving to them directly instead of to the STL Mutual Aid Fund. If you would still like to make a major contribution (over $5,000) to support individuals, please reach out to us at stlcovidaid@gmail.com and we can work with you to distribute funds to people on our waiting list. 

We know that times are hard for everyone, and we will continue to do what we can to love and support each other. 

In community,

STL Mutual Aid