The Mutual Aid Fund was established in March 2020 in response to COVID-19. Originally called the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, the program aimed to address the social, economic, and environmental hardships faced by community members residing in California due to the pandemic.
Aligned with abolitionist principles, the program now focuses on providing support for formerly incarcerated individuals (directly impacted) who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Support can consist of financial assistance and essential resources based on available funding.
Prison institutions have historically, and continue, to impose violence and oppression on people of color. System-impacted people are often disenfranchised from support programs due to their records; however, DPN’s Mutual Aid program works to remove that barrier; instead, we ensure that our community’s needs are being met. We put money directly into the hands of our prison-impacted community to empower and uplift them.
We are about solidarity, not charity. We hope every Mutual Aid community member feels heard and validated and joins us in the fight for abolition.
Please note: The Mutual Aid program is not an emergency assistance program. Processing of an application can take weeks to months, depending on capacity and availability of funds. If you are in urgent need of support, please consult an emergency support service.
MUTUAL AID IMPACT REPORT
We invite you to read our impact report to learn about how Mutual Aid has been serving our community since 2020.
HOW TO APPLY FOR MUTUAL AID SUPPORT
Black and Brown system-impacted members can apply for mutual aid support by completing this application form. Please note that the application closes automatically once capacity is reached. We serve on a first-apply, first-serve basis as requests for mutual aid are in very high demand. Folks can sign up to be notified by email when applications reopen here: http://eepurl.com/h1a9v1
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color)
- Must be directly impacted by incarceration and have been incarcerated in Los Angeles County
- Must be a current resident of Los Angeles County
NOTE: At this time, we do not accept application from folks residing in transitional or halfway homes. Individuals may apply Mutual Aid once per year.
MUTUAL AID CONTACT
Email: mutualaid@dignityandpowernow.org
Address: 3655 S. Grand Avenue Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Please note: There are no funds or supplies available at the DPN office. For any questions regarding the Mutual Aid program please email us at mutualaid@dignityandpowernow.org.
DONATE
If you would like to support the Mutual Aid program, please donate to Dignity and Power Now here:
Donate Now
For all individuals, organizations, and donors that are interested in providing supplies or resources to our mutual aid effort, please email mutualaid@dignityandpowernow.org
Please tell us how we’re doing using the Feedback Form.
TESTIMONIALS