Our History
In August 2020, CANMN was formed from the merged efforts of three volunteer-run mutual aid sites in the Whittier and Uptown neighborhoods: The People’s Library Mutual Aid at MCAD, Pimento Relief Services, and Provision Community Restaurant. All three pop-up donation/distribution sites were created to address the immediate needs of underserved communities suffering from the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism, which were exacerbated after the murder of George Floyd.
Prior to the merge, the three sites collectively served an estimated 18,300 people from June-August and distributed everything we could manage: hot meals, household cleaning supplies, fresh produce, hygiene products, over the counter medicine, diapers, infant formula, baby supplies, and more.
Our Work
CANMN serves between 200-300 families each week with free food, diapers and supplies, distributing 1,000 items every distribution day. We started during the George Floyd Uprising and are one of the only mutual aid sites still in operation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to organize volunteers, redistribute resources, build mutual aid bonds with our neighbors, and ensure everyone has the means for dignified survival.
Our Vision
Our vision is to remove barriers between those giving and receiving aid, promote self-reliance, and long-term resilience in our community.
Our Values
Solidarity Not Charity. We all have needs and we are all capable of helping each other to fulfill some of these needs. Mutual aid contributes to the liberation of us all.
Autonomy. We engage in direct action as an efficient alternative to bureaucracy.
No barriers to receiving aid. We do not ask our neighbors to verify citizenship status, prove household income, or show identification. We translate communications and provide interpreters at distribution sites to increase accessibility.