WOODWARD MUTUAL AID

How might we provide a zero contact (covid) mutual aid hub improving the accessibility
of resource exchanges for Austin residents?

In the spring of 2020, resource networks were shut down due to Covid-19, resulting in an urgent need for access to resources, services, information, and low-contact community building and communication. Networks needed strengthening and mutual aid offered solidarity not just in response to crisis, but as a sustainable piece of the landscape beyond government sanctioned assistance.

Through research and community collaboration, The Woodward Mutual Aid Stand was born as a resource and solidarity action to build safe relationships and resource distribution during a global pandemic with sustainability goals to maintain it's functionality in post-pandemic life as well.

Located on a heavily trafficked, mixed income street, the station is adjacent to an unhoused community encampment, a university, single-family and multifamily housing, and commercial properties.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

What service/resource networks are most impacted by Covid-19 and how are people accessing and engaging?

What information/communication is being lost with social distancing and how are people accessing information?

How do people feel safest engaging with mutual aid networks during Covid-19?

RESEARCH

Cataloguing resource and services channels effected by Covid
Mobile resource distribution interviews
Mutual aid network connections and interviews
Journey mapping of individuals with limited access to resources and services
Journey mapping of individuals with access to redistribute
Surveys of residents in area

FIRST ITERATION

Small station built from wood scrapes sourced from mutual aid channels with minimal weather proofing provided by roof.
Communication through clipboard.
Some materials labeled to remain "permanent" on stand for communal/continual access and use.
Outreach conducted via flyering, signage, established networks and relationships, and social media.

Successes

Station emptied on a daily basis.
Communication consistent via clipboard and social media.
Continuous supply via community restock and donations.
Larger needs communicated and fulfilled via clipboard translated to social media and mutual aid networks.
Safe distribution of non-perishables, PPE, clothing, books, and self care items.

Pain Points

Wind, rain and sun damages and scatters supplies - need for station stability.
Intended "permanent" items rarely stay on station more than a day, including communication clipboard - need for secured lo-tech communication channels.
Donations exceed space, often spread out and cluttered around foot of stand - need for more space and organization.

SECOND ITERATION

With community input, and physical and monetary assistance, the mutual aid station was renovated to:

Three times the size to support more supplies.
House a permanent communication chalk board.
Provide breathable insulation for weather proofing.
Improve accessibility with slender, ease to open doors.
Clear doors also serving as accessible paper communications on services and community action items, and educational material.
Stone box for storing excess supplies.

A grant was acquired through Austin Mutual Aid Winter Freeze Grant to expand and maintain supplies.

Credits: Amy Shatila, Evie Shatila, Stella Shatila, Andrew, Blake, Mary, Margaret, Caleb, Ely