More About Mutual Aid
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid is collective coordination to ensure that the basic needs of all of our neighbors are met, acknowledging that our existing social support systems are not enough to meet those needs. Mutual aid is NOT new: it is the inherited wisdom of indigenous and Black communities whose survival depended on collective resource sharing. We believe that Anchorage is resource-rich, and that we are ALL healthier and lead more empowered lives when we actively care for each other.
What does MANA DO?
Mutual Aid Network of Anchorage (MANA) connects people within and among neighborhoods weave a stronger community. This means developing strong relationships within our neighborhoods, listening carefully, sharing our resources, caring for each others’ concerns, and advocating for change as we discover the often invisible injustices that impact the health and well-being of our neighbors.
What kind of aid can I request?
Here are some of the ways MANA neighbors are showing up for each other:
Giving and receiving help with groceries, medicine or other essential supplies
Eviction prevention
Transportation for appointments
Relational connection to combat isolation
Assistance navigating and advocating for social services
Handyman help & basic home repairs
Does MANA do public advocacy?
MANA works with local partners to tackle big issues that affect the health and well-being of our network neighbors, including capping interest rates on payday loans, developing a worker-owned childcare co-op, and addressing the SNAP benefits backlog. We believe that solidarity with our neighbors involves both meeting basic needs and advocating for meaningful change. We are responsive to the issues that surface in our network!
I’m in. How do I get started?
Whether you have a need, a resource/skill to share, or both, we all enter the network the same way, through the MANA Contact Form. Tell us about yourself and a volunteer from your neighborhood will be in touch soon to welcome you and update you on what your neighbors are already doing to get connected. If you have a specific need or request for aid, fill out the MANA Aid Request Form (linked after the contact form) to get matched with resources.
Can I help if I’m not in Anchorage?
The network is built with Anchorage neighborhoods in mind but there are plenty of ways to contribute to MANA if you’re not in town:
You can make a tax-deductible donation to MANA to help ensure that our neighbors stay fed, sheltered, and warm
You can provide companionship for neighbors with check-in calls and other long-distance connections
Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here? Head on over to our Contact Form and send us a message!
How has my neighborhood organized?
Each heart on the map represents an Anchorage neighborhood with MANA activity — and if there’s a neighborhood lead identified, their name will pop up too. Don’t see a neighborhood lead in your area? You might be the right fit!
Organizational Partners
The Alaska Public Interest Research Group is Alaska’s only nonpartisan nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of consumers and the public interest.
AKPIRG is MANA’s fiscal sponsor, which opens up the ability to receive grants and tax-deductible donations to help neighbors meet their basic needs.
The Alaska Center is a nonprofit that works across Alaska to sustain families, cultures, and communities while ensuring Alaskans have a voice in their future.
AKC helps MANA create neighborhood connections with its logistical expertise and experience developing volunteers.
Choosing Our Roots is a grassroots organization dedicated to connecting queer Alaskan youth and young adults with safe housing and supportive communities.
COR supports MANA by championing its values and building relationships in social service circles.