"We are a community-organized mutual aid group dedicated to connecting West Chester residents and building strength within our community from the bottom up. |
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What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid groups help communities care for one another while working to change political conditions. Instead of allowing individuals to rely on paychecks, charities, and government programs, mutual aid groups seek to build a network of community members who can support one another.
Types of Aid
Much of the aid we offer involves the delivery of items to your residence. However, if you do not have a permanent address or are concerned about disclosing your address, we can still help! Instead of giving a volunteer your address, you can provide the address of a meeting place such as a library or a public parking lot. Just make sure to communicate with each other about the exact time you will be meeting at that place. (If an option is starred, we are not currently offering that type of aid, we will update this as soon as they become available.)
Prepared Meals and Delivery
A volunteer will prepare a meal for you and deliver it to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you regarding any dietary restrictions and the number of people the meal should be able to feed.
Shopping Delivery (paid for by organization/volunteer)
A volunteer will pick up and deliver items such as groceries, pet supplies, school supplies, etc, and deliver them to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you for your shopping list and note any dietary restrictions. Your items will also be paid for by either a volunteer or donations made to WCMA.
Shopping Delivery (not paid for)
A volunteer will pick up and deliver items such as groceries, pet supplies, school supplies, baby supplies, etc, and deliver them to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you for your shopping list and note any dietary restrictions. The volunteer will give you all of the receipts for your items and you two can discuss how you will pay for them (cash, venmo, check).
Emotional Support
If you would like someone to talk to, someone to check in on you, or are just in need of a supportive friend, we got you! After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will put you in contact with a volunteer and the two of you can discuss from there.
Yardwork/Outdoor Chores
If you are unable to do outdoor chores, including yard work, weeding, etc, we will put you in contact with a volunteer who can. Volunteers may need to provide some or all supplies.
Transporting Items*
A volunteer will pick up and drop off items such as library books, mail, etc, for you.
Transporting People*
A volunteer will drive you to/from work, a job interview, the doctor, etc.
Proofreading/Editing Documents
If English is not your first language or you struggle with writing, a volunteer will be able to proofread and edit documents such as work resumes for you.
Prepared Meals and Delivery
A volunteer will prepare a meal for you and deliver it to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you regarding any dietary restrictions and the number of people the meal should be able to feed.
Shopping Delivery (paid for by organization/volunteer)
A volunteer will pick up and deliver items such as groceries, pet supplies, school supplies, etc, and deliver them to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you for your shopping list and note any dietary restrictions. Your items will also be paid for by either a volunteer or donations made to WCMA.
Shopping Delivery (not paid for)
A volunteer will pick up and deliver items such as groceries, pet supplies, school supplies, baby supplies, etc, and deliver them to your residence. After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will reach out to you for your shopping list and note any dietary restrictions. The volunteer will give you all of the receipts for your items and you two can discuss how you will pay for them (cash, venmo, check).
Emotional Support
If you would like someone to talk to, someone to check in on you, or are just in need of a supportive friend, we got you! After filling out our aid request form, a matcher will put you in contact with a volunteer and the two of you can discuss from there.
Yardwork/Outdoor Chores
If you are unable to do outdoor chores, including yard work, weeding, etc, we will put you in contact with a volunteer who can. Volunteers may need to provide some or all supplies.
Transporting Items*
A volunteer will pick up and drop off items such as library books, mail, etc, for you.
Transporting People*
A volunteer will drive you to/from work, a job interview, the doctor, etc.
Proofreading/Editing Documents
If English is not your first language or you struggle with writing, a volunteer will be able to proofread and edit documents such as work resumes for you.
We strive to keep all of our transactions public (while protecting our users' anonymity). Click here to see our Money Transparency Spreadsheet.
Disclaimer/Terms of Service
We are a volunteer run organization that aims to connect members of the community to offer and provide aid. We are not responsible for the screening of any of our requesters, offerors or volunteers. Mutual Aid West Chester is not responsible for the behaviors or actions of any our requesters, offerors or volunteers. Do not share the personal information of another West Chester Mutual Aid user without their specific consent. Please click here for our full disclaimer.