Collective COVID-19 Efforts and Community Support in Richmond, VA

Because We're Better Together
WHO ARE WE?
We are a solidarity network of community members and organizations working together in Richmond, Virginia to help each other.
Mutual Aid Distribution Richmond (MAD RVA) or Richmond Mutual Aid aims to create a support system in response to COVID-19 and the effects it has had on Richmonders, including supply shortage, job losses, and long-term quarantine. We operate collectively and primarily work to redistribute food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and other vital goods. We also have a mini-grants program and are developing other supports, forming partnerships across community, and demanding policy shifts towards equity and social justice while navigating the undetermined timeline of effects on our community.
Use this site to become a part of the network: receive supplies and financial support, offer your goods and services, donate needed items and funds, and dedicate your time to community mutual aid.
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With love and solidarity, MAD RVA.
REQUEST, DONATE,
OR JOIN US

REQUEST SUPPLIES OR
A MINI-GRANT
MAD RVA is not currently taking requests for delivery of supplies and food, but will resume deliveries in the future. Please come see us at Meadowbridge Community Market instead! Meadowbridge Community Market is a free grocery and supply store located in Northside. It is a place for all people, because everyone deserves free and easy access to food and other basic needs. We do not require any identification, proof of income, or personal information for someone to be able to shop. We encourage folks to take only what they need from the store and share what they have with others when they can. Please see below for hours and address. We have also developed this food and clothing resource list for folks to find other help in Richmond: bit.ly/mad-food-resource-list. Feel free to send us an email with any questions at richmondmutualaid@protonmail.com.
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Meadowbridge Community Market is open on Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM! We are closed on Tuesdays now for the foreseeable future due to lack of funds, but aim to open on Tuesdays again once we raise more money. We will be closed on 9/2 as well.
Address: 3613 Meadowbridge Road
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MAD RVA also offers direct financial assistance through our mini-grants program.
Mini-grants are $200 and can be used for anything. We prioritize marginalized and vulnerable groups. Each person is eligible for two grants per year. Applications are accepted on the set dates below and will close once we reach 50 applications. The link to the application is below or if you'd like to fill out an application on the phone or have any questions, call or text 804-362-0624 and a volunteer will get in touch with you. Filling out an application does not automatically mean it is approved. Please expect to be contacted about approval. If you are approved, the mini-grant will take up to 5 weeks to send. We offer mailed checks, cash delivery, or payment via Venmo. Any application received after that months cycle and before the new cycle opens will not be considered.
2023 Mini-Grant Open Application Dates:
April 14th
May 14th
July 14th
August 14th
October 14th
November 14th

DONATE SUPPLIES OR FUNDS
We operate our services through community connection and support. If you have resources to give your neighbors, you can donate vital supplies currently needed or give funds to help us get those things. Please review the list of items we are accepting and info on how to donate items below. We are also raising funds to ensure our sustainability and encourage folks to become monthly sustainers if they are able to. See below for ways to donate funds!
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SUPPLY WISH LIST
Please note! All items must be new or unused. We do not accept clothing donations or any item not listed here. We do not accept cloth or surgical masks as they are not as effective.
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CONSISTENT NEEDS:
Clean paper bags
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD:
Cans: fruits, meats, vegetables, beans, soups, pastas, chilis
Dry goods: rice, beans, pasta, flour, sugar
Snacks: granola/chewy bars, applesauce, chips, popcorn, cookies, nuts, etc.
Pantry staples: cooking oil, spices, condiments, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal, cereal, juice, ramen, pasta/rice sides, boxed mac and cheese, mashed potatoes
PERISHABLE FOOD:
Produce: any! potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, oranges, and other fruits are extra helpful
Dairy: cheese, milk, eggs, butter, yogurt
Meats: any! bacon, hotdogs, sliced deli meat, ground turkey, ground beef, and chicken products are extra helpful
Plant-based alternatives: soy or nut milk, tofu, tempeh, vegan cheese, etc.
Frozen foods: any! frozen meats and meals are extra helpful
CLEANING:
All-purpose cleaning spray, disinfectant wipes, dish soap, hand soap, sponges, bleach, kitchen trash bags, paper towels, laundry pods or liquid detergent, dishwasher pods
HYGIENE:
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (liquid or bar), body lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes for kids and adults, mouthwash, deodorant, toilet paper (individually wrapped preferred), menstrual products, adult diapers and bladder control pads
FIRST AID & PPE:
First aid kits or wound care items (bandages, dressings, alcohol wipes, rubbing alcohol, ointments), OTC pain relievers and cold/flu medicine, N95/KN95/KF94 masks for adults and kids, hand sanitizer, rapid COVID tests
BABY:
diapers and pull ups, wipes, formula, hygiene items (shampoo, body wash, lotion, oil, powder, cream), bottles and nipples
SUPPLY DROP-OFF INFO
Material donations will be accepted at our backyard gate during store open hours and by appointment via email. Please wear a mask when dropping off donations. All items will be inspected by our volunteers first, no junk or trash please! Do not leave any donations outside of the building - this creates extra work that we don't have the capacity for. Check our Instagram story (@mad_rva) or send us an email for any updates.
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BUILDING ADDRESS:
3613 Meadowbridge Road
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DONATION HOURS:
Saturdays 10am-4pm
Or by appointment via email!
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DONATE $$$
Venmo - @RichmondMutualAid
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BECOME A MONTHLY SUSTAINER:
Meadowbridge Community Market: Givebutter - /MeadowbridgeCommunityMarket
Mini-grants: Patreon - /RvaMiniGrants
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You can also donate funds using a credit or debit card by clicking the link below:

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
MAD RVA runs on the work of community members acting in solidarity with each other. Roles may include helping at the store during open hours, shopping for items, stocking items, driving deliveries, and cleaning the space. We also need people with skills of all kinds; including graphic design, fundraising and grant writing, accounting, outreach, training, media and communications, and anything in between. Mutual aid is everyone together! We are currently finalizing a new onboarding process for folks to become involved with us. Fill out the volunteer interest form below to get started! We will reach out as soon as we can. Got questions? Email us at richmondmutualaid@protonmail.com
RESOURCES
Links for further local involvement and information.
MUTUAL AID:
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A RENT STRIKE PETITION BY THE TENANTS UNION in RICHMOND, VA
If you have questions about canceling your rent
COVID-19 tenant organizing guide
Communal living and COVID-Staythefuckhome movement
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RICHMOND AND U.S. AID FOR YOU:
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks
Support for queer and trans folks
Financial assistance for Virginia workers
Sign up if you are an affected service worker in Richmond
Feedmore org that serves folks in Central VA
Sign up for a raised bed or to be connected to a community garden by Beautiful RVA
Mutual aid needs sign up by AVERT for Richmond VA
Request support if you are undocumented
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HELP THESE FUNDS OUT:
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GoFundMe to support Undocumented Families
Donate to Richmond restaurant workers fund
Donate to Richmond service workers fund
Donate to COVID-19 emergency relief
Meal train for Jackson Ward Youth Peace Team
Mutual aid volunteer sign up by AVERT for Richmond, VA
HOW TO:
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How to take on and take off a mask
How to care for your mental health in uncertainty
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SAFE PRACTICES:
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Safer drug use during COVID-19
For syringe services/harm redux workers
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SOCIAL JUSTICE WORK:
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Justice collaborative emergency response for Prisons
Beyond Prisons - a short guide to care for prisoners
Know your rights during COVID-19
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LOCAL COUNSELING:
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EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING:
Protocols of delivering aid, disinfecting, dispatch etc. by Queercare
Coronavirus: Wisdom From a Social Justice Lens
Half-Assed Disabled Prepper Tips
The Cranky Queer: Guide to Chronic Illness
Preparation for and Dealing With COVIS-19
Mapping access in the times of COVID-19
COVID-19 Plan for Folks With Neuromuscular Disabilities
Mental Health and COVID-19 - University of Nevada
Mental Health Considerations - World Health Organization
Guided Meditation and Mindfulness
Digital Counseling Relaxation Room
Resource hub for COVID-19 by Equality Virginia
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CALISTHETICS:
A Beginner's Guid to Calisthetics
YOGA:
Free Yoga Videos
Do Yoga With Me
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HOME WORK OUTS:
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TIPS TO WORK FROM HOME:
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ADHD Specific Tips for Working From Home
Twitter Tips for Working From Home With ADHD
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RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN:
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Free Resources Online for Children
101 Things to do for Kids in Isolation
Fun Things to do With Kids at Home
Free Printable Autism Education Tips
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HANGING OUT TOGETHER:
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Watch Videos Together in Real Time
Unhangout- Open-source online platform for virtual gatherings
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CONTACT US
Have additional questions for us? Fill out the form to ask us via email.