Resource Center

Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry

About the Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry

The Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry at Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (400 East Pine St #100, Seattle, WA, 98122) was started out of a need to serve the community in accessing food, hygiene products, clothing to help you affirm your gender and more. It’s located just inside the Center (to the left when you first walk in). Our pantry is open to all community members, with a specific focus on helping those in  LGBTQ+ communities.

Hours

Wednesday – Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm

How You Can Help

You can help make the Mutual Aid Closet a sustainable part of the community by donating:

  • Clean clothing
  • New socks and underwear, still in packaging*
  • Canned goods
  • Non-perishable food items (pasta, rice, beans, etc.)
  • Funds to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center

Or by getting involved as a volunteer ~ please attend one of our monthly volunteer sessions

Donations are welcome any time we are open. Please stop by the front desk for assistance.

Thank you for your support!

Questions?

Please reach out to Bean (they/them) if you do not see your question answered below.

What is mutual aid?

Mutual aid is a guiding principle for practicing recripocal exchange and collective care. It is a form of cooperation for the common good, whereby aid is provided for the good of others.

While not expected or required, by investing in the health and livelihood of members of the community, individuals are strengthened and empowered to eventually give back to the community when they are able. In this way, mutual aid naturally develops a self-reinforcing, strong network of care. 

Mutual aid differs from charity in that aid is provided without expectation, qualification, or eligibility requirements, whereas charity often has an empowered “giver” and disempowered “needer” whereby those in need may only access aid when meeting an often rigid set of requirements (e.g. sobriety, active job-seeking, or other behavior deemed “good” by the giver). Charity often reinforces the heirarchical nature of capitalism, whereas mutual aid deconstructs those power dynamics. 

Our Partners:

 

Seattle Community Fridge

They maintain and stock the refrigerator in the pantry!
Find them on Instagram or see their linktr.ee