A Running List of Places to Get or Give Aid in New York, Texas & California Right Now

By  Marcus Correa

Anita Davila hands out meals for students at Oak Park-River Forest high school who are in the free or reduced lunch program or who are in need on March 20, 2020 in Oak Park,Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Anita Davila hands out meals for students at Oak Park-River Forest high school who are in the free or reduced lunch program or who are in need on March 20, 2020 in Oak Park,Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Amidst the pandemonium surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, many local businesses and organizations have decided to step up to the plate to help communities in need. From food to finances and everything in between, these contributions to humanity are a ray of light in an otherwise dark time in our world. 

With so much going on, it can be easy for resources and action plans to get drowned out in the larger 24-hour news cycle. In an effort to help, we have compiled a running list of aid available to those in need from within Latinx communities nationwide. See below for the many local efforts put in place to seek help as well as contribute to specific causes. Click through to page two for Texas and page three for Califonia:

NEW YORK

NYC food bank is offering free meals and pantry bags for those in need during the Covid-19 crisis.

How to receive aid: The foodbank has pickup points across the city, to find the pick up closest you see a list of locations here.

How to give aid: The food bank has provided three options for those looking to give back:

1) Volunteer for meal prep and packing. For more info click here.

2) Donate financial contributions for supplies here.

3) Advocate by sharing posts and info surrounding the food bank’s efforts.

Farine Baking Company in Jackson Heights, Queens

Farine Baking Company is a local bakery and grocery in Jackson Heights. They are currently offering free no questions asked meals for those in need in the community.

How to receive aid: To receive aid simply head to the bakery at 74-24 37th Ave in Jackson Heights between store hours of 11 am and 7 pm.

How to give aid: To contribute to the cost of supplies please donate to the bakery’s gofundme account here.

Free Food Delivery Service in Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan & Harlem

Remy Holwick is a NYC based creative who has created a network of pick up and delivery meals across NYC.

How to receive aid: DM the IG page above to figure out what method of food service works best for you.

How to give aid: DM her to see what food items/ supplies she needs at this time.

 

Free Food Pick Up From in Harlem & the Bronx from My Red Rabbit

My Red Rabbit is a catering service focused on providing healthy and affordable meals in New York’s uptown community.

How to receive aid: Red Rabbit posts pick up locations daily to find out the nearest pick up available to you visit their IG here.

How to give aid: To help out view their work with us page here.

 

Free Delivery Service for the Greater NYC Area

https://www.instagram.com/p/B95BkNEgxt5/

Corona Courier is a free delivery service that handles most tasks and supplies for those in need throughout the greater NYC area.

How to receive aid: To let them know your needs please reach via phone or email here.

How to give aid: To offer help please e-mail coronacourier@protonmail.com.

Fund for minority-owned businesses

https://www.instagram.com/p/B94T-ulg5Is/?igshid=lmeqtbcs2fre

Launched by fashion designer Kirby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss, Want to Help Your Friends NYC is a fund for minority-owned and operated small businesses to help with payroll or operational costs within NYC.

How to receive aid: For consideration of the grant email wanttohelp@yourfriendsin.nyc

How to give aid: Please share the post with any friends or businesses in need link to info here.

TEXAS

How to receive aid: Check their food assistance page in order to find locations and programs best suited for you.

How to give aid: The food bank is currently hiring those recently laid off or out of work to help with distribution efforts, to see how you can help check their COVID-19 response page.

Periods ATX

Periods ATX is an organization promoting menstrual hygiene in the Austin, TX area. Whether you are unable to purchase menstrual products due to excessive hoarding by others or a lack of funds, they will help provide you during this crisis.

How to receive aid: DM them directly through their IG page.

How to give aid: Please share the link with friends in need within the Austin Area.

Emergency Relief for Sex Workers of Color ATX

https://www.instagram.com/p/B94rL1jJMdG/

SWOP ATX created an emergency fund for sex workers currently affected by the crisis, including grants and food.

How to receive aid: To apply for help please fill out SWOP’s online form or call 512-387-0037 for assistance. 

How to give aid: To help with financial and meal assistance donate to the SWOP ATX gofundme page.

Free Meals for Senior Citizens in San Antonio, TX

Local restaurant owner and TV chef Tatu Herrera is preparing and delivering meals for senior citizens in need in San Antonio, Texas.

How to receive aid: Please DM Folklores Coffee House directly with your address and family size.

How to give aid: For those who wish to help you can donate to Chef Herreras cause via cash app here.

Meals on Wheels San Antonio

Meals on Wheels San Antonio announced that they will remain open during the pandemic to provide meals to the elderly.

How to receive aid: Check out their referral page for contact info regarding aid.

How to give aid: To help out either apply to volunteer or to donate.

Emergency Fund for Culinary Industry Workers

Culinaria is a non-profit organization located in San Antonio, committed to building a culinary community within the city.  They have put together an emergency fund for industry workers currently out of work due to the pandemic.

How to receive aid: Call for 210-822-9555 for assistance if you are an industry worker who has been affected.

How to give aid: Donate to their emergency fund here.

CALIFORNIA

Al Otro Lado is a non-profit that provides free legal aid + representation for deportees, refugees + separated families in L.A., San Diego and Tijuana. Their guide is meant to shed light on often overlooked communities during crisis.

How to receive aid: To receive aid please contact them via their home page here.

How to give aid: Follow the instructions above.

 

Free and Reduced Healthy Foods to the Greater LA Area

https://www.instagram.com/p/B92QLqBAS-T/

 

Everytable has turned all their locations into pick-up only and opened up a hotline for those in need to call in and request delivery.

How to receive aid: Visit the Everytable website to view locations or call their hotline at (323) 458 – 6487 to request a delivery or special order.

How to give aid: Pay forward a meal for someone else via their contribute page here.

CA Drivers Crisis Resources Page

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

California’s rideshare worker community is one of the largest in the country. With many out of work, Drivers United has created a resource page for workers.

How to receive aid: Head to the resource page on their website and follow the steps to access benefits.

How to give aid: Please share with friends and family who work within the rideshare industry.

Birthline San Diego Diaper & Supply Pick Up

Birthline is a pregnancy and family support center where families who are facing challenges can receive hope, resources and basic necessities in a confidential environment. While their office is closed at the moment, those in need can still arrange to pick up of diapers, wipes, food and more.

How to receive aid: Walk-ins are welcome but given the circumstances, it is suggested that you call ahead to either their Chula Vista location: (619) 425-5012 or their Clairmont location: (858) 270-2491

How to give aid: To donate to Birthline’s efforts contribute to their Paypal fund here.

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