• Invest in Mutual Aid: mutual aid is practice of cooperation within a local community as a means of meeting the entire community’s needs. Mutual aid is already pretty common in our communities -  when we watch each other’s kids or deliver prepared meals to a grieving family. Mutual aid does not require us to be experts or have all the answers but is based on the belief that we got what we need, because we got each other. For more specifics see: Mutual Aid 101 Toolkit

• Ask for Support without Shame: If you are struggling financially, it is not your fault. It is the result of decisions made by people and institutions who value profit over people. If you need support paying rent, buying food, getting health care, transportation and other needs, seek it out, without shame. Follow the social media of the food banks and organizations in your area to find out what they're up to or if they're doing special distributions. Tell them if you're looking for diapers, feminine hygiene products, or halal food. Their responsiveness is a reflection of their client focus.

• Learn about what’s going on in your house and your ‘hood: Reach out to folks (family, friends, leaders) to learn what people need, where they are getting from and where they are being denied.

• Advocate for yourself and your neighbors: Decisions regarding evictions, access to health care, affordable housing, etc are made by elected officials on the local and federal level. Identify the needs in your community and call on local and federal officials to provide more relief.

• Join an organization/Support the organizers: Sustainable and long-lasting financial wellness for all will take organizing. There are a lot of ways to get involved from movements to reclaim housing to movements to end debt. Join an organization or support one in any way you can.

Reflection question

• What kind of resources do I need to make ends meet? What kind of resources can I offer to support others’ make ends meet?