My Favorite Mutual Aid Groups in Reno, NV

Hey there, this is Farmer Elena, and I wanted to share some beautiful community groups in Reno, NV that have made an impact on me, and I hope others can join in on the love! These are only a few of many groups around town, so please continue to learn about people in the community doing great work.  

In times where you’re feeling like you want to feel connected to the community, what better way to do that than grassroot organizing and coming together with folks. :) 

Hampton House Garden Project @hamptonhousegarden 

Hampton House Garden is a Black-lead community garden started by Lily Baran with the goal of learning to garden, sharing it with our neighbors, and connecting with land, water, and community. Lily loves it when folks stop by to smell the earthy soil, maybe plant a seed, and get to know a new friend! Hampton House is well known for its food pantry put together in collaboration with Biggest Little Food Pantry. Much of the food from the garden turns into yummy meals that go into the fridge for anyone who needs them, taking care of each other one meal at a time. <3 

Biggest Little Free Pantry @biggestlittlefreepantry 

Biggest Little Free Pantry was started by Claire Holden in attempt to support Reno’s issue of food insecurity and a practice of giving (where you can) and taking what you need. Folks around Reno greatly rely on these pantries and it’s a good place to put any non-perishables that you’d like to donate. There are also locations with fridges which make perishable foods available too. Follow them on Instagram, and if you’d like to start your own pantry, they’d love to help with that! 

Family Soup Mutual Aid  @familysoupmutualaid 

Every Tuesday evening at 5pm in winter and 6pm in summer at the Downtown Believe sign you will find a group of pals bringing hot home cooked food to serve anyone in need of a warm meal. Come by to be a part of supporting the community! The beautiful part of food distribution is everyone can help in some way whether it’s food, talking to folks in line, handing out hand warmers, or drawing with kiddos with chalk. They are always in need of more homecooked food made with love and more friends, of course.😊  

River Justice (Healing Waters Institute) @cornmush_girl & @numu_wanderer 

River Justice is an indigenous lead effort by Autumn and Beverly Harry in dedication to Norm Harry, Autumn’s father and Beverly’s late husband. River Justice invites folks to come, get their hands dirty and help clean up the river. Clean-ups bring attention to the waste and pollution that end up downstream into the waters of Pyramid Lake. It’s truly an experience of comradery to help the health of the river and think about how we as a community can come up with long-term solutions.

Autumn is Numu (Northern Paiute) on her paternal side and Diné (Navajo) on her maternal side.  Norm Harry was a strong advocate for the land, water, and fish deeply involved in the historic Truckee River Water Agreement that protected northern Nevada’s Pyramid Lake and fought to end toxic munitions burning at the Sierra Army Weapons Depot.    

Of the Sol / Reno Community Art Closet @ofthe.sol 

Of the Sol is a BIPOC art collective that invites Black, Indigenous, and Artists of Color to showcase the art that speaks to who they are, their experience, and the communities they come from. For many, art seems out of reach because of the cost and focus on basic needs, Of the Sol comes with the intention of making art more accessible and for people of all ages from marginalized backgrounds to see themselves in art and as capable of creating art. 

Laundry to the People 

Laundry to the People is a community run resource ran by Ilya & Rosy from The Radical Cat for those who need some help with laundry! Every Friday starting at noon community members show up to our local Mr. Bubbles laundromat and help those in need buy their loads and offer soap and dryer sheets as well. Clean clothes make us feel good, allow us to have warmth when our clothes get wet, and it makes an impact when we show up to help! Hearing people’s stories is the best part.