Resource Center
Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry

About the 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 gender-affirming clothing, hygeine products, and food. 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 the LGBTQ+ community.
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11am-6pm
Hours for Donation Drop-Off
Monday and Friday, 1-5pm
How You Can Help
You can help make the Closet and Pantry a sustainable part of the community by:
- Donating new or gently used clothing
- New socks and underwear, still in packaging
- Canned goods
- Non-perishable food items (pasta, rice, beans, etc.)
- Donating funds to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center
- Getting involved as a volunteer ~ please attend one of our monthly volunteer sessions
Questions?
Please reach out to Alayna Jasso (she/her) or Indigo Magenta (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