Volunteer or donate to these Philadelphia mutual aid groups
A list of mutual aid groups in Philadelphia to donate to or volunteer with, including food distribution, support services, homelessness help, and more.
Philadelphia has long been a city defined by its sense of community and resilience, where neighbors come together to support one another in times of need. Across the city, a diverse network of organizations is working tirelessly to address some of the most pressing issues facing residents today. From tackling food insecurity and homelessness to providing companionship, educational support, and financial assistance, these groups play a critical role in strengthening the fabric of our city.
Despite some progress, challenges remain: poverty continues to affect nearly 30% of children and significant portions of other vulnerable populations, while unsheltered homelessness has risen sharply in recent years. These organizations step in to provide meals, housing, advocacy, and essential resources to help bridge the gaps and improve lives.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time, donate funds, or contribute in other ways, there are countless opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Here’s a guide to some of the incredible local organizations making an impact in Philadelphia and how you can support their efforts.
Food pantries, drives, and community fridges
There are more than two dozen community fridges actively serving Philly neighborhoods. Stocked with donations of fresh foods, the fridges help feed those who might not have regular access to (or cannot afford) traditional grocers. Some carry refrigerators and freezers, while others are simply dry food pantries.
The People’s Fridge: Provides fresh food donations through community fridges located across the city. To volunteer or donate: thepeoplesfridge.org/get-involved.
Mama Tee Philly: Offers food through community fridges and relies on donations and volunteers to operate. To volunteer or donate: mamateefridge.com/volunteer.
Germantown Community Fridge: Supports the Germantown area with fresh food donations and mutual aid efforts. To volunteer or donate: germantowncommunityfridge.com/get-involved.
South Philadelphia Community Fridge: Operates fridges and pantries to serve South Philly residents in need. To volunteer or donate: southphillyfridge.com/take-action.
Coral Street Fridge: Provides food to the community through fridges and pantry services in the Kensington area. To volunteer or donate: coralstreetfridge.com/get-involved.
Since 2020, Double Trellis has prepared more than 100,000 quality meals for West Philadelphia residents. Volunteers are needed for cooking, kitchen support, grant writing, and administrative assistance.
To volunteer or donate: doubletrellis.org/get-involved.
Care, support, and companionship
This national nonprofit connects healthcare students with hospitalized children and isolated seniors. The Penn chapter works with local hospitals and offers programs like the Senior Buddy Program to help combat loneliness and provide companionship.
To volunteer: Sign up for volunteer opportunities at students-care.org/get-involved. To donate: Send money via Venmo: @students-care; mail checks made out to “StudentsCare” to 10840 SW. 113th Pl., Miami, Fla. 33176; or donate online.
The Philadelphia chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities provides critical support for families navigating their children’s medical journeys, offering them a home away from home during challenging times. Volunteers can engage in long-term roles, such as assisting with culinary food service, maintaining the facilities, or providing administrative support. For those seeking short-term opportunities, the organization welcomes contributions of $500 or $1,000 to cover ingredient costs, as well as hands-on help with preparing meals, cleaning, organizing spaces, or participating in special events. Every effort helps ease the burden for families when they need it most.
To volunteer: Fill out the online application. To donate: Visit the donation link for Ronald McDonald House programs and camp.
Philadelphia Community Bail Fund advocates for the end of cash bail and provides financial assistance to residents who cannot afford to pay. Donations currently support the Youth Holiday Bail Out, which helps release children from pretrial detention during the holiday season.
To donate: Visit the donation link at phillybailout.allyrafundraising.com.
Supporting first-generation and low-income college students is the Collective Success Network’s mission. It offers mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities. Volunteers can mentor students, take leadership roles, or assist with fundraising.
To volunteer: Fill out the online application. To donate: Mail checks made out to “UAC/The Collective Success Network” to 1818 Bethlehem Pike, P.O. Box 623, Flourtown, Pa. 19031, or donate online.
This organization supports older Philadelphians by providing meal assistance and food deliveries. Volunteers can help make deliveries to local adults or help in the warehouse where they store meals and other supplies.
To volunteer or donate: northwestmutualaidcollective.org/volunteerwithus.
Homelessness
Formerly Broad Street Ministry, this organization is a hub for those experiencing homelessness, offering meals, hygiene facilities, mail services, and legal and medical aid. Volunteers are essential for meal service and other support roles.
To volunteer: broadstreetlove.org/volunteer. To donate: broadstreetlove.org/donate.
Led by Roz Pichardo, a renowned harm-reduction advocate, this organization provides food, harm prevention services, and social spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
To volunteer: Call 856-745-6045 or email operationsaveourcity@gmail.com. To donate: Visit the donation link at operationsaveourcity.org.
Prevention Point Philadelphia has been on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS prevention, public health crises, and addressing homelessness in Kensington for more than 30 years. Volunteers and donations are needed with daily outreach, weekly food drives, community clean-ups, and much more.
To volunteer: ppponline.org/services/cevs. To donate: ppponline.org/donate.
Philly Unknown has been serving the Kensington and wider Philadelphia community for years through its community garden, transitional housing, food drives, and more.
To volunteer: Contact Philly Unknown at PhillyUnknownProject@gmail.com. To donate: Visit the donation link at phillyunknownproject.org.