Southside 19th Ward Mutual Aid – Free Store 11109 S Longwood

On the southwest side, 19th Ward Mutual Aid group formed. This is due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic followed up by the global economic downturn. The purpose of the group is to collectively help one another; neighbors helping neighbors. Though the group’s name may indicate just the 19th Ward (Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park, and Beverly), all people’s needs will be addressed.

Free Store
Since late May we have partnered with the non-profits Turpin Cares and Beverly Area Planning Association to host the distribution of first aid hygiene products. We also distribute handmade masks by the group Nice Chicks with Sewing Machines. Every week, no questions asked. The Free Store is located at BAPA 11109 south Longwood. To date we have distributed well over 3,000 items to 150 families in a month and a half. We do not believe that hygiene or first aid should be a luxury.

The expanded Free Store located across the street at 11052 South Longwood will now include food. We have partnered with the Morgan Park Presbyterian church to provide 200 boxes of fruits/veg and 250 boxes of diary, totaling 11,250 lbs. of food. We have 192lbs of precooked meat. There is also an assortment of non-perishables, such as: oatmeal, potato soup, purred tomatoes, pasta, cereal, Granola Bars, applesauce, peanut butter, Lentil beans, Flour, Pancake Mix; 372 boxes in total.


Food Distribution
We focus on perishable items, because it is often the case in urban areas there are food deserts. We also have a large assortment of non-perishables items too. With the onset of violence and increased numbers in COVID-19 related cases, the citywide food distribution network has been disrupted. We are here to help fill the need. We are looking to help in whatever our neighborhood needs.
 
For additional information, call Tim Noonan at (773) 852-3080 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..