Direct Aid

For more than fifty years, El Centro de la Raza has been rooted in the belief that our communities are strongest when we care for one another. Direct aid reflects the values that have guided our work since the beginning.

When families face rising costs, unexpected emergencies, housing instability, food insecurity, or other challenges, community support can provide immediate relief while strengthening the relationships that help neighborhoods thrive over the long term.

Direct aid is about more than meeting urgent needs. It creates connections between neighbors, builds trust, and reminds us that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Whether someone is sharing food, donating supplies, offering transportation, translating for a neighbor, or organizing a community fundraiser, every act of support helps strengthen our collective resilience.

By participating in direct aid, we move beyond the idea that communities must wait for institutions to respond before taking action. Instead, we recognize our shared responsibility to support one another and our shared power to create change together.

At El Centro de la Raza, direct aid is one way we continue our long tradition of community organizing and mutual support. Together, we can build a future where no one has to face hardship alone and where communities have the resources and relationships they need to thrive.

How Direct Aid Works at El Centro

Our direct aid efforts focus on connecting people who want to help with those who need support. This may include:

• Food and essential goods distribution
• Delivering groceries and resources
• Rapid response teams for emergencies
• Emergency support for families
• Community supply drives
• Resource sharing during times of crisis
• Volunteer support for community-led efforts

Needs change quickly, so flexibility and community participation are key.

Get Involved

Mutual aid works best when many people participate. There are several ways you can help support this work.

Offer Support

If you are interested in volunteering, donating items, or helping with mutual aid efforts, please fill out our Direct Aid Interest Form.

👉 Direct Aid Interest Form

By completing the form, you can let us know:

• What resources or skills you can share
• When you are available to help
• How you would like to stay involved

Our team will reach out when opportunities arise.

Helpful donation items

Community needs change throughout the year, but some of the most requested items include:

• Non-perishable food items (rice, beans, canned vegetables, canned proteins, pasta, cooking oil)
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Formula and baby food
• Hygiene supplies (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, menstrual products)
• Cleaning supplies
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Laundry detergent
• School supplies and backpacks
• New socks and underwear for children and adults
• Seasonal clothing items such as coats, gloves, hats, and scarves
• Gift cards for grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations
• Pet food and pet supplies
• Household essentials for families transitioning into stable housing

Please donate only new or gently used items in good condition. If you are interested in organizing a community supply drive or collecting specific items, our team can help identify current needs and priorities.