PUMA UPDATES FEB/MARCH 2024
Published on March 9, 2024 by Ndindi Kitonga
- New Free Food Collective Fridge
Thank you to Community Solidarity Projects for hosting the new Free Food Collective Fridge. Community Solidarity Project is a Los Angeles-based organization that partners with organizations and campaigns in event production, logistics management, and donation gathering in support of efforts for justice. In addition, CoSoP also operates Bernie's Coffee Shop, a community center and event space located in Mid City, Los Angeles.
2. A few new articles relevant to our work
- How Mutual Aid Works- This article highlights some of the work we do at PUMA. Another amazing mutual aid group, Water Drop LA is also highlighted in this piece. Water Drop LA focuses on distributing clean water to people experiencing water insecurity across southern California. They’re also involved in community efforts around finding permanent solutions to water insecurity.
- As Fentanyl Overdoses Soar, LA City Crews Toss State-Funded Narcan from Encampments- This article looks at what Narcan gets trashed during sweeps. Several harm reduction organizations and mutual aid groups across the city detail the contradictory and harmful nature of sweeping Narcan and why we advocate for SERVICES NOT SWEEPS. Many people we see regularly have mentioned that they have lost Narcan during a city sweep which is a dangerous practice.
- These are some takeaways from a survey released by the LA Community Action Network (LACAN) on the effects 41.18, an LA municipal code that criminalizes homelessness. We are signatories on this document demanding the end of sweeps and the repeal of 41.18.
- Report summary on 41.18- Even more evidence that criminalization does not address homelessness.
- More than 2,000 people died in 2023, with a decade of autopsy data uncovering escalating humanitarian catastrophe- This article looks at the increase in mostly preventable deaths among unhoused folks across Los Angeles. These include overdoses, traffic deaths, inclement weather events, illness, and the like.
3. New! Thursday Power-up table
Our new power-up table launched in January of 2024! The team meets from 5-6:30 pm in the Palms area. Please contact us to get involved.
4. Community days are back!
We’re planning a community day this March. Community Days are occasions where we partner with local communities to share food, supplies, wound care, music, and art, as well as exchange skill shares and teach-ins. We’ll keep those on our volunteer lists updated with opportunities to participate.
5. Open Collective is closing!
Our fiscal sponsor Open Collective is dissolving. Please note that we can not collect recurring donations on this platform after March 15, 2024. We are working to get a new fiscal sponsor and will send everyone an update as soon as possible.
Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/puma_la is active and accepts recurring donations. Thank you for your support.
Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/puma_la is active and accepts recurring donations. Thank you for your support.
6. Pets are a vital part of our neighbors’ lives. Here’s one of our faithful Monday helpers.
Photos by Samyu C.
Sending everyone strength,
-Ndindi