This story by Rochester reporter Rob Bell explores the local mutual aid group and the long history of how support groups like this were created to help Black Americans when social services refused to do so.
In April 2020, the Rochester Mutual Aid Network published a Facebook post that sought help for a family in need.
"Hi all, we are looking for household items to help a family who has to move urgently."
The pandemic was already putting a strain on many. Social distancing restrictions that were in place to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 disease closed businesses, which meant people lost their livelihoods.