Community Forge

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Designing Freedom Challenge

Enter our design contest for a chance to win a free stay at Freedom Village!

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Built for Crisis, Led by the People

Institutions that claim to serve us are tangled in red tape. Bureaucracy decides who qualifies for help, leaving too many behind. Charity organizations and government programs move at a glacial pace, bound by rules set by people who have never known hunger or eviction. But when crisis hits, people need action—now. This is why Community Forge exists. We are not a charity. We are not a government agency. We are a mutual aid institution, built by the people, for the people. Because we answer only to our communities, we can move at the speed of need. No paperwork. No waiting. No approval required. The billionaire coup in Washington is dismantling what little safety net remains, leaving even established aid organizations stuck in systems that can't adapt. We can. Community Forge is an emergency response network—agile, independent, and built to withstand the chaos of political shifts. No red tape. No bureaucracy. No gatekeeping. Just people helping people. If you're ready to build something that can outlast and outmaneuver a system designed to fail us, join us. This isn't just an organization—it's a movement.

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Resources We Provide

Community Forge is built on solidarity, not charity. We believe in equipping people with the knowledge, tools, and shared infrastructure needed to sustain themselves and each other. Our work combines immediate relief with long-term community solutions. Here's how we help build lasting power:

The Forge Press – Economic Justice Newsletter

Stay informed and engaged with our quarterly newsletter highlighting the realities of economic justice, community organizing, and mutual aid efforts. Each issue centers the voices of those driving change and creating systems that serve people, not profit.

Sustaining Basics

Fresh Food: Our year-round production of fresh, locally grown food is an illustration of community resilience in action. You can develop your own food sovereignty by participating in our Seed Program.

Housing Without Hurdles

Everyone deserves stable housing without endless paperwork, background checks, or discrimination. Community Forge provides emergency stays grounded in care, dignity, and safety.

Our next step: Cooperative housing in Colorado, opening soon. At $500 per month, including utilities, it's designed to keep housing accessible and community-centered—not profit-driven.

Mutual Aid in Action

Mutual aid is the foundation of our work—people meeting each other's needs and building systems that work for everyone.

Mutual aid reminds us that change begins when we take care of each other.

Project Implementation

If you have a vision for a community service, mutual aid effort, or cooperative project, we'll help you bring it to life. Whether you want full partnership from Community Forge or just need a foundation to start, we're here to support your idea and amplify your impact.

No red tape. No gatekeeping. Just people working together to build the world we all deserve.

Housing Support Philosophy

At Community Forge, our philosophy is simple: housing is the first step, and not the only step. Research shows that our Housing First approach works, providing stable homes for people experiencing housing insecurity. We know a home is not a cure-all. That's why we pair housing with comprehensive, voluntary support services like healthcare and social assistance. We give people the tools to build a meaningful, sustainable life. We're dedicated to improving how we help communities by continuously studying and adapting our approach to best serve those in need:

  • House Guest Program: Provides temporary housing for those in transition with shared living spaces and community support
  • Freedom Village: a new construction cooperative village designed to offer a safe, inclusive, and resilient community for marginalized individuals.
  • Under Ground Community: We are excited to announce a second Freedom Village location is being planned. Units will be offered at $500 per month with all utilities included.

Nourishing Our Community

Dine Soul Food & Catering serves dual purposes:

  • Community Meals: Provides 600+ free meals weekly to those in need
  • Catering Services: Offers premium catering that funds our community programs
  • Employment: Creates jobs for community members in the food service industry

How Volunteers Are Compensated

We recognize that sustainable organizing requires material support for those dedicating their time and labor to community efforts. That's why Community Forge provides stipends to volunteers who take on essential roles, including:

These stipends are not traditional wages but serve to offset costs and recognize the value of community labor.

Funding & Sustainability

Our ability to provide stipends comes from community donations, grants, and fundraising efforts. We are committed to transparency in how resources are distributed and are actively working toward cooperative models that allow for long-term sustainability.

Supporting Community Forge means ensuring that the people doing the work can continue without financial strain—because a movement can't be sustained on unpaid labor alone.

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How You Can Get Involved

At Community Forge, we're not just providing relief—we're building the infrastructure for communities to thrive. Join us in creating a future where everyone has access to what they need.

Volunteering with Community Forge: FAQ

  • What is Community Forge? - A grassroots mutual aid network. We support one another through housing help, protest support, food sharing, education, and more.
  • Who can join? - Anyone! No experience needed. If you care about equity and community, you're welcome here.
  • What's mutual aid? - It's not charity—it's collective care. Everyone gives, everyone receives. No saviors, just neighbors.
  • Are you a nonprofit? - Yes, we are a nonprofit—but not a traditional one. We stay rooted in community, not bureaucracy.
  • Do you get government grants or corporate donations? - No. We don't take government money or corporate funding. We're powered by the people—real work, real donations, real solidarity.
  • How do I get involved? - After onboarding, we'll plug you into meetings, group chats, and active projects. You can also start your own!
  • Can I take a break? - Yes. Just let a lead or staff know. We respect capacity and care.
  • Who makes decisions? - Leads guide the work they start. Big-picture choices come from group discussion and impacted voices.
  • Can I start my own project? - Yes! If it helps the community, we'll help you build it.
  • Is this a safe space? - Yes. We center Black and brown folks, disabled folks, LGBTQ+ folks, and all marginalized voices. No hate allowed—ever.
  • What if I only have 1–2 hours a week? - That's fine! There are small but meaningful tasks you can help with. Every bit counts.
  • What if I mess up? - Mistakes happen. What matters is being honest, open to learning, and willing to make it right. We believe in repair, not shame.
  • Can I just observe for a bit before jumping in? - Yes. You can shadow a project, join a meeting, or check out the chat before committing to a role.
  • What kind of support is there for new folks? - You'll get access to guides, a contact person (usually Nisha), and a group chat where you can ask anything.
  • What are meetings like? - They're chill, structured, and action-focused. Expect updates, check-ins, planning, and space to speak up.
  • Do I have to be on Google Chat all day? - Nope. Just check in regularly and respond when you can. We know people have lives.
  • What if I'm not local? - That's okay! A lot of our work is remote—especially admin, digital, and support roles.
Ready to Volunteer? Apply Here

Join the Community Forge and Help Build a Better Tomorrow!

Choose a membership plan and make a lasting impact in your community.

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One-Time Donor Options

Your Action Matters

Every act of generosity, big or small, creates a ripple effect of change. Don't wait—take action today. Volunteer your time or make a donation to help us build a better tomorrow.

Choose your way to help now:

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