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ORAL HISTORY
Gretchen Dego, Lauren Malhotra, and Molly Graham
Future Economy Collective
Future Economy Collective is a community-led nonprofit organization. The original mission was to run a volunteer-based café where all proceeds would be returned to the community projects or mutual aid efforts. During COVID-19 pandemic, the organization focused heavily on mutual aid while recognizing that this would be a long-term difficulty for many of the members of their local community.
Folks seeking support are not required to provide information to prove their need. Anyone may fill out a form with their name, address, and needs each week to receive food and goods. Local farms, businesses, libraries, and other organizations partner with Future Economy Collective to collect and disperse donated food, cleaning supplies, and other goods to those who express needs. By April 2021, Future Economy Collective delivered 1,000 units of mutual aid boxes, including food and hygiene supplies, to families throughout the New River Valley. The organization also opened up a free closet to provide winter coats and harm reduction goods.
