Brookline Neighbors Step Up To Help Brookline Amid Coronavirus

BROOKLINE, MA — As the new coronavirus public health emergency hit Brookline and with it ever changing conditions and questions, it became increasingly clear that there was significant need in town, and there were a number of people who wanted to help.

In response, Eliana von Krusenstiern and Bonnie Bastien decided to create a "Mutual Aid Network" for Brookline, coordinating "needs" or requests for help with "providers" or volunteers stepping up to offer services.

Mutual Aid Brookline, modeled off Somerville's effort, has the aim of creating a central place for people to go to access resources quickly as an immediate, grass roots solution to the widespread need of people affected by COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

The grass roots group is coordinating efforts with other foundations and institutions in Brookline such as the BrooklineCAN [Brookline Community Aging Network].

"We are not a 501c3 nonprofit or incorporated," said organizers in a statement. "We are just trying to fill the need as quickly as possible.”

The network has connected people who have needed help picking up their prescriptions or going to the grocery store.

Claire Goodwin a senior living in Brookline needed help shopping, she was able to pay for her groceries, but just wasn't able to go physically to the store - twice so far. The network connected her to a person, each time, who had volunteered and did her shopping for her. “I would rate both of them A plus,” Goodwin said of her experience.

The Mutual Aid Network website lists resources for finding help in many categories, from “Supplies Delivered” to "donations" to "child care" to "virtual book clubs"

Seniors and other at-risk individuals are encouraged to call 617-651-1468 or email MutualAidBrookline@gmail.com for more information.

BrooklineCAN, the organization, a volunteer organization affiliated with the Brookline Senior service, has also stepped up its communication efforts to help one of Brookline's most vulnerable populations, by highlighting information and resources for seniors within the Brookline community.

The BrooklineCAN website for information on how to become a member.