About

Learn about our humble beginnings

Formed during the pandemic, The Free Store Project is a community-cenetered initiative aimed to solve economic inequality while addressing climate change.

For this episode of New York Gritty, native New Yorker, CNN correspondent and veteran journalist Steve Kastenbaum talks to FSP founder & volunteers about the project's roots, journey and impact on NYC during rapidly shifting times. Listen here on Spotify!

Working with 1010 WINS and Westwood One News as well, Steve's unit was shut down during the pandemic; offering him time away from covering daily news to discover what makes him truly fulfilled. The answer was easy - telling the stories of individuals who make New York a magical place, especially those who face challenges head-on. So he launched, hosted and produced this podcast which focuses on the people who keep New York's magic alive in times of crisis.

For additional interviews, podcasts, media and press featuring The Free Store Project, please click here.

About US

Our Story

Kindness, care & pride restored- one community shelf at a time.

We set out to restore both hope and neighborhoods with freestanding alt-markets which reclaimed public space and offered solace & resources to neighborhoods across NYC. These sharing hubs are open and accessible to the public 24/7. Called Free Stores, our kiosks provide resources and a dignified “shopping” experience to all who visit. At our Free Stores there are no patrons- only participants.

Our Impact

Bridging the gap between those who have too much and those without- Free Stores keep our community moving! By reinvesting our wealth back into our own neighborhoods, we place Power back into the hands of the People.

A second chance for all things second-hand.

Combined styles of NYC stooping, thrift culture & Marie Kondo decluttering - Free Stores provide an altruistic diversion from landfills. Free Stores reduce waste, helping the environment! With items going to new loving homes- bringing joy to those who need it.

Open 24/7 – 365 – through all weather conditions. The longer a Free Store endures, the more faith and trust the neighborhood has in it. Once you’re provided for in this way, there’s a switch. People begin to feel safe. They come closer to it, care for it more, and take ownership – and you can’t just buy that!

Support, "shop", Sustain

A Free Store is exactly what it sounds like and EVERYTHING IS FREE!

No one is turned away, all are welcomed- encouraged to take what they need and give if they can. Give/Take & Care.

As this work continues and we learn more about the scope of what is needed, we know it can’t be achieved on elbow grease alone. We’re hoping to raise $ to establish a Free Store Project headquarters, secure transportation and improve daily upkeep of our Free Stores to better serve all that we do.

donate

Support or Sponsor a Free Store Today

Visit us at 24 St Nicholas Ave in Bushwick Brooklyn 11237

@thelittledamfreestore

"We aim to be part of the solution & never perpetuate the problem"

Our longest supporter, the Freedom Market, stocks select shelves with environmentally friendly BIPOC products. Amplifying the voices of BIPOC entrepreneurs because Representation Matters. Buying BIPOC means helping to bridge the 10x wealth gap between families.

Wherever we can- we always want to do our part to be better. If you would like to sponsor a shelf with us- please drop us a line.

2023 Circularity Champions

The People have spoken! They believe in the importance of Free Stores in our communities, and we believe in YOU!

By an overwhelming show of support and nominations from the public- The Free Store Project founder Myles Smutney was awarded the title of 2023 Circularity Champion. To celebrate the efforts of leaders city-wide in the fight against climate change Barnard College, Columbia Climate School & Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine teamed up to spearhead the first ever Circularity Day NYC. Watch the video on our events page and click the link here to learn more.