About US
Our Story
Saddened by the closure of local businesses, we set out to restore the beauty of our neighborhood with PopUp markets and sharing hubs. Open and accessible 24/7- our Free Stores provide much needed resources and a dignified “shopping” experience to all who visit.
Kindness, care and hope restored- one shelf at a time.
From our events & community engagement to our harm reduction outreach- we strive to make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
Our Impact
Free Stores keep our community moving. There are no patrons- only participants. Our Project fosters community care & support by building neighborhood sharing hubs that help bridge the gap between those who have too much and people who are without. By reinvesting wealth back into our own community- we place Power back into the hands of the People.
Free Stores reduce waste, helping the environment!
Combined styles of NYC stooping, thrift culture & Marie Kondo decluttering - Free Stores provide an altruistic diversion from landfills. A second chance for second-hand items, going to new loving homes- bringing joy to those who needed them.
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 just can’t buy that!
Our Primary Locations
- Newton St (at Graham Ave)
- PS 18 • Leonard Street (at Maujer)
- Bushwick 24 St. Nicholas Ave
- UWS (Ujamaa Fridge) 830 Columbus Ave
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.
Support or Sponsor a Free Store Today
Our newest sponsor, the Freedom Market, stocks select shelves with environmentally friendly BIPOC products. Amplifying the voices of BIPOC entrepreneurs. 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.
"We aim to be part of the solution & never perpetuate the problem"
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 $50,000 to establish a Free Store Project headquarters, secure transportation and improve daily upkeep of our 4 Free Stores to better serve all that we do.
