In the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, the echoes of Hurricane Katrina linger. The area remains marked by vacant lots and closed businesses. One such site, a former Family Dollar, now stands covered in graffiti but serves a new purpose. Twice a week, the building transforms into the New Orleans Free Store, attracting crowds eager to explore its offerings of clothing, household goods, and more.
Inside, people like Ernestine Lane find essentials and luxuries alike. Despite the summer heat, Lane and her church friend try on winter clothes. The 9,000-square-foot space lacks air conditioning, relying on industrial fans for cooling. Lane dismisses skepticism about the building’s exterior graffiti, encouraging others to discover the ‘blessings’ inside.
The Free Store is the brainchild of Dan Bingler, founder of the Greater New Orleans Caring Collective. He argues that those in need deserve not just necessities but also comfort and joy. Three years ago, Bingler transformed the empty store into this community resource, paying only for utilities while the property awaits future redevelopment.
Bingler, with a history degree and previous experience in high-end dining, pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic to community aid. He organized food deliveries and laundry services for those unable to access them safely. The initiative expanded after Hurricane Ida, using donated items to support the community further.
On a typical day, shoppers like Hilsa Rodriguez, along with her stepdaughters Angela and Gloria Calix, sift through shelves of books, clothes, and home items. Angela, age 8, and Gloria, age 9, express enthusiasm for their finds. Rodriguez acknowledges how the Free Store’s donations benefit her family of six.
Apart from providing material goods, the Free Store offers essential services. Visitors can access free STI testing, food distributions, and basic medical care. Creative outlets like art classes, punk shows, and roller skating events bring additional vibrancy. The space’s polished concrete floor makes an ideal surface for skaters like Chrishana Simon.
Simon enjoys skating at the Free Store, embracing the opportunity to learn and socialize. The venue’s offerings extend to a dance pole and relaxed communal spaces, inviting residents to engage beyond everyday struggles.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the store’s success. Individuals like Phyllis ‘Queen’ Matthews and Erin Sims contribute their efforts. Matthews, a retired social worker, manages clothing donations and seeks a truck for large item pickups. Sims, a lifelong resident, provides food services within the store, reflecting the enduring resilience of the community.
Bingler recognizes the ongoing challenges in the area, labeling it as the top food desert in Louisiana. Through the Caring Collective, he aims to bolster community preparedness for future adversity. Whether providing hurricane relief or simply keeping spirits high with a skating rink run by a generator, the New Orleans Free Store remains a vital resource for the Lower Ninth Ward.
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