In New Orleans, an empty building becomes a free store — and roller skating rink

Key Points:

• Over 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans still shows signs of devastation, with many empty lots and boarded-up businesses, but the New Orleans Free Store offers free clothing, household goods, and services twice a week in a formerly abandoned Family Dollar store.
• The free store, run by the Greater New Orleans Caring Collective and founder Dan Bingler, provides not only necessities but also comfort items, medical services, food handouts, art classes, and recreational activities like roller skating and punk shows, serving as a vital community resource.
• The store operates rent-free through an agreement with the property owner, helping maintain the building until future redevelopment, and Bingler hopes the model can be replicated in other communities with vacant storefronts.
• Locals, including families and volunteers, rely on the free store for essential items and community support in an area still facing significant challenges, such as being Louisiana’s largest food desert with limited access to groceries and medicines.
• The Greater New Orleans Caring Collective aims to strengthen community resilience for future disasters by providing ongoing relief efforts and serving as a potential shelter during emergencies, emphasizing preparedness and local support.