New Orleans Free Store Brings Hope to Lower Ninth Ward
Visible Scars of Hurricane Katrina
The Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans continues to bear the scars left by Hurricane Katrina more than 20 years ago. Empty lots and shuttered storefronts are a common sight, reminding residents of homes not rebuilt and businesses that never returned.
On one corner stands a former Family Dollar store, marked by graffiti, which at first glance appears abandoned. However, twice a week, it transforms into a hub of activity. Residents line up outside, eager for the doors to open to access an array of free goods: clothing, household items, toys, food, and books. For Ernestine Lane, shopping with a friend from church, this free store is a vital resource.
A Treasure Trove Inside
Lane describes her experience inside the 9,000 square foot store lacking air conditioning but cooled by industrial fans. “Go in, there’s blessings in there,” she encourages skeptics who judge the store by its external appearance.
Founder Dan Bingler of the Greater New Orleans Caring Collective explains that people in need want more than essentials. “They deserve nice things too,” he asserts. Three years ago, Bingler transformed the vacant Family Dollar into a free store, aiming to replicate this idea nationwide.
Community and Growth
Bingler, a former server with a history degree, began organizing grocery deliveries during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative grew with Hurricane Ida’s impact in 2021, evolving the store into a community resource center filled with donated items.
Bingler negotiated with the property’s owner to use the building rent-free while maintaining it until future redevelopment. “It’s just a crazy opportunity,” he remarks.
Patrons Find Necessities and More
Hilsa Rodriguez shops at the free store with her stepdaughters Angela and Gloria Calix. Angela, 8, shares her excitement over finding animal-print hair clips for school, and Gloria, 9, seeks baggy jeans and a vest for a baby her stepmom babysits.
The store helps Rodriguez, a mother with six children, by offering donated goods she appreciates. Besides clothing and housewares, the store opens for other services like STI testing, food handouts, and basic medical care.
Beyond Necessities
On Wednesdays, roller skating nights bring community joy. Chrishana Simon, new to skating, practices in a space ideal for it. During breaks, Simon appreciates the store’s resources and relishes the fun features, like a dance pole.
She and volunteer Diana Ledet enjoy skating together, showcasing the store’s community spirit.
Volunteers and Contributions
Phyllis “Queen” Matthews, a retired social worker, sorts newly donated items. Her mission now includes finding a truck for transporting large donations.
Erin Sims, reminiscing about raising her family here, prepares a hot dog stand. She reflects on the neighborhood’s challenges since Katrina, emphasizing the struggle to access groceries and medicines due to deserted stores.
Addressing the Food Desert
Bingler acknowledges the area as Louisiana’s biggest food desert. The Greater New Orleans Caring Collective tackles this challenge by establishing community resource centers ahead of future storms.
Bingler envisions the store as a shelter during emergencies. “Even if it’s just skating with a generator, the New Orleans Free Store will be there,” he assures.