Fred Hampton Free Store serves as a community lifeline in New Orleans

The Fred Hampton Free Store operates in an abandoned Family Dollar in the Lower 9th Ward and is run by volunteers. It provides donated goods, basic medical care and harm-reduction services without federal or foundation funding.

The Fred Hampton Free Store operates inside an abandoned Family Dollar building in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. The volunteer-run space combines a free thrift area, basic medical care and harm-reduction services with community events. Donations from neighbors and local organizations stock the space, and organizers say it receives no federal, state, or foundation funding. Community members and volunteer groups use the site to connect people to health services and other resources. What is known: - The site is located in the Lower 9th Ward and uses a formerly vacant retail building. - Volunteers run a mix of services: donated goods, basic medical care, harm-reduction support, and community activities. - The space is supported by local donations and volunteer time and does not accept government or foundation funding, according to organizers. - Organizers report many community members visit on nights the space is open and volunteers help link people to health appointments and other practical supports. Summary: The free store functions as an informal mutual-aid hub that provides basic items, health-related services, and social connection for people in a neighborhood with persistent needs. Its organizers describe it as volunteer-led and reliant on donations rather than formal grants, and they say it has become more central as broader social-service arrangements have shifted. Undetermined at this time.