What is it?
The Free Store is a place where clothing, food, household necessities, and other useful items and services are made available to visitors at no cost. Since 2005, Free Change has operated Free Stores all around Metro Detroit, serving thousands of visitors. Click Here for photos.
The Free Store
How does it work?
The Free Store itself is run much like a normal store, except that there is no monetary exchange. Because of this, The Free Store makes no profit, has no employees, and will not turn anyone away. The Free Store is set-up and run by volunteers and obtains its merchandise through donations which it then makes them directly available to the public when The Free Store is held.
Why do we need the Free Store?
Southeastern Michigan, like many other regions within the United States, has faced many economic hardships in recent years, leaving many individuals and families without the basic necessities that are often taken for granted. The Free Store is a way for communities to share their resources to improve the quality of life of participants and the community itself.
Our goal is to help provide a way for people to obtain what they need, and to remove the burden of excess for those who have more than they need. We also want to open up dialog between the various members of Detroit’s community and to create a place where all are accepted and valued.
