The Fred Hampton Free Store in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward is a community-run space offering free essential goods (food, clothes, toiletries, books, furniture) and hosting events (skate nights, music) in the spirit of radical solidarity, inspired by Black Panther initiatives, operating on a gift economy where people take what they need and give what they can, with no one turned away for lack of funds. 

Key Features & Offerings

• Free Goods: Provides food, clothing, hygiene products, menstrual supplies, furniture, and household items.

• Community Hub: Serves as a gathering place for organizers, artists, and performers, hosting events like punk shows, skate nights, and zinefests.

• Harm Reduction: Shares space with local harm reduction groups like Trystereo.

• Location: Situated at 5523 St. Claude Ave, in a former Family Dollar store.

• Inspiration: Modeled after the Black Panther Party's community programs, named for leader Fred Hampton. 
  

How it Works

• Gift Economy: Operates on donations; community members bring items, and others take them for free.

• Solidarity: Focuses on mutual aid, social justice, and empowerment, aiming to support residents impacted by past events like Hurricane Katrina. 
  

Operating Hours (General)

• Donations accepted: Mondays (3–8 PM) & Wednesdays (4–8 PM).

• Free shopping hours: Mondays & Thursdays (4–7:30 PM).