We are doing a popup free store in downtown Johnson City once a month. We set up at noon and go until 5 or as supplies last. This largely serves our unhoused and housing insecure neighbors, but like all our projects is not means-tested. We take donations and supplies and give them for free to anyone who needs it. Supply donations can be brought on the day, or arranged ahead of time. The types of supplies we tend to have are food, first aid, hygiene and clothes. We sometimes have other things to give out, as well.

collaboration

We are happy to collaborate with community partners on donation drives, volunteer support, food supply or stations such as first aid or skillshares, but our only rule is that there cannot be means testing, selective support or transaction expected (even a spiritual transaction) at our popup free store. People's needs don't change whether you personally approve of them or if they jump through hoops for you, so we do not do that at our free store. If you are interested, please contact us using the form below or by email: tricitiesmutualaid@gmail.com

The future of the free store is community-led!

We have a mobile trailer that can be brought to locations if you have a space in the Tri-Cities region that we can set up, because these needs don't just exist in Johnson City. We also would love to partner with anyone who is interested in supporting us in having spaces to donate supplies. Maybe someday we will have more regular free store days, or a location we can set up longer...? It's up to us!

what is volunteering with the free store like?

1. You do not have to sign up on our form, you can just show up (but the form can help us know what to expect & how to contact you if things change or as needs arise!)
2. You do not have to stay there the full time, you can come and go
3. You do not have to perform productivity, you can just be
4. You do not have to have means, or abstain from support, you are as much a member of the community as anyone else

Volunteering with the free store can look like:

• setting up the tent & helping move large/heavy items
• sorting items and helping people find things
• talking with people, showing interest and care, and being in community
• helping with first aid or wrapping/dressing small injuries
• sharing a skill like clothes mending, minor tech repair
• having a truck or large vehicle for transporting supplies or our trailer

it can also look like:

• helping with inventory sourcing, finding deals and couponing (any time)
• helping sort and process inventory, divide bulk donations (any time)
• helping wash, clean and ensure safety of donations (any time)
• helping with logistics, communications, and strategy (any time)

Here is our volunteering/collaboration sign up form for the months of January-June 2025: https://forms.gle/gi3fG2erb99pQKdb8