Hello!

We are The Free Market - a not-for-profit group based in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to connecting people in our community with FREE material resources, with no barriers. 

We know that there are enough resources already exist for everyone to live comfortably. The Free Market is a central hub for people in Gainesville to share the goods we don't need and take what we do.

Our goal is not only to provide a space for people to share resources, but to foster a sense of security and shared support. As neighbors, we all have a responsibility to each other. We want this organization to show that we can take care of one another in a way that feels like caring for ourselves. When we do that, we bring the wider community a sense of safety that allows us to move past survival and on to the things that make us human.

Simply put - we're trying to give out free stuff! Clothing, groceries, home goods, and more.

We’ve been caring for several free shelf locations in Gainesville over the past few years: most notably, The Free Shelf at The Repurpose Project, and The Community Closet at The Civic Media Center.

We’re also volunteers with GNV Free Store and GNV Free Grocery Store. We love these projects dearly. They are lifesaving. They are also difficult to manage without a space specifically dedicated to their operations. As times get harder and people are more in need of financial relief, we want to build an intentional space that is designed to connect people directly with the things that they need.

 

The Building

We've found our dream building: 2301 NW 6th St, the site of the old Habitat for Humanity ReStore, (or ABC Liquors, depending on your history with the area).

The property is currently owned by Heidelberg Materials and managed by Beazer – a company conducting chemical remediation on the topsoil and groundwater, spilled over from the adjoining Cabot/Koppers superfund site.

We’ve spoken with a representative from Beazer. Their intention, after remediation is completed, is to flip the building. We are putting together a proposal for the Heidelberg executives to ask them to donate the buidling  to our nonprofit entity, for the purpose of opening a storefront and free event space.

 

What Would That Look Like?

The Free Market would be a retail environment much like a thrift store, where people could come and shop for things like clothing, home goods, and even groceries, without paying anything.

We would take donations from individuals, as well as local businesses/farms and corporate retailers. These are things we already do. The building would allow us to operate on a larger scale, and with more consistent shopping hours.

We also plan to have free community events! Things like movie screenings, concerts, art workshops, practical skill shares, and more.

This space would be for everyone, no matter their background or means.

 

How can you help?

We are building local support to show Heidelberg Materials and Beazer that their donation of the building is something that is wanted here, and would benefit the community that they are working to restore. 

Please sign this petition, and add your name to the list of neighbors who want to see this building go from being a liquor store, or an unoccupied biohazard, to something that truly sustains us.

If you feel particularly called, you can also write a letter of support to our email: thefreemarketgnv@proton. , to be included in the materials we present to them as part of our campaign

 

All our love,

The Free Market