OUR STORY
From One Person to the Next
MORE THAN A FREE STORE
611 began with a simple idea: What we already have can help meet real needs when it's shared.
In December 2025, 611 Free Store opened its doors to help offset the impact of rising living costs by providing free access to clothing, household goods, everyday essentials, and food provided in partnership with Evanston Community Fridges.
What began as a grassroots effort quickly became something much larger.
Today, 611 Collective is a community space where resources, skills, time, and care move from neighbor to neighbor. Through volunteerism, events, food access initiatives, and resource sharing, we are building a more connected and sustainable community where everyone can contribute and everyone can participate.
611 WORKS BECAUSE 611 FRIENDS SHOW UP
People didn't just come to shop.
They donated.
They volunteered.
They attended events.
They invited friends.
Many found themselves showing up in more than one way.
As 611 grew, so did the vision.
OUR MISSION
611 Collective is a grassroots mutual aid organization rooted in Evanston, Illinois.
Through our Free Store, volunteer opportunities, shared resources, and gatherings, we increase access to everyday essentials, reduce waste by keeping useful items in circulation, and create more opportunities for people to support one another.
We believe mutual aid is more than responding to a moment of need. It's an everyday practice of sharing what we have, learning from one another, and building something stronger together.
As 611 grows, we're creating practical, lasting ways for resources, ideas, and opportunities to move from one person to the next.
WHAT WE’VE BUILT TOGETHER
The Free Store
Approximately 90 families shop the Free Store each month, receiving clothing, household goods, available essentials, and food.
Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of 611. They sort donations, prepare the store, welcome shoppers, support events, and help keep everything running. As part of our mutual aid model, Shopping and Sorting Volunteers also enjoy Free Store shopping and household essentials.
Resources
Thousands of donated items have found new homes instead of ending up in a landfill, helping stretch household budgets while keeping useful resources in circulation.
Looking Ahead
Today, 611 Collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As we continue to grow, the Free Store remains at the heart of everything we do, while new opportunities to share, gather, and support one another continue to take shape.