OUR STORY
From One Person to the Next
MORE THAN A FREE STORE
611 grew from 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, providing free access to clothing, household goods, everyday essentials, and food as a practical response to rising living costs. Some of the food available at 611 is provided in partnership with Evanston Community Fridges, whose organization and volunteers have been invaluable to 611.
What began as a grassroots Free Store quickly became something larger. Today, 611 Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Evanston, Illinois, building practical ways for resources, skills, time, and opportunities to move from one person to the next.
611 WORKS BECAUSE 611 FRIENDS SHOW UP
People don't just come to shop.
They donate.
They volunteer.
They attend events.
They invite friends.
Many fing themselves showing up in more than one way.
As 611 grows, so does the vision.
OUR MISSION
611 Collective is a grassroots mutual aid organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Evanston, Illinois.
Through 611 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.
611 is the only resource of its kind in Evanston, with unnecessary barriers like residency requirements removed. We're located in South Evanston, where similar resources don't exist, filling an important gap in services in one of the most densely populated parts of town.
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
Up to 90 families shop 611 Free Store each month, receiving clothing, household goods, everyday essentials, and food at no cost.
Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of 611. They sort contributions, prepare the store, welcome shoppers, support events, and help keep everything running. As part of our mutual aid model, Shopping and Sorting Volunteers also receive Free Store shopping and household essentials.
Resources
Thousands of contributed items have been donated to 611, finding new homes instead of ending up in a landfill, keeping useful items in circulation while helping stretch household budgets.
Looking Ahead
Today, 611 Collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Free Store remains at the heart of what we do, while new opportunities to share, gather, and support one another continue to take shape.