If it’s clean, in working order and will bless somebody then it’s probably going to be available. And if it’s available, it’s free.
It’s really that simple.
Empowered by stories of successful “free stores” nationwide, including the Church For All People Free Store in Columbus, Ohio which was highlighted at West Michigan Annual Conference, Rev. Melany Chalker knew it was time to play her hand and so far it looks like she is holding a royal flush.
The pastor at Concord UMC had been dreaming about such a boutique at other appointments in her 11-year ministry career, but nothing had every fully materialized. But when a layperson in her congregation came back equally as charged up about the free store idea following annual conference, it was only a matter of time.
A month after pitching the idea to her church’s leadership council, Chalker found several buildings in homey downtown Concord to rent and they just happened to be owned by another pastor. She really wanted the building formerly occupied by a trendy coffee shop, but she was a day late; the owner said someone rented it the night before she called.
“I thought, ‘No way,’ it was already finished, we don’t have money to rehab somebody else’s building and it’s on the corner, it’s got windows,” she said “He said, ‘You know, that's not handicap accessible,’” and I said, ‘Hmm, you know, a free store would have to be handicap accessible’. He said there’s only one in town that is and I own it.”
Located between a bar and grocery store and with the owner offering it to the church for just $295 a month — around 60 percent of its rental value — Chalker asked the leadership council for permission to rent immediately and finalize the details later.
What a good choice that turned out to be.
Fresh coats of paint are currently being put on the walls, volunteers are being lined up and money and sponsorships are already flowing in.
The store, which will officially be called the Open Door Free Store has already secured three “charter partners,” which will provide volunteers, financial backing and leadership for decision-making. The local Catholic Church, as well as nearby Presbyterian and Free Methodist churches have joined forces and in one week alone Chalker took in over $3,100 in monetary support, including one donor who wrote a check for $1,200.
