In New Orleans, an empty building becomes a free store — and roller skating rink

In the Lower Ninth Ward, an old Family Dollar stands covered in graffiti. It looks abandoned. But inside, it's a treasure trove — clothing, home goods, toys and books. And everything is free.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/3000x2000!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39%2F22%2F693cb33e409f9bb8362fb1a12f7c%2F2026-0880-new-orleans-cdull7397.jpg' alt='A graffiti-covered former Family Dollar in the Lower Ninth Ward is now the New Orleans Free Store.'/><p>In the Lower Ninth Ward, an old Family Dollar stands covered in graffiti. It looks abandoned. But inside, it's a treasure trove — clothing, home goods, toys and books. And everything is free. </p><p>(Image credit: Catie Dull)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5940784' />