BSA Free Store

Brave Space Alliance is Chicago’s first and only Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ Center dedicated to serving multiple marginalized communities on Chicago’s South and West sides. Our organization provides culturally competent, for-us by-us programs and services for members of our community, and wants to see queer and trans people not just survive, but thrive in our city. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched a crisis pantry to continue our mission.

Brave Space Alliance’s crisis pantry prioritizes those in our community in Chicago who are most vulnerable, and in need: Black and Brown queer and trans people. We deliver non-perishable food items, masks, hand sanitizers, and other essential supplies to individuals in need as well as partner with community partners to create a network of pantries all over the city.

Our crisis pantry programs have always been centered around the needs of our community by providing nourishing resources in a culturally competent and affirming environment. This is why we are rebranding our Crisis Pantry by renaming it the COMMUNITY PANTRY!

When the The Free Store open?

Our pantry at our office in Hyde Park is open to community members to “shop” and choose from a variety of grocery + hygiene items.

The Free Store operates from 10 am to 5 pm Monday – Friday and every second Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Hours

•Monday - Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
•Every second Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm.

Location

1515 E. 52nd Place, Third Floor

What programs make up the community pantry?

Pantry Delivery Program – Provides free weekly grocery delivery to community members across the city

Pantry Partner Network – We partner with organizations across the city that host pantry sites where folks can access food and other resources

How to Support!

Procuring and redistributing resources is a community effort, we need your support in order to continue providing food to communities in need! Feel free to send a volunteer inquiry to our Volunteer Email if you are interested in supporting our Community Pantry in any capacity.

Individuals, Businesses, and other Organizations can host a Food Drive on behalf of Brave Space Alliance. Food Drives are a great way to make an in-kind donation to help keep one of our pantry sites stocked. If you would like to coordinate a food drive, please send us an email no later than one (1) week before you plan on starting your drive. Please refer to our Food Drive FAQs for more information.

From here, we will provide you with additional details needed to coordinate this effort. For food drives to benefit our BSA Delivery program, please contact jacoby@bravespacealliance.org.

For food drives to benefit a BSA pantry site, please contact msalbie@bravespacealliance.org