TURNERS FALLS — After an influx of volunteers came forward to help, The Finders Collective, a free store and community space that was open once a week, expanded its hours to serve residents three days each week.

The storefront, located at 104 Fourth St., is now open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.

Andrew Couteau, a member of the collective who runs the storefront, described the space as a “publicly accessible, participatory, mutual aid-oriented community space.” Organizers of The Finders Collective have no titles or hierarchy, and make all decisions by consensus.

A mutual aid framework, in contrast with charity, is a voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. Couteau explained that the group decided to create a space for mutual aid instead of charity because members associate charity “with experiences that can be demeaning and disempowering.” Mutual aid, rather, creates a space for agency.

Nationwide protests in the summer of 2020 created spaces across America with the language of “mutual aid,” including this one. A group of friends came together in 2020 to create the brick-and-mortar storefront that is used by many local residents.

“We wanted to test out the theory that if we just helped facilitate a space for people to share and exchange useful and fun items, food, ideas and information, lots of other people would engage with it and make it work,” Couteau explained, “which is absolutely beautiful and is absolutely happening.”

In addition to the free store, containing goods and clothes that people are welcome to donate and take as needed, there is also a community fridge and bookshelf outside the building with the same framework. Couteau said there is little facilitation from organizers for the bookshelf and fridge, which get restocked and used by local residents.

“It’s a gift economy,” Couteau explained, noting that there is no income requirement or validation needed to visit The Finders Collective. “It’s fun to come in and see what’s around.”

The storefront is shared with Great Falls Books Through Bars, an organization that sends thousands of free books to people in prison, and a satellite office and food distribution site for the Pioneer Valley Workers Center.

As far as the best moments experienced in the space, Couteau cited “seeing someone get excited about having a violin for the first time, an 11-year-old saying ‘Everything here is awesome,’” and “hearing some younger kids yelling ‘Everything is free!’ as they look for treasures.”

Anyone is welcome to use the space during the expanded hours. There is usually tea and coffee available. The community fridge and bookshelf located outside are accessible 24/7.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

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