For two years the Free Store For Ukrainian Newcomers provided household items and clothing for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The co-founders planned to close the store on March 31 after the end of federal government program providing temporary emergency visas to Ukrainians.

But the store had become a centre where people came to socialize. On May 4 in addition to a free store it became hub of activities, a counselling and information centre for Ukrainian new comers.The store has enough funding to stay open until the end of May and is selling $50 memberships and accepting donations. They have hope to raise enough funds until the grants applied for and hope to receive in July. The store has served around 20,000 Ukrainian newcomers and hopes to remain open to serve these newcomers in new ways.