Shopping Bus
H.O.M.E.'s wheelchair-accessible shopping bus connects low-income residents of senior buildings throughout Chicago with full-service grocery stores, enabling them to access fresh foods and household essentials
Seniors are given free, safe transport from their residence to a nearby store where they can shop for groceries, medication, and household items. Unlike other transportation services that seniors might access, Ernest, H.O.M.E.’s Transportation Specialist of over 10 years, helps seniors with their groceries as they get on and off the bus and carries their groceries into their building for them. This alleviates the problem of seniors choosing food based on its weight rather than its nutritional value.
While the program serves practical needs, H.O.M.E. recognizes that sharing a bus ride or catching up with friends can make a difference, too. Bus rides also serve as social outings where seniors enjoy the camaraderie in a friendly atmosphere where conversation flows freely and generosity abounds. There is also a ripple effect of providing this service: notably, 66% of riders report shopping for neighbors that live in their buildings.
“There are a lot of ways I could get to the grocery store, but that is all I get—a ride. Ernest cares about us.”
— Shopping Bus Rider
Shopping Bus — Interest Form
Do you or a loved one live in a senior building that would benefit from H.O.M.E.’s Shopping Bus?
Are you a building manager or resident service coordinator that would like to offer Shopping Bus service to your senior residents?
To find out how building management can contract for Shopping Bus services, complete the form.