Delores

Every week, the H.O.M.E. Shopping Bus provides seniors free, safe transport from their residence to a nearby store where they can shop for groceries, medication, and household items. On this Tuesday, the destination of H.O.M.E.’s shopping bus is Fairplay, a popular grocery store on Chicago’s south side. As the bus pulls to the front door, Ernest is the first person to exit. A long-time employee of H.O.M.E., Ernest has been transporting passengers from senior living buildings around the city to local grocery stores for over 10 years, but he’s much more than a driver. Ernest is a friend, an advocate, a partner, and a champion for the older adults that he transports to and fro their buildings of residence. After hopping off the bus with a smile, he proceeds to assist every bus rider as they exit the vehicle, carrying bags, shopping carts, and offering a helping hand.

Following Ernest is Delores, a quick-witted and compassionate 84-year-old resident of the Willa Rawls building, who bounces down the bus steps and practically sprints inside the store. A senior in title only, Delores quickly navigates the store, smiling as she races down the aisles determined to make the most of her time on this trip. Delores has been riding the H.O.M.E. Shopping Bus for over 10 years and a resident of Willa Rawls for 22 years. While Fairplay is not the closest grocery store in proximity to her building, she prefers to wait for her bi-weekly bus ride with Ernest.

“Other people may give us a ride to the store, but they’re impatient and won’t take the time with us older folks like Ernest does. He cares, he’s patient, and we need that.”

Delores has been a loyal bus rider, having joined the Shopping Bus program as soon as it was available at her building, which coincides with the launch of the community program with H.O.M.E. A retired Jane of All Trades, while Delores is independent she values the joy and community that these regular shopping bus trips provide.

As she shops through the store searching for the items on her list, Delores stops to make conversation with other shoppers frequently.  “I try to make the most of my time here because we only have so much,” she says, “but if I can have a chat, make somebody smile, that’s worth spending a little extra time. Plus, Ernest won’t leave us even if we are a little slow.”

Delores’s smile is infectious as she navigates the store, offering kind words to strangers, and cracking jokes with Donna, another H.O.M.E. Bus Rider, as they pass in the store.

“You sure got a lot going on in that cart,” Delores laughs as she and Donna’s carts almost collide.

“Got to put Ernest to work!” Donna replies, referring to the exceptional care and assistance he provides. Unlike other transportation services that seniors might access, Ernest goes above & beyond to help the seniors with their groceries as they get on and off the bus. Upon returning the riders to their buildings, Ernest carries their groceries into their building for them thus alleviating the problem of seniors choosing food based on its weight rather than its nutritional value. 

After purchasing her groceries, Delores returns to the front of the store to await Ernest’s return as he assists another passenger shop at another store.

“That’s what we do -- we’re family. Ernest is always there to help in any way he can, and you can’t get that anywhere else. I’m so grateful for Ernest, and I’m grateful for H.O.M.E.”