Free Shopping Bus

H.O.M.E. provides many services for low-income older adults that preserve independence and dignity, and the shopping bus is no exception. The shopping bus provides free transportation from senior buildings to local grocery stores. Ernest, the shopping bus driver, is a friendly and charismatic man who truly enjoys what he does. Ernest was formerly a driver and mover in the furniture donation and moving program, before its suspension in February of 2009. He was thrilled to come back to H.O.M.E., explaining, “as soon as I found out that they needed a new shopping bus driver I called up and said I want that job!” Ernest takes pride in helping the older adults, carrying their bags from the grocery stores and to their buildings. He goes above and beyond his job description.

Each of the assigned buildings is visited twice monthly, generally on a rotating schedule between morning and afternoon pick-ups. The residents are often eagerly awaiting Ernest’s arrival, knowing that he typically arrives early to help them onto the bus and ensure that everyone who wants to go is able to do so. The passengers then come to a consensus about which store they would like to visit that day, and Ernest gladly takes them there and gives them about an hour to shop. He patiently waits in the parking lot and gives them a little extra time if necessary saying, “If they want more time I understand and don’t mind waiting longer if it helps them out.” When they are finished shopping, Ernest pulls right up to the door to help everyone back onto the bus with their groceries. The passengers certainly recognize his extra effort. As one rider said, “Ernest is really, really helpful, I am glad to have him helping us.”

The residents that utilize the shopping bus have great rapport with Ernest and appreciate being able to go to the store on their own, without worrying about how they will manage to get there. Even with public transportation, many seniors still have to walk multiple blocks from the bus to the store and back while carrying numerous shopping bags. Depending solely on public transportation may put seniors’ health at risk or at risk of a fall, especially in the winter, or leave them dependent on convenience stores without fresh produce and other healthier items for sustenance.

The relationship between Ernest and the passengers is heartwarming to witness. He sincerely cares for their well being, and they care for his as well as the success of the shopping bus. A few of the women riding on the bus even offered to promote the shopping bus in their community meetings and make sure that announcements for the bus remain posted  in their lobby. The shopping bus is a tremendous asset to low-income older adults throughout Chicago. The program strives to help those that need it with the utmost care and respect, with staff members like Ernest who love what they do and show an enthusiasm that is simply contagious.