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By: Logan Bibby
In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to highlight a Black female-founded and led organization that is near and dear to my heart and the heart of the Louisville community!
In 2019, Staychelle Bussey founded the non-profit The Hope Buss with rented vans and a dream to provide resources and food to those who are houseless or living in food deserts. She drove those who did not have access to efficient and effective transportation to grocery stores, so they could shop comfortably. After buying a used school bus, she began working to deliver the resources to those in the community! Their bus, handpainted by community members, with its signature black coat and bright embellishments, now brings the resources to those who need them. It holds enough food to feed 75 families for two weeks, with pantries and a fully functional refrigerator and freezer.
As The HopeBuss has grown in impact and recognition, the organization has expanded its infrastructure and its mission. They now not only work to address food insecurity but also work in the areas of education, health and wellness, emergency services, and community engagement with six programs: HopeFULL, HopeFIRST, Hope Heals, Hope Reimagined, Hope Next, and The Hope Village!
My journey with The Hope Buss began in 2022, and I began picking up grocery donations and KFC donations! Through that job, I met more of the staff and took on some new roles, working as a kitchen lead making breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for houseless residents of The Hope Village, their outdoor space shelter! In this position, I fell in love with The Hope Buss and my work there. I saw the direct impact of the work I and other volunteers were putting in, and it has been amazing seeing those we have been able to help! I was also given leeway to take projects upon myself, such as reorganizing and inventorying their pantry and brainstorming a recipe book for the kitchen. What I love most about The Hope Buss is the continuous inspiration from women who look like me. The community, the heart, the drive, and the compassion that these Black women leading the organization show day in and day out is something that I strive to embody in my life. The Hope Buss has become another home for me, surrounded by those full of love and dedication to the constant betterment of the city of Louisville. It has become a staple in my college career, and I am so excited to see how the organization grows and benefits the city as the years go on!
Logan, of Louisville, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2025 at the University of Louisville studying sociology, political science, Spanish, and Strategic Communication and Social Media.