The Hunger Collaborative, a group of more than 30 nonprofits convened by Galesburg Community Foundation, is working to reduce hunger by addressing its root causes. In addition to meeting immediate food needs, the Hunger Collaborative has identified four priority areas: access and awareness of services, workforce and skills readiness, housing and homelessness, and transportation.
Building on the success of similar efforts in Knox County, the Warren County Housing Authority (WCHA) recently received a Hunger Collaborative grant to expand access to free public transportation to housing authority residents in Warren County. In partnership with Warren County Public Transportation, the grant provides fare-free rides for residents of WCHA public housing.
Since its start in February of 2025, the program has provided an average of 250 rides each month, connecting residents to medical care, employment, groceries and essential services both within Warren County and in Galesburg.
“Many of our residents don’t have a vehicle or don’t have one that’s reliable,” shared Hank Shimmin, Executive Director of the Warren County Housing Authority. “Before this program, some people were walking long distances or relying on friends and family. Others simply stayed home. Now, they have the freedom to go where they need to go.”
That freedom is life-changing for residents, like a 66-year-old tenant who recently retired and now travels to Galesburg three times a week for medical treatments. “I would not be able to get to my doctors,” he shared. “This is great, and I am thankful to you for letting me do this. I don’t have a lot of family and friends that would help me.”
Another couple, one elderly and the other legally blind, said the service has been critical for maintaining their health and independence. “We use the bus for doctors, pharmacy, and the store. We couldn’t get there otherwise unless we walked,” they said. The couple estimates they save $30 to $40 each month on bus fares—money they can now use for groceries and over-the-counter medicines not covered by SNAP benefits. “We want everyone to know that we are very thankful for the service that is provided for us.”
According to Hilary Martin, Program Coordinator, the impact of the grant extends far beyond transportation. “Without dependable transit options, residents face barriers to sustaining employment or accessing medical care,” she said. “This grant provides not just transportation, but opportunity. It’s helping residents access food pantries, maintain consistent jobs, and reach vital healthcare services.”
Galesburg Community Foundation President & CEO Joshua Gibb emphasized the broader impact of initiatives like this one. “Access to affordable, reliable transportation has a huge impact on hunger in our region,” Gibb shared. “It connects people to jobs, health care, and resources that improve their quality of life. This is exactly the kind of long-term collaborative solution the Hunger Collaborative was created to support.”
To learn more about the Hunger Collaborative, visit yourgcf.org/hungercollaborative.
