CHICAGO – Hoop Bus and Breakthrough are teaming up to launch the Chicago Hoop Bus, a tool for community engagement and violence reduction, on Friday, July 23, at 6 p.m. The bus will debut at Breakthrough’s HomeCourt+, a Light in the Night event, at St. Louis Park (339 N. St. Louis Ave.) in East Garfield Park.

The Hoop Bus is a converted 40-foot yellow school bus that includes basketball hoops on the front and back and a custom interior and exterior design. The bus was purchased on July 7 and has been undergoing renovations in an East Garfield Park facility, courtesy of Baum Realty Group, with the help of local youth and the staff of Midwest Auto Collision.

By rolling up to community events, the goal of the bus is to build excitement, boost attendance of residents, provide resources, and increase cohesion across Chicago’s neighborhoods. The interior offers a neutral space for gatherings and the exterior is apt for dunk contests, skill training, and basketball tournaments.

Dan Moroni, Executive Director of Hoop Bus, says, “The Hoop Bus has a magical way of bringing people together and breaking down barriers. It’s incredibly inspiring to see Breakthrough taking the Hoop Bus to the next level by using it as a tool for tackling the tough social issues facing Chicago around anti-violence and community connectedness.”

After its debut with Breakthrough, a partner organization of Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) – a city-wide collaboration of violence reduction efforts – the bus will be deployed with CP4P partners at pop-up events throughout the summer. The collaborative group also has planned two outdoor court renovations scheduled to be completed this year as well.

Even before the launch, partners for the bus are growing in number and currently include the Chicago Bulls, Chicago CRED, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Metropolitan Family Services, New Life Centers, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, UCAN, Target Area Development Corporation, and several individual donors.

Bill Curry, Chief Growth Officer at Breakthrough, says, “Basketball is such an important part of Chicago culture, so we are really excited to connect to that important history by developing this citywide asset right here on the West Side. The bus is a symbol of collaboration both within our city and also with our hoop-crazed friends in LA. This high-energy event activation team made up of local young people paired with hoops, music, food, and prizes will bring joy and positive experiences across our neighborhoods throughout the summer and other special events year-round.”

-Lindsey Tollefson
Communications Coordinator at Breakthrough

July 22nd 2021