Transportation is the backbone of society, ensuring access to jobs, education, healthcare, and social activities. However, not all regions are equally serviced, creating ‘transportation deserts’ — areas with limited or no access to efficient, affordable public transportation. 

In the U.S., 45% of Americans do not have access to general transportation. This holiday season, Carvana is partnering with Open Hand in Atlanta, by gifting cars to community volunteers who help close the transportation gap by providing food delivery and other support services to those who lack access to transportation.

How a Lack of Transportation Impacts Communities

The most immediate impact of transportation deserts is the restriction of access to opportunities. Without reliable transport, residents may find it challenging to reach jobs, educational institutions, food banks and grocery stores, or healthcare facilities, hindering economic mobility and personal development. The communities within the Urban League of Greater Atlanta positioned a lack of transportation as a key issue in its 2022 report. 

Lack of transportation can also lead to social isolation, particularly for the elderly, disabled, or those without access to a personal vehicle. This isolation can have severe implications on mental health and overall well-being.

What We’re Doing About It

We couldn’t be more pleased to say that we’ve partnered with Open Hand, an organization dedicated to providing nourishing meals and nutrition education to neighbors in need, to donate cars to transportation activists in Atlanta, as part of Haulerdays – our annual initiative to celebrate the holidays by doing good in the communities we work and live in.  

“We’re donating three vehicles to volunteer drivers who, out of the goodness of their hearts, support others. They put extra wear and tear on their personal vehicles so we simply want to keep them going and support their do-good efforts,” says Emily Williams, a Senior Brand Activation Specialist here at Carvana.

Meet Our Volunteer Miracle Drivers

Claudia Walker

Twice a month, Claudia Walker and her daughter deliver food to Open Hand clients. “That’s what I do, what I live by. I love to brighten individuals’ days. Seeing them smile and knowing that it’s because I knocked on their door with their meals is so fulfilling,” she says. 

Born and raised in Atlanta, Claudia was in the army for eight years, serving one tour in Iraq. Today, she’s out in the community frequently, working on establishing a mentoring program centered on helping high school students and volunteering. Her 12-year-old daughter regularly participates in Claudia’s volunteer efforts – she wanted to get her started early. 

For Claudia, her experience volunteering with Open Hand has been tremendously rewarding. “You aren’t living until you volunteer with Open Hand. There are so many different things you can do to help! Not a people person? Pack meals. Love to be out and about? Deliver meals. People just need a smile to brighten their day… I’m never in a hurry. You never know how much they might need that connection – or how much you might need it,” she tells us. 

When we told Claudia that we were giving her a car, she couldn’t have been more appreciative, displaying the characteristic good natured grace that’s made her such a star at Open Hand. “This is just mindblowing… like, this doesn’t happen you know, I’m still like – this is a dream, this is a dream, but thank you. Thank you all for being a part of this moment… you all are family to me.”

David Williams

Almost every week, David Williams drives over half an hour from his home to deliver meals for Open Hand. David’s been volunteering for almost a year with the organization, and in just that time, he’s made an impact on the lives of other Open Hand volunteers and his clients with his positivity and dedication to volunteering. 

David likes to joke that volunteering for Open Hand is his “social media for seniors” – knocking on clients’ doors and delivering meals is his way to connect with the community. David moved to Atlanta from New York City almost 30 years ago, and his work volunteering with Open Hand has helped him find a new community to call home. 

Steve Saunders

Since Open Hand’s origination in 1988 during the AIDS crisis, Steve Saunders has been working with the organization. Every Thursday, he delivers for Open Hand, and is always on-call as a backup driver if needed. Steve’s understanding that Open Hand provides more than just food – it offers connection and care – has helped him develop meaningful relationships with many Open Hand clients, often staying to talk or help clients warm up their meals after delivering them. 

When we asked Steve what he would say to others who are considering volunteering, he had this to say: “Not only is there a need, but you feel the impact that giving your time has on people in need. I look at what impact I can have on the challenges we have in this world. Hunger is something we can do something about. We can all have an impact by working to eliminate hunger in our communities… I feed them and I get fed in a different way just by volunteering. It feeds my soul.”

What Is Open Hand?

Open Hand’s mission statement – “We cook. We deliver. We teach. We care.” – summarizes the organization’s ethos. In 2022 alone, Open Hand has delivered over 1,380,000 medically tailored, home-delivered meals across 43 counties in Georgia. 97% of Open Hand’s clients live below the poverty line, over 70% are aged 60 or older, and 85% are from a diverse background. 

A network of 2,420 donors and 5,534 volunteers make it all possible. So far, Open Hand volunteers have put in 29,990 hours of work, helping with meal packing and meal deliveries. Over the course of the organization’s 35-year history, Open Hand has delivered more than 35 million meals to neighbors who are at risk for or have a disability or illness.

Beyond working tirelessly to close the transportation gap and deliver care and connection to the communities Open Hand serves, the organization’s focus on education and long-term care helps clients see life-long benefits from the services they receive.

To learn more about Open Hand’s mission, history, and how to volunteer, visit OpenHandAtlanta.org.