Coffee That: A Bus for Community

Hello, I’m Jordan, and I’m on a mission to create a space where everyone feels at home. Growing up Deaf in Salem, Oregon, I’ve seen firsthand the need for a place where our community can come together, celebrate our culture, and feel valued. That’s why I’m excited to share my dream: transforming a school bus into a mobile coffee shop—a welcoming skoolie bus that stands as a beacon of inclusion and celebration. The Need: Salem may be Oregon’s capital, but it lacks a vital space where communities can gather, connect, and thrive. Many of us long for a place to feel a sense of belonging, where our culture is celebrated, and where our unique perspectives are valued. The Vision: Imagine a cozy coffee bus, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you as you step in. Our skoolie will be more than a spot for coffee and delicious bagels—it will be a home for cultural exchange and community connection. Beyond coffee, this bus will be a place for unique events: Deaf Night Out, Deaf comedy nights, and gatherings for the Deaf and DeafBlind communities. Here, laughter, friendship, and learning will know no bounds. We’ll also welcome students from universities, community colleges, and high schools, giving them a friendly space to learn sign language, connect, and share experiences. Our Goal: To bring this vision to life, we’re aiming to raise $40,000 for the school bus purchase and renovation into a fully equipped mobile coffee shop. • Bus Purchase $15,000: For acquiring and transforming the bus into a welcoming, accessible skoolie. • Kitchen Equipment and Renovation $25,000: Outfitting it with essentials—coffee machines, ovens, refrigerators—to create an inviting atmosphere. Together, we can make Coffee That more than just a coffee bus. We can make it a community. Thank you for supporting our journey!