When it comes to building a stronger community, sometimes the biggest roadblock to success is an actual road. For many individuals in the Milwaukee area, finding a job isn't the primary challenge; the real struggle is finding a way to get there. Transportation barriers can completely cut off access to stable careers and economic opportunity. That is why Kunes Auto Group is teaming up with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County for the Kunes Drive Milwaukee 1000 campaign.
Through this partnership, we are aiming to sell 1,000 vehicles during the month of March. For every vehicle sold, Kunes will donate $100, up to a massive $100,000 goal, directly to the United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative.
The Hidden Barrier to Employment
It is easy to take a daily commute for granted, but transportation has long been recognized as a major barrier to employment in our community. This issue is driven by several factors:
- Jobs are moving: Many new jobs are being created or relocated to suburban areas where bus routes are limited or nonexistent.
- Transit cuts: Ongoing budget cuts have led to the reduction or elimination of regional bus routes.
- High costs: Owning and maintaining a reliable vehicle is simply out of reach for many individuals.
Without reliable transportation or a valid driver's license, people are forced to miss out on opportunities that could provide financial stability for their families.
How This Campaign Benefits the Community
Kunes Auto Group is proud to step up as the 2026 "Transportation Champion" for the United Way. If we reach our $100,000 donation goal, the funds will directly target the root causes of unemployment in Milwaukee by focusing on two critical solutions:
1. Securing the Commute: The donation will help fund subsidized rides to employment centers in suburban areas like Menomonee Falls, Butler, Franklin, Oak Creek, and New Berlin. For just $3 per ride, individuals who would otherwise be unable to reach job sites can access affordable, reliable transportation to work. In the 2024-2025 year alone, this program provided 62,000 rides to over 209 locations.
2. Getting Licenses Back :A suspended or revoked driver's license is an often-overlooked barrier to economic mobility. The funds raised will support direct case management and legal services to help community members resolve these suspensions and recover their driver's licenses, allowing them to pursue employment and educational advancement.
When we address these transportation challenges, the ripple effect is immense. By helping individuals secure good-paying jobs, we improve their mental health and financial stability, while simultaneously boosting our local economy through increased consumer spending and tax revenues.
Three Simple Steps to Create Local Impact
Milwaukee moves forward when we move together. If you are in the market for a new or used car, your purchase can directly change someone's life. Here is how you can help:
- Shop any new or used vehicle at participating Kunes MKE locations: Kunes Buick GMC of Oak Creek, Kunes Buick GMC of Greenfield, or Kunes Hope Chevrolet.
- Purchase your vehicle during the month of March.
- We Donate $100 per vehicle sold to the United Way, bringing us one step closer to our $100,000 goal.
Shop now, and help Milwaukee go further. Your next car deal doesn't just get you on the road. It drives local impact for our entire community.
