Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The 211 Big Bend, a human service information and assistance organization located in the North Florida Big Bend area, recently announced that they will be teaming up with Lyft drivers in order to help transport citizens of Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden Counties.
This partnership, which has been titled the Lyft Driver United project, is seeking to provide free transportation to those who need it.
The rides can't be used for just any purpose, however.
The Lyft Driver United project will transport people to job interviews, CareerSource employment services and to local food banks or food pantries.
Transportation is a crucial need in rural communities that don't have a transportation or bus services – this project will help bridge that gap and provide people with a way of attaining the resources and employment that they need to survive.
"Transportation can be 15 percent of a household budget and that doesn't include car repairs or maintenance," said Tori Greer, the Director of Management at 211 Big Bend.
211 Big Bend Community Navigator, Shelby Smith adds: "a lot of times people will be calling for other things and not necessarily have transportation to get there, so we're trying to fill that gap that a lot of people present in the community.”
According to Greer, their organization received calls from people who needed help with transportation to job interviews, and this project is their way of filling that need.
While Lyft and 211 Big Bend is partnering to head up this project, another note-worthy contributor to the Lyft Driver United project is United Way of the Big Bend, a non-profit organization who will be assisting with project funding.
These rides will allow people in Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden Counties to connect with employment opportunities and no longer miss out on the other resource and employment aid that 211 Big Bend offers.
Like many of the organization's programs, this transportation opportunity is offered at no cost to residents of the four listed counties.
However, due to public need and scheduling, citizens who need a ride are requested to schedule their transportation at least 24 hours in advance.
To schedule a ride, contact 211 Big Bend by calling (850) 617-6333 or their 24/7 number,
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