So far this year, nearly 10% of Lancaster County residents who called United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline requested assistance with transportation.

This helped many residents get to school, medical and legal appointments, job interviews as well as to food distributions and so much more.

Unfortunately, the need outweighs the available resources to cover the cost of transportation.

One of the areas in which we have seen examples of the critical need for transportation is in United Way’s Community Response initiative. When the stability of a family is at stake, Community Response steps alongside the family with case management and flex funds to increase connectivity and coordination of supports. The initiative also looks for any gaps in service, bringing attention and resources to those issues. Case managers have been using flex funds to acquire bus passes or cab fare on a short-term basis for their clients. Unfortunately, case managers need more flex funding to help meet the need.

To help individuals and families across our community, we are raising funds to increase access to transportation, which could take the form of rideshares, bus passes, cab rides, and more.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 by December 31, 2023.

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We also hope to raise another $5,000 by March 31, 2024 to continue to support individuals and families who need access to transportation.

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If you or someone you know is in need of assistance of any kind, please dial 2-1-1 or visit ne211.org.