INTAKE PROCEDURE:Call the program number and leave a voice message with name, phone number, and reason for transportation need. If voice message is received between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, a scheduler will return the call within three hours for further assessment. Please note: Riders must have a Lyft account with a credit card associated with that account as a security measure in case there are overages in some situations. Riders using wheelchairs or walkers must be able to place their equipment into the vehicle and have equipment that is easily stowed. Riders who require a car seat for their child will need to provide the car seat and install the car seat into the vehicle; drivers may transport service animals but not pets GULF COAST DISPATCHERS should complete the following: Click on Dispatch to schedule a ride. Select Houston - United Way of Houston from the organization drop down menu. Note: Rides are only available Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Rides are not available outside of these hours.Be sure to let help seekers know to schedule their return ride before 6:30 pm; Mon - Fri.For Lost Items or Ride Complaints: Submit a case on behalf of the client by clicking on Lyft Support Center or click on the Contact Support button within the ride details for that specific ride. Please make sure the phone number that was used in the dispatch portal for the client is listed clearly in the description so that Lyft knows that it was a Concierge ride.
DESCRIPTION:Offers free rides for eligible help seekers through a partnership between United Way Worldwide and Lyft. Provides short-term transportation assistance to/from employment, medical, financial, food access, housing, education and legal-related destinations.Please do not promise rides as GC schedulers will do a final evaluation when a scheduler returns the call. Rides are only available Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Be sure to let help seekers know to schedule their return ride before 6:30 pm. Calls will be returned within 2-hours of when the message is left unless the message is left between 7 pm - 7 am. No rides are available for any drive-thru service - no matter how short a time period it will be. This includes all COVID-19 drive-thru vaccines or drive through food pantries. Free Lyft rides may be scheduled only for needs related to: Health Care: Rides to/from Medical/Dental/Eye appt & testing; Substance Use Support; Mental Health Support/Community Support; Apply for Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP Services; Return Home from ER; Veterans Affairs Services; Pharmacy Services. Housing: Accessing & Maintaining Benefits (vouchers, rental assistance, etc.); Emergency Shelter; Utilities Assistance Food Access: Rides to/from Grocery Store, Prepared/Hot Meals, Food Pantry/Bank, SNAP/WIC Benefits Access Education: Rides to/from Enrollment; Commute to/from School, Class, Daycare; Guardian School Engagement; Library or Internet Access. Employment: Rides to/from work. One to three rides to transfer to/from a job or training. Job interviews, pre-employment paperwork, etc., job training, to/from a job, any tests required for employment, background checks, or fingerprinting checks. Legal: Eviction Court; Court Ordered Community Service; Probation/Parole Check-in; Court Ordered Education; Commute to/from Court Proceedings/Counsel Economic Stability: Rides to/from Financial Coaching/Empowerment; Tax Preparation Services; Essential Supplies (non-food); Record Obtainment (SSN, Birth/Death Cert., etc.); Transportation Services (DMV, car repair, etc.)
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:May require proof of employment, medical appointment, or other documents supporting request for transportation.
ELIGIBILITY:Individuals ages 18 years and older who have a cell phone with service, who live in the service area and who have a need for transportation within the service area for one of the following reasons: employment, medical, financial, food access, housing, education, and legal-related appointments or services. Please note: Riders must have a Lyft account with a credit card associated with that account as a security measure in case there are overages in some situations. Riders using wheelchairs or walkers must be able to place their equipment into the vehicle and have equipment that is easily stowed. Riders who require a car seat for their child will need to provide the car seat and install the car seat into the vehicle; drivers may transport service animals but not pets
FEES:None
LANGUAGES:English, Spanish, Other Languages by Interpreter
AREA SERVED:Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller Counties