United way
Our Impact

Launched in 2018, Ride United leverages the strengths of United Ways, the 211 network and partners to address unmet transportation needs for individuals and families across the U.S. In 2020, United Way expanded Ride United to connect clients with food and household good deliveries, in addition to providing essential transportation.

211, the vital service that connects people to resources and assistance in the U.S. and Canada, receives more than 250,000 requests for transportation assistance each year. Due to a lack of public transportation, the high cost of car ownership, and other barriers, 211 navigators are often unable to meet transportation needs for callers. Through Ride United, United Ways and 211s are partnering with communities to close transportation gaps.

Overcoming Transportation Barriers for those in Need

Across the United States, a lack of reliable, safe, convenient transportation hinders hundreds of thousands of peoples’ abilities to get to good jobs, access healthcare, seek healthy food, apply for public benefits and more.

Ride United addresses these unmet transportation needs for individuals and families in communities across the country. With COVID-19 presenting new barriers to food access, especially for older adults and individuals with higher vulnerability, Ride United now offers deliveries of food and household goods.

  • SUPPORT RIDE UNITED – Help us get people where they need to go by supporting Ride United. Your generous contribution will provide someone with a free ride to a veterans appointment at the VA, a job interview or chemotherapy appointment, or help deliver groceries from a food bank to someone in need.  Donate Now
  • GET SUPPORT. -If you need support from the Ride United program, dial 211 or visit our searchable directory. Free transportation and food deliveries are only available to those who qualify, but 211 specialists will connect you with the best available services to meet your needs.
  • JOIN THE FIGHT –  Connect with 211 to see what activities are happening in your community and get involved. If you are interested in supporting Ride United as a partner or funder please contact call 211 or email development@211bigbend.org.
SUCCESS STORIES

Danielle is a mother of two. She is not able to make repairs on her car at the moment so she cannot get to the grocery store. She uses the Lyft Ride United program each month to attend her local church’s Saturday morning food pantry. Her family is grateful for the assistance and report having good experiences with the service at 2-1-1 and the drivers they ride with.

John is currently in a transitional housing program. The program requires that participants actively search for a job. He found this difficult since he did not own a car and was relying on public transportation. He now uses the Lyft program monthly and expresses gratitude to 2-1-1 for their courteous service.

Paul has been job searching since he lost his job in food service due to Covid19. He has used the Lyft Ride United program to attend several job interviews. He recently received a call back from a local clinic and will be starting a new job soon.

Grace is a retired Veteran. She fell unexpectedly ill and was rushed to the hospital. After speaking to the staff about transportation options, she was advised to call 2-1-1. When we spoke, she was scared because she could not afford a ride home and was overwhelmed with everything she had been through. We provided her ride home that day and checked in with her the following week. She sounded up beat and said that her recovery was going well. She thanked us for the ride and says she will not forget 211 in the future.

Jason is a veteran father of two. His children recently fell ill and though they are negative now, he was unable to work for a month caring for them. He called us looking for Utility assistance and we provided that as well as telling him about the Lyft and door dash program. He was able to get a ride for immediate food assistance and will continue to receive food through our door dash program until he is back on his feet. He is grateful for the services we provide and wants to thank everybody who made it possible for these programs.

Kathy is a single mother. She wanted to wait on the Vaccine until she could get it with her 13-year-old son. She called us looking for a ride because she wants to make sure that her and her children are safe. We set them up with a ride for the Vaccine. They said that the drivers were friendly and that she feels safe knowing that her child is vaccinated.