Phoenix, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: In Phoenix, many older adults lack public transportation options and must rely on cars to get around. But organizers with Elaine report that many older adults -- and especially Black and Latino/a individuals -- don't drive or own their own cars. To address this, the nonprofit offered free, on-demand rides to medical appointments, job and housing interviews and errands, such as grocery shopping. Elaine provided more than 300 rides to unhoused and low-income older adults. The organization's drivers also received training to assist their passengers with shopping, paperwork and help them tackle the community's social support systems. Organizers report the rides specifically helped two older adult client secure stable housing.

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Many older adults in suburban Chicago lacked affordable transportation, leaving them isolated and missing medical care. SafeLIGHT partnered with municipalities to provide free and discounted rides for essential trips, offering more than 2,000 rides and hosting outreach events to promote the program. Participants used the service for doctor visits, groceries and banking, restoring independence and reducing stress. "This program has been a godsend," said one social worker, noting its impact on residents with health issues.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

West Sacramento, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: The City of West Sacramento wanted to improve older adults' ability to move independently around the community. First, the City identified barriers that kept residents from embracing new transportation services. Then they set out to make older adults aware of local rideshare and bikeshare offerings. To help older adults understand their options, the City held one-on-one trainings with individuals, as well as group training sessions. Additionally, they mailed informational fliers to residents. Data gathered during the pilot project enabled city staff to better understand how to structure programs in the future to maximize ridership among people of all ages. It also expanded many older adults' ability to run errands, meet up with friends and travel to medical appointments. Now we have options, one resident told city planners.