United Way Partners with Lyft to Provide Free Rides to Those in Need

Program Available in 12 Cities Across the Country

ALEXANDRIA, VA (June 5, 2018) – United Way Worldwide announced today that it is partnering with Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S., to provide limited free rides to people with specific non-emergency healthcare transportation, employment and veterans’ needs. The program is being piloted now in 12 cities across the country.

Through this partnership, 2-1-1 specialists will coordinate rides through United Way and 2-1-1, a free, nationwide service that connects people to essential services in their community, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone, text, and on the web.

“Last year, our 2-1-1 network received more than 250,000 transportation requests nationwide, and 20 percent of those could not be met with existing resources,” said United Way Worldwide U.S. President Mary Sellers.  “By partnering with Lyft, we’re better able to meet community needs by helping individuals get the services they require.”

Rides will be available for qualifying individuals in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco.

“United Way is a worldwide leader in addressing the complex challenges faced by vulnerable communities,” said Lyft Co-founder and President John Zimmer. “Their dedication and ability to reach thousands of individuals in need through 2-1-1 makes them an ideal partner for Lyft Relief Rides. We appreciate the opportunity to join forces and expand our collective impact in local communities across the country."

Following the program’s success in these markets, Lyft and United Way will look to expand the program into more cities across the country.

 

About United Way

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

About 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to resources and services in their local communities by phone, text, and on the web. Last year, the 2-1-1 network responded to over 14 million requests for assistance. The service is available to 94% of the U.S. population, including in Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, and in parts of Canada. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 2-1-1 from a cell phone or landline, or visit 211.org for more contact options.