[PR] DC Nonprofits to Make Free, Accessible Transportation Available to Short-Term Housing Facilities, Low-Income Families, and Seniors through Lyft During COVID-19

Individuals will receive ride credits to access transportation and support social distancing efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2020) – Lyft announced today that, in partnership with DC-based nonprofits and local organizations, they will provide access to transportation for low-income families, seniors and other communities in need in Washington, DC. These partnerships are initiatives through LyftUp, Lyft’s comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most. 

In partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education and DC Public School's Homeless Children and Youth Program, Lyft will provide free ride credits to families living in short-term housing facilities so they may access school meal sites. Lyft is also partnering with Martha’s Table, Giant Food in DC’s Ward 8 and Manna Foods to provide free rides to seniors and low-income families in need of groceries; House of Ruth, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence, to provide rides for clients to get to doctors appointments, essential jobs and childcare; and the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center to assist in providing children access to food and other essentials. 

In addition, World Central Kitchen is partnering with restaurants and other food distributors to ensure seniors and other vulnerable populations have access to healthy meals throughout the COVID-10 crisis. Lyft is providing free ride credits to the World Central Kitchen staff and volunteers in order to get to and from food distribution hubs safely.

“As the District and the nation adjust to meet new challenges, having the support of our business community goes a long way in showing our students that they are cared for and valued,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “Lyft’s commitment will support the District’s work to ensure DC students and families, especially those most in need, have transportation access to school meal sites across all eight wards.”

“Martha’s Table is proud to serve DC residents through our increased grocery distribution sites,” said Kim R. Ford, President & CEO of Martha’s Table. “With support from the LyftUp initiative, we can ensure families and seniors have access to critical healthy foods during this challenging time in our community. Thank you to our long-time partner Lyft for putting DC families first.”

“We want to increase access to transportation for those who need it, particularly to meet their essential needs during this time. By activating LyftUp, we’re able to partner with a number of DC-based organizations to fill mobility needs and provide access to essentials for the DC community,” said Emily Ellis, Lyft General Manager, Washington, DC. “We’re also grateful to all those who drive with Lyft for helping provide rides for those in need.”

Lyft recently launched efforts in collaboration with public health entities, local governments, nonprofits and community organizations to create new opportunities for drivers, provide rides to those in need, and help distribute essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. To make sure riders and drivers know the best ways to protect themselves and those around them, Lyft is providing continuous updates on its website. To learn more about how else Lyft is supporting its community during this time, visit its blog.