“I haven’t eaten in days, I don’t know what to do. I don’t have money for the bus. I can’t get there.”
“I’m trying to get back on my feet. I have to get to this interview tomorrow.”
“I’m having surgery and I need someone to take me home afterwards, but I don’t have anyone who can pick me up.”
Every day we receive requests from help from people like the ones above. Now thanks to a partnership with Lyft, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region can offer residents of Poughkeepsie and Newburgh transportation for health, employment, food, education, legal, housing, and economic stability when needed most. See categories below for qualifying appointments and services.
What is Ride United?
Ride United is a program to fill the unmet needs gap for transportation assistance. United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region offers on-demand Lyft rides when no other transportation option is available for Medical transportation, Employment transportation, and Public Benefit transportation.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and Ride United is partnering with Lyft to offer free rides to individuals needing transportation to and from necessary appointments for health, employment, education, food access, legal, housing, and economic stability. The program covers up to $50 round trip. The individual must cover any expenses beyond $50.
The program is open to Dutchess and Orange residents in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. There are different provisions for each of the rides. Please read the information carefully.
To sign up to receive your unique code start at uwdor.org/rideunited and then click on the appropriate link and apply. The code you receive can be applied to a round trip.
What are the eligibility requirements for Ride United?
- Must be unable to pay for any other transportation options
- Must have no other transportation option available through friends, family, or community organizations
- An individual is limited to one Ride United per yearly cycle.
- Rides are available in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie and must be less than $25 each way (see Lyft estimate, by clicking here)
Are there any income eligibility requirements?
No proof of income required, but the Client needs a payment method on file in their Lyft account on a smartphone to utilize certain Lyft Products (Codes + Pass). No employment verification required.
What can I use Ride United to get to?
Health:
- 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
Employment
- Job Interview
- Commute to/from Work
- Pre-Employment Needs
Food:
- Grocery Store
- Prepared/Hot Meals
- Food Pantry/Bank
- SNAP/WIC Benefits Access
Education:
- Enrollment
- Commute to/from School, Class, Daycare
- Guardian School Engagement
- Library or Internet Access
Legal:
- Eviction Court
- Court Ordered Community Service
- Probation/Parole Check-in
- Court Ordered Education
- Commute to/from Court Proceedings/Counsel
Housing:
- Accessing & Maintaining Benefits (vouchers, rental assistance, etc.)
- Emergency Shelter
- Utilities Assistance
Economic Stability:
- Financial Coaching/Empowerment
- Tax Preparation Services
- Essential Supplies (non-food)
- Record Obtainment (SSN, Birth/Death Cert., etc.)
- TransportationServices (DMV, car repair, etc.)
How do I access Ride United?
Complete the online application.
How do I schedule a ride?
Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be emailed a code for your trip by LYFT. You must download the LYFT app to your mobile phone to access this program.
Are children allowed to take Ride United?
Yes. For callers with young children the caller must provide their car seat or booster seat. Minors must be accompanied by a caseworker or parental guardian if under the age of 18.
Is Ride United wheelchair accessible?
Vehicles are not lift-equipped, but drivers can help load the car or transport mobility equipment if portable. Riders should be able to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat without assistance.
Can Ride United take me to multiple places?
No. Ride United is only able to provide one round trip to and from a single location.
Rides are booked up for this month, check back in September for updates.
