Bill Becker

Literally Connecting the Dots

There are reasons you see and hear about the need to build more housing for those experiencing homelessness, it’s easier to provide services to a group of people in the same location, hence the idea of transitional housing.

We need to do more Scattered Housing. To do that we need to cover transportation needs.

There’s a challenge though in having people spread all over town. It’s a problem, but one that has a simple answer; provide the transportation. It’s literally that simple….and it isn’t. Let me explain.

A non-profit in New Hampshire wrote a great post about how transportation is the key to ending homelessness and how they provide prepaid ride share cards. 

This article is several years old but does a great job explaining how transportation is the key to helping end homelessness and how public transportation isn’t always the answer.

Clients need transportation for medical appointments, job interviews, and a host of other things (like getting an ID), yet many struggle with access and it’s not like the general public can give them rides.

The first article mentions the liability issue of social workers providing transportation, it’s a valid concern. There are other things to consider. Someone homeless is probably not going to smell great and there are possible safety issues (on both sides). That’s why transportation needs to be coordinated by a caseworker and/or organization where both the driver and the person needing transportation are checked out

Tulsa has a great organization called Modus, which screens drivers and even provides cars to use.  The United Way has partnered with 2-1-1 in select cities for a program to offer transportation services. 

Buying prepaid ride share rides, like the New Hampshire non-profit is a good idea. However, having someone be responsible for taking someone to a doctor’s appointment has many advantages over Uber or Lyft. 

Just the opportunity to talk to someone aware of a person’s situation is comforting and also provides a level of accountability. 

I can choose not to request an Uber for my doctor’s appointment tomorrow morning, but if I know Sue is going to pick me up at 9:30 sharp, I am kind of committed. 

It might surprise you that there are children in school who are homeless. A non-profit called HopSkipDrive is like Uber for school children and is available nationwide. 

Providing transportation to someone experiencing homelessness is the epitome of “connecting the dots.” It’s the key to helping someone rebuild their lives. Connecting those in need to the services they require to restart their life.

That’s why I am so insistent on my idea where a group of people (service club, church, company) come together and focus on the needs of a single individual, starting with transportation. 

What ideas do you have?