COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A new “Ride Home” program aimed to get people back to their support system, will begin taking referrals from the City of Columbia on Monday.
The “Ride Home” initiative came about after the Columbia City Council agreed to amend its existing contract with First Last Mile in August. It will begin with referrals from Room At The Inn, Turning Point, DIVERT and 4AChange.
“I think its important for them to be able to have the partnership with the shelters, and to be able to bring us in because we’re already doing transportation and we’re probably doing transportation for some of those people who are part of those programs,” Jessica Jasinksi, administrator for First Last Mile, said.
“It’s important now because our local services are reaching capacity, we don’t have enough services to serve our local community, so being able to get people rom out of town back home frees up resources to focus on, all the folks that are here in Boone County,” Room At The Inn Diretor John Trapp said.
Individuals may also self-refer through Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services.
The program is intended not only for those experiencing homelessness, but also for anyone who may have traveled to Columbia for things like a medical appointment but do not have a way to return home.
Jasinski said as long as a person qualifies for the program and the city gives permission, then First Last Mile will transport them within a three-hour radius from Columbia.
If it is beyond that distance, Jasinski said, that person will be transported to a greyhound bus station. Trapp said the program is also crucial for individuals and organizations.
“Currently, different organizations are buying bus tickets, so this will be a way to save those organizations budget,” Trapp said. “The Room At The Inn bought four bus tickets last month, so there are people needing to get home.”
To be eligible for the “Ride Home” program rider will need to have:
Verifiable support at the destination
Income at or below 200% of the current federal poverty limit
Referral from a provider or a photo ID
No outstanding warrants in Columbia/Boone County, which will be verified by PHHS staff
According to Jasinski, First Last Mile has five vehicles and seven drivers, with an eighth driver expected to be trained and ready to drive by next week. Jasinski said vans were chosen for their accessibility features, including sliding doors that make it easier for passengers to get in and out.
Funding for the program comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, according to Jasinski.
First Last Mile is open Monday through Friday rom 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Jasinski said those who need a ride will need to call at least 24 hours ahead of time. If there is an influx of rides, Jasinski said she does not anticipate turning people away.
“I think it’s something that been needed in Boone County alone for a long time, people are just they’ve been shut in and they haven’t been able to get where they need to go,” Jasinski said.
First Last Mile also offers transportation for essential trips such as grocery store visits, medical appointments and commuting to and from work. The organization partners with several local employers including MFA Oil to help provide reliable transportation for their employees.
Since launching this part of the service, FLM has completed more than 5,000 rides in the past two years, according to Jansiki.