Lyft has partnered with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to help with the transportation need of caregivers who are supporting homebound older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lyft is piloting the project with NCOA member senior centers AgeOptions, Oak Park, Ill.; Brookline Senior Multi-Service Center and Transportation Resources, Planning & Partnership for Seniors (TRIPPS), Brookline, Mass.; and Jewish Family Service of San Diego and On the Go, Calif. The centers will receive a grant donation to support distribution of $15 and $25 Lyft ride credits to share with caregivers who need access to transportation to deliver essential food and supplies to older adults staying home to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
"Families across the country are looking for ways to support their older loved ones during this pandemic," said Anna Maria Chávez, NCOA executive vice president and chief growth officer. "We are grateful to Lyft for stepping in to allow our senior centers to make free rides available to caregivers who need it the most during this crisis."
Older adults and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending they stay at home as much as possible during an outbreak in their community.
Lyft and NCOA say they intend to expand the pilot in the coming weeks to additional senior centers across the country.
