NEWS FROM UBER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2021
Contact: Harry Hartfield, Uber, 914-525-7674 |
Connie Neal, NYSCADV, 518-482-5465
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Through the donation Uber will provide around 1,000 free rides to assist victims seeking support services or fleeing violent situations in New York
New York - Uber today announced a partnership with the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) to provide about 1,000 rides for domestic violence victims seeking services or fleeing unsafe situations. NYSCADV will distribute the free rides among eight of their member programs in Buffalo, Westchester, New York City, and Long Island, in an effort to help survivors access life-saving services. Access to these services is critical now more than ever as domestic and sexual violence has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survivors have faced increased barriers to safety including being isolated at home with their abusers. Simultaneously, many survivors have left the workforce because of COVID-related economic hardships or caregiving obligations and as a result may face both increased risk for abuse, as well as difficulty achieving safety due to economic constraints.
The donation is part of Uber’s Driving Change initiative - a commitment to provide $5 million in grants over five years to support US organizations working to prevent, address, and respond to gender-based violence. This year, the rideshare company is donating $2.5 million to these organizations globally, including providing up to $200,000 in free rides to shelters and safe spaces in ten US states.
“NYSCADV is grateful to Uber for their partnership and commitment to provide crucial transportation for domestic violence survivors in several regions across New York State. Through this program, eight domestic violence organizations will receive funds from Uber for free rides. The organizations include Safe Horizon, My Sister’s Place, Womankind, Hope’s Door, The Retreat, Sanctuary for Families, Community Services for Every1, and Child and Family Services of Erie County. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted domestic violence programs, including necessitating budget shifts to purchase personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and technology resources, to ensure COVID-19 safety guidelines and the needs of domestic violence survivors are being met. We are deeply appreciative of Uber’s work to support survivors and their access to services,” stated Connie Neal, Executive Director at NYSCADV.
“For survivors who feel isolated, this will open their access to services, and resources for themselves and their children. Free travel can break down barriers and open up their world; and go from isolation to freedom. Thank you for giving the survivors we serve access and freedom, and for making a difference through your compassion and generosity,” stated LaMarr Powell, Director of Residential Services, My Sisters’ Place Inc.
“Child and Family Services’ Haven House is thrilled to be the recipient of this generous funding from Uber. We encounter transportation barriers daily in our work with domestic violence victims, and we are excited to partner with Uber to help transport victims safely to our shelter and to other critical appointments and service providers in our community,” said Sara Grady, Director of Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Services, Child and Family Services – Haven House
“Uber is proud to partner with NYSCADV, and local organizations who provide such crucial support to survivors around the State. Transportation should never be a barrier to any survivor’s path to safety and healing.” said Hayley Prim, Policy Manager for Uber
Local New York state domestic violence programs will be set up with their own Uber account for the program where staff and volunteers will be able to send victims Uber Vouchers for a free ride or call the ride on behalf of the victim.
Domestic violence advocacy services across New York are open and remain operational during the COVID-19 crisis. If you or someone you know needs help or support, please visit nyscadv.org to locate the program near you, or contact the New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 or 711 for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. In New York City the domestic violence hotline number is 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) and the NYC TTY number is 1-866-604-5350.
Established in 1978, NYSCADV is designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the information clearinghouse, primary point of contact, and resource center on domestic violence for the State of New York. NYSCADV is responsible for supporting the development of policies, protocol, and procedures to enhance domestic violence intervention and prevention and provides education and technical assistance to the network of primary-purpose domestic violence service providers statewide. To learn more about NYSCASDV’s work, visit nyscadv.org.
You can learn more about Uber’s Driving Change efforts here.