Uber Will Provide 1,000 Free Rides in support to Haven House
Megan* didn’t know what to do. She was stuck with her abusive boyfriend in quarantine. They only had one car, and he kept the keys hidden because Megan “shouldn’t need to go anywhere anytime soon.” How could she get away?
Because of situations such as this, Haven House and Uber have set up a partnership to provide additional support through transportation for the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Uber has donated 1,000 free rides for those seeking domestic violence services.
“Child & Family Services’ Haven House is thrilled that Uber has generously offered 1,000 free rides for Haven House clients to utilize during this challenging time. Transportation is often a struggle for the domestic violence survivors we serve, and these rides will assist survivors and their children in being able to seek safe shelter in our program, move out of shelter and on to new and safe permanent housing, attend necessary and important medical appointments, and meet other, ongoing needs,” said Sara Grady, Director of Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Services, Child & Family Services of Erie County.
“We are honored to partner with Haven House to provide an essential service to residents during this unprecedented time of need,” said Hayley Prim, Public Affairs Manager for Uber. “This service will provide New Yorkers in need critical access to safe transportation amid the COVID-19 public health crisis.”
When her boyfriend was asleep, Megan was able to call the Haven House Domestic Violence Hotline, which is available 24/7 directly at 716-884-6000. If needed and appropriate, such as in Megan’s case, operators will deploy an Uber to a location identified by the survivor to pick up them up and transport them to a safe location to assist them in coming to Haven House. The system will work to pair the requester with the closest driver in the area, and, as always, the survivor’s privacy will be protected by personnel at Haven House.
The donation is part of a larger commitment Uber to provide 50,000 free rides to shelters and safe spaces in more than 35 cities across 17 countries. The company is partnering with domestic & sexual violence organizations, anti-human trafficking service providers, and local governments across the globe to help survivors access life-saving services and find a safe place to shelter.
*Name changed.