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Strengthening Transportation Services in Rural Eastern Dutchess County

Improve Community Assets
Transportation
Organization: North East Community Center
Grant: $38,500
Grant Year: 2022
County: Dutchess
State: NY

FCH made a grant to North East Community Center to support operations of their transportation program.

Northeastern Dutchess County is a rural, isolated region of New York State where lack of transportation is the number one barrier to health care, especially for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. North East Community Center provides transportation services for non-emergency medical appointments, for those in need (particularly for the elderly and the disabled) in order to increase access to health-related services, as well as equally important social opportunities for residents.

Why We Funded This

In the prior year, rides became more expensive as North East Community Center had to work to meet COVID protocols, and demand decreased as the rate of infection fluctuated. The wake of the pandemic left our transportation partners with significant challenges in navigating the changing world, especially rising program costs.

Learning & Results

After the worst of the pandemic appeared to be in the past, North East Community Center continued COVID protocols, such as limiting riders to just one at a time. Two new vehicles joined their fleet, allowing the removal of older, less reliable models. This year also brought the first full-time driver to the program.

Photo by Anne Day.

Learn More About

North East Community Center

Explore how North East Community Center invests in transportation services to address the gap in public transit

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