When Transportation Is More Than a Ride
United Way Steps Up as Transportation Options Shrink
United Way’s Ride United program helps Martin County residents maintain access to employment, medical care and essential destinations amid significant and unexpected cuts to Community Coach service.
STUART, FL — For most of us, getting to work, a doctor’s appointment or the grocery store is something we rarely think twice about.
But for many Martin County residents, especially seniors and individuals living with disabilities, transportation is far more than a convenience. It can be the difference between keeping a job or losing one. Receiving medical care or missing it. Remaining independent or becoming isolated.
On June 30, that lifeline was suddenly put at risk.
Two state-funded grants that supported the Martin Community Coach transportation program ended unexpectedly without replacement. Prior to the funding loss, eligible riders—including adults 65 and older, individuals with disabilities and/or adults living below the federal poverty level with no other means of transportation—could use Community Coach to travel to and from a variety of destinations as frequently as needed.
Almost overnight, those riders were limited to just two round trips (or four one-way rides) per month, leaving them with impossible choices: miss work, delay critical medical treatments, cancel therapy appointments or absorb significant transportation costs they simply could not afford or maintain.
That reality became painfully clear one morning for Henry and his family.
Henry works three days a week at Home Depot, where he takes great pride in his job. Because he cannot drive, he relied on the Martin Community Coach to get him to and from work.
One morning, Henry waited outside for his ride like he always did. But this time, it never came.
While Henry assumed the van was simply running late, his mother frantically searched for a solution.
And Henry wasn’t alone.
As news of the funding loss and sudden service reductions spread, calls for help began flooding into United Way from residents and families who were scrambling to find alternatives.
Within hours of learning Community Coach clients had limited access to transportation, United Way began coordinating rides through Ride United.
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But the transportation gap that emerged on June 30 has only grown.
Since the initial wave of panic and uncertainty, Community Coach service has continued to dwindle. The already reduced two round trips available each month were minimized to only one round trip (or two one-way rides).
As of August 10, restrictions tightened even further. Community Coach rides are now limited to Martin County residents age 70 and older traveling to medical appointments only, with eligible riders still restricted to just one round trip (or two one-way rides) per month.
That means residents like Henry, who previously relied on the program, no longer qualify for Community Coach transportation at all, while those who remain eligible have extremely limited access.
As transportation options narrow, Ride United has become an increasingly important resource for residents who have fallen into this alarming gap.
While United Way cannot replace every transportation program or fill every funding gap, Ride United helps connect Martin County residents with reliable transportation for essential needs, including medical appointments, employment, grocery shopping and other critical services. For individuals who cannot drive because of age, finances, disability or who simply have no other transportation options, these rides become a lifeline.
Henry's story isn't just about transportation. It's about preserving purpose. Protecting independence. Ensuring that an unexpected funding loss doesn't take away someone's ability to work, contribute and remain connected to the community.
“Henry and I are grateful to United Way for bridging the gap for those in need in Martin County,” his mother shared. “By helping us overcome this challenge, United Way has empowered Henry to maintain his employment. Working at Home Depot gives Henry so much more than a paycheck—it gives him confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging.”
“Transportation is easy to take for granted until suddenly it isn’t there,” said Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, president and CEO of United Way of Martin County. “When this gap emerged, we knew we had to do what United Way does best—bring people and resources together and respond to the needs of our community.”
United Way will continue working alongside community partners to identify solutions, connect residents with available resources and advocate for sustainable transportation options across Martin County.
Because every ride represents something bigger. A paycheck. A doctor’s appointment. A therapy session. A grocery trip. A sense of purpose.
For more information or to donate to Ride United, visit UnitedWayMartin.org/RideUnited or call the United Way office at 772-283-4800.
About United Way of Martin County
Since 1972, United Way of Martin County has been dedicated to creating long-term social change and providing support to residents. With a mission to improve education, financial security and health in Martin County, United Way invests in impactful programs that enhance quality of life and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about United Way of Martin County, visit UnitedWayMartin.org.