Transportation Resources for Church Members
Transportation Resources for Church Members
It is no secret that church populations have been aging since the 1970s, creating many issues as to how to nurture and grow membership. A problem that arises for many of us now is how to continue being able to participate in worship and community at our church when our own mobility becomes compromised. It is a serious issue for the larger organization but is vitally serious for we who are facing the growing limitations of age ourselves. It is well known that the loss of community with its social relations and support hastens decline as we age; as well, the losses due to age confine and limit our own power to maintain social contacts.
The Vestry has been thinking together to address this issue. When family or friends are not a viable option, and one cannot afford Uber or other such providers, there are essentially two free resources available, depending upon the individuals’ limitations:
Mountain Line—ADA Paratransit
One must complete an application to support ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) stipulations. This would be similar to what is required to obtain a Handicap Placard for your car. This provides point-to-point service, from your doorstep to the Church. The hours of operation on Sundays are 8:45am—8:45pm.
Holy Spirit Resources
RIDERS: When ADA Paratransit is not an option, the Vestry will help to match up riders with potential drivers from the congregation. This will be a two-step process. Parishioners need to contact the church office, and provide the following information:
- name and contact information
- Assistive devices, such as walker or wheelchair that would require a vehicle large enough to accommodate
This information will be passed to the Vestry who will try to match up need with appropriate volunteer drivers from the congregation.
DRIVERS: The concern for drivers is their own ability to assist another person with limited mobility to be able to enter and exit their vehicle. As to personal liability, basic auto insurance should definitely include coverage against uninsured and under insured drivers. You can consult the Vestry regarding any questions.
Notes for dropping rider off at church: at the moment the Vestry recommends pulling into the alley from 6th Street toward 5th Street behind the church office and dropping your rider off at the sidewalk, then proceeding through to exit or CAREFULLY backing out onto Sixth; however, choose an option you are sure is safe.
Maps and information about Mountain Line transit options will be provided for further information. Nearly all lines run on Sunday. The Mountain Line shuttle service does not operate on Sunday.