Getting around Jefferson County just got easier.
On May 15, the Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corp. launched a no-cost, on-demand transportation program, EZMO Transportation, in which volunteer drivers help people get to appointments and conduct personal business throughout the county.
“We currently have two drivers, though we anticipate having 10 drivers by the end of June,” said Taylor Miller, JFCAC community service innovator. “The goal is to grow that number so we can broaden our delivery of services. We have already had so many requests for rides that we can see the need is there.”
Medical and dental appointments, physical therapy, grocery shopping, job interviews, banking and personal business are just some of the places EZMO takes people.
Riders do not pay for the service, thanks to funding from two grants.
About $130,000 is from a federal Community Services Block Grant that runs through Sept. 30 and helps fund a network of local community action agencies. Another $120,000 is from a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) grant from JFCAC’s sister agency, West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (WCMCAA), that extends through June 30, Miller said.
JFCAC plans to explore long-term sustainable funding for EZMO Transportation that could include federal, state and local grants, as well as donations and partnership fee agreements, she said.
Miller said JFCAC also plans to request a renewal of the MOA grant from WCMCAA.
Those who want rides through EZMO must schedule them at least 48 hours in advance and may be scheduled up to six weeks in advance.
To participate, riders complete an assessment that helps to identify other JFCAC resources for which they may be eligible, Miller said.
JFCAC is recruiting volunteer drivers who are reimbursed 65.5 cents a mile for driving their personal vehicles to transport people for the program. Background and reference checks are part of the screening process, and vehicles must be approved during onboarding. JFCAC plans to include drivers with handicap-accessible vehicles, she said.
EZMO addresses a lack of public transportation in Jefferson County that is recognized as a barrier preventing some residents from accessing medical care and important services, Miller said.
“Preliminary information from our current community needs assessment indicates that individuals do not have access to affordable and reliable transportation resources,” she said. “We are excited to help with transportation in our community.”
JFCAC is partnering on EZMO Transportation with WCMCAA in Appleton, which introduced its New Growth Transit two years ago, offering residents rides throughout a nine-county region, Miller said.
EZMO Transportation also is offered in Franklin County. The program provides riders in both counties transportation to appointments in St. Louis and St. Louis County depending on driver availability.
Riders and drivers may learn more about EZMO Transportation by calling 877-RID-EZMO (877-743-3966) or visiting JFCAC.org/EZMO.
Transportation and homelessness
EZMO also may help people who are homeless find transportation.
Despite free public transportation to the recent Project Homeless Connect of Jefferson County event, transportation barriers appeared to contribute to the low turnout.
A total of 19 people from 13 households attended the event, which was held April 20 at the Salvation Army Worship and Community Center in Arnold, organizers said.
JeffCo Express provided free transportation to and from the event, but those experiencing homelessness can even have trouble getting transportation to a pickup location to use the free service, said Karen Ferrell, housing manager for Comtrea.
“Initially, the number of people attending this event was disappointing after our attendance of over 100 people last fall at the Project Homeless Connect event in Cedar Hill,” Ferrell said.
“However, those who attended provided great feedback about the services they received, and it was evident they received much-needed help. All the vendors reported being grateful to have provided needed services to even this few.”
More than 22 agencies and organizations were on hand at the event, the first Project Homeless Connect to be held in the spring.
Typically, one Project Homeless Connect event is held annually in the fall. The spring event was added due to the size of Jefferson County and concerns for those who rely on public transportation to attend.
The fall event is being planned along the Hwy. 30 corridor, and a mini-mobile event is planned for this summer.
An increase in the number of people in Jefferson County seeking help due to homelessness continues to concern social agencies and organizations.
“As of May 1, there were 5,091 families on the wait list for housing in Jefferson County, of which 283 families were on the preference list due to being homeless or at serious risk of homelessness,” said Janna Bittle, director of housing for JFCAC.
JFCAC provides rent vouchers to families who qualify for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 housing.
JFCAC is working with developers to build affordable housing in Jefferson County, and JFCAC is working with landlords to enhance the rent voucher lease process so it is easier for families and landlords.