#United States #St. Petersburg #Uber #Hope Rides #Alliance for HOPE

Uber and Alliance for HOPE International: Raising the Bar for Survivor Support in Florida

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing better support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, Uber Technologies, Inc. and Alliance for HOPE International have announced the expansion of the Hope Rides program to Florida. This national initiative, which provides Uber rides to survivors seeking assistance, will officially launch at the CASA Family Justice Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

With its introduction in 2025, the Hope Rides program has witnessed phenomenal growth, facilitating over 21,000 miles of rides for survivors across the United States since its inception. This year, it aims to expand from 18 to 30 Family Justice Centers nationwide, marking a significant boost in its mission to reach more individuals in need.

A Lifeline for Survivors

The impact of the Hope Rides program is profound. It has already delivered over 2,000 rides to survivors in 12 states, effectively making it easier for them to access integral services and support at Family Justice Centers. These centers have reported a notable decline in missed appointments and an uplift in survivor engagement due to the reliable transportation provided through Hope Rides.

Many survivors have taken to sharing how the partnership has changed their lives. One survivor remarked, “Ridesharing services saved my life when no one else could come and get me.” Another emphasized the significance of such services, stating, “This is extremely important for survivors; it gives us strength to know we have a secure way to get the help we so need.”

According to Meghan Casserly, Uber’s Director of Public Policy for Safety, the collaboration underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence. Casserly noted that transportation barriers often prevent survivors from seeking necessary care. 'Hope Rides helps remove that barrier and connects survivors to support when they need it most,' she stated.

Breaking Down Barriers

For countless survivors, the prospect of reaching safety can be hindered by something as simple as a lack of transportation. Family Justice Centers are established as a best-practice model for offering an all-encompassing, trauma-informed environment for victims of domestic abuse and other forms of harm. Through the Hope Rides initiative, the goal is to ensure survivors can access these services effortlessly and start their healing journey.

Catherine Johnson, President and CEO of Alliance for HOPE International, highlighted the transformational effect of accessible transportation: “At Family Justice Centers, we witness daily how access changes outcomes. When survivors can safely reach services, everything shifts.” She further stated that expanding Hope Rides to Florida signifies a crucial commitment to survivor-centered solutions.

CASA's Vital Role

The CASA Family Justice Center stands as a beacon of comprehensive support for survivors in Florida. As Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas and Marion Counties, articulates, safe transportation is often the first step toward escaping danger and accessing necessary services. “Through Hope Rides, survivors in our community will have a reliable way to reach life-saving services and advocacy,” Forsythe said.

In an environment where violence and abuse can often feel insurmountable, the partnership between Uber and Alliance for HOPE International is making strides in instilling hope and healing through accessible transportation.

Key Safety Initiatives

Uber remains dedicated to ensuring that every rider feels secure during their journeys. To bolster safety, the company has implemented several features:

• - Women Preferences: Women can request female drivers to enhance comfort and security.
• - RideCheck: This feature utilizes GPS and sensors to identify unusual trip patterns or potential crashes, prompting a proactive safety check.
• - Emergency Assistance: A built-in button allows rapid connection to emergency services, sharing live location and trip details for prompt assistance.
• - Privacy Protections: The app ensures users’ phone numbers are kept confidential and conceals specific pickup/drop-off address details after a completed trip.

To understand more about Uber's safety initiatives, visit uber.com/safety.

About Uber

Uber’s mission since its founding in 2010 has been to create opportunities through movement. With over 61 billion trips completed, the company is dedicated to innovating its services and enhancing the way individuals connect with their communities.

About Alliance for HOPE International

Dedicated to fostering communities of security and recovery, Alliance for HOPE International focuses on collaborative approaches to support survivors and their children, reinforcing pathways to hope and healing across America and beyond.

About CASA

CASA stands firm against societal acceptance of domestic violence, promoting advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services to aid survivors in their journeys toward safety and recovery.