Criteria to receive transportation:
1. Must be over 60 years of age and live in the
2. The need must be for a medical appointment or laboratory test.
3. A maximum of four round trip rides per year per household using a paid transportation service is available
4. The client must first attempt to find other means of transportation, such as friends or relatives or to pay for their own taxi or shuttle service. If they use a wheelchair, they must sign up for Sun-Dial if they are eligible and in their service area. Sundial requires a doctor’s prescription and you must live with-in one half mile of an existing bus route.
5. 48 hours advance notice is requested.
6. Volunteers drivers are contacted first to provide the ride. If no volunteers are available and the appointment cannot be changed, the ride will be provided using a taxi or shuttle service paid by DSFTE if the client cannot afford the fees.
7. The name, address and telephone number of the medical office is required, as well as the estimated length of the visit.
8. Referrals from social service agencies are accepted on behalf of their client
9. Payment is made to transportation service provider, not the individual client
Any exceptions to these criteria must be approved in advance by Desert Samaritans for the Elderly CEO or Board of Directors
Volunteer drivers are always needed, so call 837-9066 if you’re interested.
DESERT SAMARITANS AWARDED A TWO YEAR
GRANT FOR TRANSPORTATION
If you or someone that you know are age 60 or older and are in need of a ride, you may qualify for our transportation program. Call our office at 760-837-9066 today if you are unable to use public transportation. We will determine the eligibility of each transportation request during the initial phone consultation. Please note that we usually accommodate requests for transportation only within the Coachella Valley.
This grant funding has enabled our organization to accommodate transportation requests to the following locations: (1) Rides to government offices (ie: social security office) for the purpose of completing necessary paperwork or to fill out an affordable housing application; (Note: Eligible clients may receive 2 rides to 2 locations or a total of 3 rides overall under these circumstances); (2) Rides to complete a utility or property tax discount application, to social service agency offices, or to support group meetings. (Note: Eligible clients may received 6 rides per year for a total of 2 years under these circumstances).