Good Neighbor Fund Expansion: More Howard County Seniors Now Eligible for No-Cost Transportation Through Neighbor Ride
As the cost of living continues to rise in Howard County, more older adults are finding it difficult to make ends meet even if they don’t meet the federal definition of poverty. Many seniors living on fixed incomes are struggling to cover everyday expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.
To help meet this growing need, Neighbor Ride has expanded eligibility for its Good Neighbor Fund, allowing more older adults to receive transportation services at no cost.
Recent ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data reports that in Howard County, nearly 40% of households headed by someone age 65 or older live below the ALICE threshold.
This gap leaves many seniors facing difficult choices about how they spend their limited resources, including whether they can afford transportation to critical destinations. For older adults, transportation can be the key to maintaining independence, preserving health, and reducing isolation.
By raising the income eligibility threshold for the Good Neighbor Fund, Neighbor Ride is making sure that more seniors can access the transportation they need without worrying about cost. This change reflects Neighbor Ride’s ongoing commitment to helping older adults remain active, engaged, and connected to their community. As economic pressures increase, Neighbor Ride is meeting seniors where they are and removing barriers that could prevent them from living independently.
Every ride is more than transportation. Whether it’s a trip to a doctor’s appointment, a visit with friends, or attendance at a place of worship, Neighbor Ride helps older adults stay engaged in the activities that support their well-being. By expanding the Good Neighbor Fund, Neighbor Ride is helping more Howard County seniors continue to reach the people, places, and services that matter most.
If you’re a current client and would like to be considered under the new guidelines, click here for an application or contact the Neighbor Ride office and we will send one to you.
Source: United Way of Central Maryland, ALICE in Maryland report. Data available at https://www.uwcm.org/alice.
