01/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/18/2024 18:00
The City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is seeking applications from agencies interested in helping adults 60+ years of age maintain their quality of life and age in place by providing community transportation services. A Request for Proposal (RFP) posted January 17 will invest in community transportation to improve the mobility of older adults in King County.
Funding supports community transportation services in two arenas:
Approximately $600,000 is available through this RFP from the Older Americans Act Title III-B and Washington State Senior Citizens Services Act (SCSA). Seattle General Funds may be allocated when 2024 budgets are finalized.
Most older adults prefer to live independently in the homes and communities of their choice as they age. Unfortunately, many older adults in King County lack transportation options that meet their mobility, affordability, scheduling, and safety needs. This can result in isolation and disconnection from critical activities and services. Community transportation that is affordable, accessible, and easy-to-use plays a critical role in promoting health equity.
Access to health services and food contribute to a person's ability to remain healthy and independent. Lack of financial resources can limit a person's transportation options and make independent living more challenging. Black, Indigenous, and other people of color indicate more regular King County Metro ridership as well as a higher reliance-5% of white Metro riders relied on Metro for all transportation needs, compared to 8% of African American/Black riders, 12% of Asian/Pacific Islander riders, and 20% of Hispanic/Latinx riders (Source: King County Metro Transit, May 2022). It is important that alternatives exist when traditional transportation options are unable to meet the needs of older adults of color.
Current HSD-funded community transportation programs include:
Proposals are not required to include these four (4) programs.
Potential partners include public transit agencies, rideshare/transportation network companies, and nonprofit community transportation providers. Creative partnerships with nonprofit agencies, for-profit firms and/or public agencies are strongly encouraged.
Any agency interested in learning more about this RFP is encouraged to attend one of two information sessions and ask questions; however, attendance is not required:
The last day to submit questions is Tuesday, February 6, 2024, by 12 p.m. PST.
Completed applications must be submitted before 12 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Links for online or e-mail submission are available on the funding opportunity webpage.
E-mail Lori Mina, Funding Process Coordinator, Seattle Human Services Department, Aging and Disability Services division, at [email protected] with any questions about this RFP or to request an accommodation for the information session.