Homeless Clients Scoot to Work

Soaring gas prices have caused many consumers to rethink how they get to work. Some carpool with coworkers, use public transportation, or even bicycle to work, leaving the family car at home. For those working evening shifts or odd hours, these are not always viable options - especially if you're homeless.

Marie Ritchie grew up in a household plagued by drug abuse and dysfunction. At 24, single and a mother of two, Marie decided she wanted a better life for herself and her children. "I just wanted to break the pattern. I don't want them to grow up in that." She moved in with a friend, but that wasn't a safe environment for her children, either.

Through referral from another homeless service provider in northwest Louisiana, she found her way to Providence House in Shreveport. A transitional shelter for families with children, offering a structured program to promote independence, Providence House began teaching her the skills necessary for independent living and helped her find a job across the river in Bossier City.

Each day, Ritchie would take a 40-minute bus ride, changing buses several times to get to work. "By the time I got to work, I was really sleepy," she said. Then she would have to leave work early to catch the bus back to the shelter. It was tough at times, but she stuck with it, determined to make a new life for her family. Then recently Providence House kicked off an alternative transportation program for clients like Marie, whose jobs and work schedules aren't amenable to public transportation. It's called "Scoot to Work".

Through donations and sponsorships, Providence House purchased a few motorized scooters at $1600 a piece, complete with helmets and safety guards. The scooter only goes about 40 mph and can travel about 80 miles on one tank of gas, says Lynn Stevens, director of administration and human resources. So now, while others are paying $4 a gallon for gas to get to work, Marie is paying only $4 to fill her tank. "I don't have to fill it often," she says smiling.

"This is a stepping stone," says Stevens. "It's not so the kids can get on it. It's just to get to work or school. And it's so that they can be successful in the program."

Despite how helpful the scooters can be for residents, not everyone is eligible. Residents must prove they can't get to and from work or school on time with public transportation or are not safe while traveling. Scooter participants also must have a valid driver's license and take a scooter driving class. They are responsible for purchasing insurance for the vehicle, so staff works with case workers to make sure residents budget for it, Stevens said. She hopes to develop sponsorships for 30 more scooters next year.

Although the program will help residents maintain a job, this type of mobility means a certain amount of independence has been achieved. "This is an accomplishment that they have never experienced and it boosts their self-esteem," she said.

As for Ritchie, she's making progress at Providence House. "For the first time, I actually feel something positive." Her courage and determination are evident. "I know I won't give up until I get to where I want to be, where I can take care of my kids, until I'm happy. I'm just going to keep going." With a little help from Providence House, she will.