United Way of Southeast Missouri receives grant to expand workforce transportation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — United Way of Southeast Missouri has received a transportation grant from United Way Worldwide to expand United We Work, a workforce transportation program serving the region.

The program, launched in late 2023, operates in partnership with the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority and was initially funded by Healthy Blue. Since its launch, United We Work has provided more than 3,000 rides to 223 entry-level employees traveling to jobs at 115 employers across Southeast Missouri.

Program participation includes a budgeting component, which officials said has helped participants establish banking relationships. Four participants have been able to purchase vehicles as a result of the program.

The funding comes through United Way Worldwide’s Ride United Transportation Access grant, launched in 2018 in partnership with Lyft. The grant supports select United Way organizations nationwide by providing free transportation for essential needs.

United Way of Southeast Missouri was approved to use the grant to offer 250 rides to job interviews. Individuals who secure employment after using the interview transportation will then transition into the United We Work program.

“We have a great free bus service through CTA that provides transportation around the community with stops at local shopping centers and grocery stores,” said Elizabeth Shelton, executive director of United Way of Southeast Missouri. “With this new grant from United Way Worldwide, we can meet needs that CTA and United We Work currently do not. Transportation to interviews is a very real need in our area and supports our commitment to the workforce as we move families from striving to thriving.”