Published by Morgan Hill Times July 12, 2017
By Staff report
Seniors in South County have a new way of getting around with the launch of Sourcewise’s “Sourcewise Transit Service,” a free transportation service that will provide connections to the senior centers in Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
According to Sourcewsie, there are an estimated 11,574 South County residents who are aged 65 and older. Sourcewise Transit Service operates Monday through Friday in San Martin, Gilroy and Morgan Hill.
At the heart of the Sourcewise Transit Service is a 2017 Starcraft Bus, with installed wheelchair lift capacity built by American with Disabilities Act industry specialists. Sourcewise provides door-to-door transportation service, to and from senior centers, and accepts unlimited transportation requests from seniors, according to the press release.
The transportation concept was developed in 2016 after Sourcewise hosted a public hearing in Gilroy to present its 2016-2020 Area Plan on Aging—a needs assessment conducted in Santa Clara County every four years. The need for better transportation to local senior centers was a common thread among the feedback received from both Gilroy and Morgan Hill senior residents.
Based largely on the voices of the community, Sourcewise began piloting its transportation service called “Speedy Shuttle.” The pilot quickly became a highly-demanded service, providing 562 one-way rides in its first three months of operation. Sourcewise receives federal funding from the Older Americans Act of 1965, which was passed by Congress in response to concern about a lack of community social services for older persons.
With the added capacity of the transit service bus, the Sourcewise South County office is positioned to double its transportation service.
“Sourcewise strives to find innovative solutions that benefit our clients and support freedom of individual choice and independence,” said Manuel Altamirano, Chief Operating Officer of Sourcewise. “The Sourcewise Transit Service creates greater access for frail and isolated seniors who otherwise may not be able to leave their home.”
Future plans to expand the Sourcewise Transit Service include door-to-door rides for doctors’ appointments as well as new route extensions to Santa Teresa light rail, the connection to North Valley.
Sourcewise is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving seniors, families, and their caregivers in Santa Clara County for the past 43 years.
Anyone interested in learning more about Sourcewise programs and services can visit mysourcewise.com. For information on the Sourcewise Transit Service or to request a ride, call Sourcewise South County office: (408) 762-7362.
If anyone is interested in supporting the Sourcewise Transit Service, they may make a donation directly to Sourcewise, citing “Sourcewise Transit Service” in the memo line. All donations can be mailed to the Morgan Hill Office: 16340 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037.
View Morgan Hill Times article here.