Ride-sharing service Uber announced Tuesday it will fund all rides for women to the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
Free rides will also be provided to legal, medical and other appointments for those staying in the shelter through the $10,000 donation from Uber.
The shelter’s Chief Program Director Nicole Molinaro Karaczun said that’s how much the organization usually spends on transportation, since physically getting to a shelter can be a barrier for women seeking help while experiencing domestic violence.
“As Pittsburgh moves to a new economy and brings in new economic partners, we have to work together to also recognize the importance of corporate and social responsibility and making sure that we’re reaching out to the people of our communities when they need it most,” said Pittsburgh Councilman Dan Gilman, who facilitated the partnership.
Karaczun said the extra money provided by Uber will help offset other costs.
“This is money that we really need in other places,” said Molinaro Karaczun. “So we’ll be able to take the $10,000 we typically spend on transportation on all of the other needs for the women and children that we serve.”
The Women’s Center and Shelter serves more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence, and shelters more than 500 women and children every year.
