Photo courtesy of HANAC
12 August 2024 By Athena Dawson
Rep. Grace Meng (D-6) joined local seniors on a bus ride on Thursday, August 8, as part of a transportation program run by a local nonprofit based in Astoria.
Meng and the seniors drove to a supermarket with the East-West Connecting Transport Programme, offered by HANACan organization that provides affordable housing and social services to seniors and vulnerable community members.
The transportation program has a fleet of nine vans with six scheduled routes throughout Astoria, Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, Rego Park and other parts of Queens. The van service transports seniors to and from senior centers and offers group rides to grocery stores, shopping centers, banks, polling places, walking clubs and social events. The van fee is $1 each way.
Rep. Meng was pleased with the positive impact the program has had on local seniors. “It is vital that older people can travel to meet their needs and I thank HANAC for providing this valuable transportation service in our district,” she said.
Photo courtesy of HANAC
Andrea Jerves, director of programs and development at HANAC, said the transportation program allows seniors to regain their freedom. “Whether it’s a doctor’s visit or daily necessities, the ability to move freely around the district is a small luxury that many seniors lose due to age,” she said.
Founded in 1972 by George Douris, HANAC is an Astoria-based social services organization focused on assisting low-income New Yorkers and other members of the city’s most vulnerable populations.The East-West Connection Transportation Program has been providing transportation services to seniors since 1984. Over 38,000 one-way trips are made annually and the program serves over 1,000 registered clients in seven Queens boroughs.
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