TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary subsequent documents or subsequent amendments, including amending the grant award, with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), to accept and expend funding in a total amount not to exceed $30,000 for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant - Transportation Demonstration Grant Program, for a 5-month period, estimated to begin June 28, 2023 through November 30, 2023, with an option to extend for an additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant - Transportation Demonstration Grant, provides grant funding for the Healthy Aging Center to offer free transportation to Long Beach residents (age 50+) to access essential services. This program works to improve health and well-being outcomes for older adults, reduce barriers to accessing essential services, lessen the financial burden associated with traditional transportation options, and combat social isolation by encouraging re-engagement with their community following the COVID-19 pandemic/Stay-at-Home orders. Eligible rides will include trips to/from medical and dental appointments, pharmacy/prescription pick up, grocery shopping, nutrition programs, congregate meal sites, public social services agencies, mental health services, banking centers, and more.
The goal of the Transportation Demonstration Grant is to advance solutions that build capacity toward transportation systems change. There is a growing need in the community for alternative options for on-demand rides for older adults. The barriers that older adults face with existing transportation options range from apprehension and digital competencies around utilizing app-based rides, cost of bus fare, public transportation location, time spent at bus stops, safety, environmental conditions, reduced ability to safely drive, delays associated with rides from me...
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