Press Release: Lyft to Provide Free Rides to Domestic Violence Victims During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

For Immediate Release:

For Media Inquiries Contact: Allie Bones, Chief Executive Officer
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
p: 602-279-2900 x416 c: 602-391-8690

Lyft to Provide Free Rides to Domestic Violence Victims during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

PHOENIX, AZ October 4th, 2017 – During the month of October, nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Lyft will partner with a local Arizona nonprofit, The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence as well as Maricopa County Centralized Screening to provide free and safe transportation to victims of domestic violence throughout the month.

Lyft will provide safe transportation for victims of domestic violence seeking services through Maricopa County Centralized Screening, a free 24/7 hotline that connects domestic violence survivors needing crisis shelter with a Maricopa County domestic violence program. Centralized Screening typically assists about 100 adults per month with domestic violence shelter with approximately 85% of those adults needing transportation to the domestic violence program.

“One of the greatest needs we hear from domestic violence programs is the need for safe, fast and reliable transportation for victims seeking services.” Allie Bones, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence states, “we’re thrilled to partner with Lyft and provide this much needed service during domestic violence awareness month. Domestic violence programs operate often with limited resources and the support from Lyft is greatly welcome.”  

“Lyft is proud to partner with both The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and Maricopa County Centralized Screening to provide a safe and reliable transportation option to victims of domestic violence throughout the month of October – and beyond,” said Drena Kusari, Lyft General Manager, Southwest Region.

In addition to free rides provided to victims of domestic violence during October, Lyft will also offer codes the public may use during the month which will provide discounted rides and donations to be given to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.  Funds raised will go towards the Coalition’s Emergency Assistance Fund, supporting survivors with meeting financial barriers to safety. 

By using the following codes “ENDVIOLENCE” and “ENDVIOLENCE17” users will benefit in the following ways:

ENDVIOLENCE  – used for new users, offers $5 off 4 rides and for every first ride that new users take, Lyft will donate $10 to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

ENDVIOLENCE17 – for existing users, offers 20% off 2 rides throughout the month of October in the Phoenix metro area.

About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is the designated dual issue coalition in Arizona addressing both sexual and domestic violence for over 35 years. Our purpose is to increase public awareness about the issues of sexual and domestic violence, enhance the safety of and services for sexual and domestic violence victims and survivors and end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona communities. We do this by providing education & training, technical assistance, advocating at the legislature in public policy as well as providing assistance to survivors and advocates through our Legal Advocacy Hotline.

About Centralized Screening

A New Leaf, the non-profit organization which operates Centralized Screening has been in operation for over 46 years. A New Leaf is focused on Health, Housing, and Community Services and has provided domestic violence services for over 30 years. Centralized Screening is the DV Hotline for Maricopa County, offering crisis intervention, safety planning and connection to community resources, including shelter. When shelter is identified as a need, transportation to shelter is usually one of the greatest barriers a victim of domestic violence faces. Teaming up with Lyft will help to significantly reduce this barrier.  Centralized Screening takes approximately 350 calls per week and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 480-890-3039 or toll free 844-723-3387.

About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available to 95 percent of the US population. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.

Help is available for anyone who has experienced sexual or domestic violence. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, consider calling 911. For more information or to talk to an advocate, please call the RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) Hotline at 1-800-HOPE(4673), the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or the or the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 1-800-782-6400.

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