Where the Vans Go: Courage to Change Recovery Services

Vans reaching the end of their service life with Community Transit’s Vanpool shared commute program can get a second chance to make a difference in the community by being awarded to a local nonprofit organization. Community Transit’s Van GO competitive grant program launched in 2000 and has since awarded 146 vans and wheelchair lift-equipped paratransit vehicles to qualified 501(c)3 organizations throughout Snohomish County. 

Courage to Change Housing provides housing and transportation to clients who are in recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Courage to Change President Michael Kersey says that the van, which they were awarded in May 2019, has helped them to further their community outreach, to gather donations for the homeless, and to transport individuals to facilities that can accept them.

“The van is a huge savior. Because of COVID, we drive people up to 250 miles to get to facilities that can accept them. We have been driving 1,000 – 1,500 miles each week. We wouldn’t have been able to do this in our own cars,” says Kersey.

We are excited to grant more vehicles to local nonprofit organizations this year. Do you know of a local organization doing important work in our community? Van GO is accepting applications through September 30, 2020. Visit communitytransit.org/vango to learn more.