A practical stack that removes barriers—rides, reminders, online tools—and wraps people with support.
Built by neighbors with lived experience. Bus‑first, off‑hours rides when it matters, and a phone‑friendly co‑pilot that keeps folks moving forward.
What participants receive
Bus‑firstOff‑hours ridesRemindersTele‑support- Ride credits (off‑hours): Lyft/Uber vouchers with caps & geofences for work, shelter, ID/legal, and medical. Buses first; rides only when GoCoMo isn’t running.
- Micromobility: Low‑income scooter/e‑bike access for first/last mile where available.
- ChatGPT access: scholarships for planning, job search, forms, reminders, and weekly check‑ins.
- Online counseling stipend: support for tele‑therapy (e.g., BetterHelp or local partners) when appropriate.
- Phone & data help: SIM/top‑up or hotspot access for those without reliable service.
- ID & docs: fees for IDs/birth certs + a simple “cloud locker” so nothing gets lost.
- Weekly 15–20 min cadence: a human check‑in + micro‑goals that compound.
How it works
- Enroll: 10‑person pilot cohort via shelters/outreach.
- Stability plan: work schedule, appointments, and goals set in week one.
- Mobility layer: off‑hours ride credits (4:45–6:30a & 6:30–10:30p) + first/last‑mile micromobility; always bus‑first.
- Tech unlocks: ChatGPT tasks, document prep, job apps, benefit forms, reminders.
- Measure: jobs kept 30/60/90 days, IDs obtained, court/clinic kept, housing steps.
We never use one‑way “relocation” rides. Stability here in Columbia is the goal.
What your donation powers
$15
One late‑night ride to a shift or shelter$45
Month of first/last‑mile scooter unlocks & rides$60
Monthly off‑hours ride credits for one person$20
One month of ChatGPT access for coaching & reminders$40
ID or vital records + document scanning/storage$95
Full “Stability Bundle” for a month (rides + ChatGPT + docs)We track outcomes and publish simple monthly reports so you see the impact per dollar.
Why this works
- Friction kills progress. We remove the costly, time‑sensitive barriers first (transportation, IDs, connectivity).
- Bus‑first, budget‑smart. Ride credits only when buses don’t run—dollars stretch further.
- Coaching + automation. Human accountability + tech reminders beats willpower alone.
- Radically practical. Everything fits on a phone. No long forms. No maze.
FAQ
Is this free for participants?
Yes during the pilot. We use donated ride credits and stipends for eligible needs.
Do I need a smartphone?
No. We can coordinate by SMS and set up vouchers that work on basic phones; we also help with SIM/top‑ups.
Are you partnered with Uber/Lyft/BetterHelp?
We use vouchers/credits and low‑income programs where available. Formal partnerships are developing as the pilot grows.
How do I enroll someone?
Email us with subject “JOIN PILOT” and include a safe contact method and schedule windows.
Get help • Refer someone • Partner
Email: josh@futureproofcolumbia.org
If you’re a business with early/late shifts, a clinic, shelter, or a mobility provider, we’d love to co‑design routes, credits, or schedules that keep people moving.