Purpose
Volunteer Driver Programs (VDPs) help people maintain their health and independence by improving their access to essential services. Most VDPs serve older adults and individuals with disabilities, often providing transportation to critical appointments, vaccine and booster access, or basic needs. These riders may not have family members, friends, or neighbors who are able to transport them as often as needed and therefore rely on volunteer drivers. a sense of community is not uncommon.
Volunteer Driver Programs in New Hampshire
VDPs make up a critical safety net in remote areas where there are limited resources and public transportation options. This is particularly true for rural states like New Hampshire; although they have great benefits in urban and suburban areas as well. A variety of VDPs exist in New Hampshire. Some operate privately and use non-government funding to provide service to specific groups (like faith communities). Others are based in local communities, and receive some combination of federal, state, or municipal funding requiring them to be accessible to the public. Due to these differences, it is important to contact a VDP directly to learn about their qualification requirements, intake process, and any procedures/rules that must be followed when getting a ride.
How it Works
A VDP matches requests for transportation with a volunteer driver who is typically reimbursed on a per-mile basis for providing the trip. Persons requesting service call the network; the network calls the driver and schedules the trip.
Become a Volunteer Driver
Volunteering is one of the most important and meaningful ways to give back to your community. As a volunteer driver, you have the potential to reach into someone’s life and help that person stay connected to their community. VDPs are always looking for volunteer drivers who want to help others get to medical appointments, shopping, social opportunities, and other basic needs. Drivers decide on their own volunteer schedule, who and when they drive, and are trained prior to providing their first ride. Regardless of where you live, there is always a need for more volunteer drivers.
