Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is providing free rides to COVID-19 vaccination appointments for East Tennessee residents who have transportation barriers.
Funded by an Amerigroup Insurance grant, this program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Interested residents are encouraged to take advantage of this program as soon as possible.
To receive assistance, residents will need to provide the address, time, and date of their vaccination appointment. Transportation assistance will then be provided electronically via rideshare gift cards or gas cards. Exemptions can be made for those who cannot use electronic gift cards.
“With the ongoing cases of COVID-19, it’s imperative for those who wish to get vaccinated to have reliable transportation to their appointments,” said Michelle Kitts, Catholic Charities’ program manager. “So many of our East Tennessee neighbors experience transportation barriers daily. This program meets that need while also helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This program is available to anyone who resides in any of the 36 East Tennessee counties. To register for transportation assistance, residents should visit CCETN.org/VaccineRides or call Michelle Kitts at 865-963-4725. Funds are limited and are not guaranteed. Empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, founded in 1989, addresses the unmet needs of the most vulnerable of the region by providing shelter, nourishment, counseling, and education in order to foster human dignity.
CCETN programs include Children’s Emergency Shelter, Columbus Home Assisting Parents (C.H.A.P), Crazy Quilt Food Pantry, Horizon House/Five Rivers Community Supportive Housing, Office of Immigrant Services, Pregnancy Help Center, Samaritan Place, The Home Place, Counseling Services, and HOPE Kitchen. For more information, visit. www.CCETN.org.
