Ride Home Program

History

Under the leadership of former ARC Board Member Michael Romano and staff member Carlos Cervantes, ARC collaborated with Stanford University’s Justice Advocacy Project to create the Ride Home Program.

About this program

The Ride Home Program provides free, safe, and friendly transportation directly from the carceral facility to an approved transitional housing program.

Our experienced ARC reentry drivers are formerly incarcerated themselves, offering returning citizens someone with a similar experience to co-create a practical and realistic plan for reentry. We keep in touch with returning citizens for follow-up counseling and support in becoming ARC members. 

Our mission is to counsel returning citizens on how to approach and overcome obstacles ahead, share a first meal, buy fresh clothing and toiletries together, bring them to a safe home, and introduce them to a changed world.

Ride Home Impact

Our Ride Home Program has brought home more than 1,394 people upon release and experienced a 700% increase in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RIDES HOME GIVEN EACH YEAR

2020: Provided 153 Rides Home

2021: Provided 802 Rides Home

2022: Provided 257 Rides Home

2023: Provided 334 Rides Home

2024: Provided 230 Rides Home so far

Average is 27 pick ups per month.