Funds To Transport So. Queens Elderly
Seniors in southwest Queens should have an easier time getting to and from their local senior center through a free shuttle bus partially funded by a local lawmaker.
City Council Member Eric Ulrich announced at a Howard Beach press conference on Monday, Sept. 22, he secured $25,000 in city funds for a driver to operate a free shuttle bus serving four senior centers operated by Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens in Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach and Woodhaven.
The van service will allow local seniors to be picked up from their homes and brought to their nearest Catholic Charities senior center, and returned home later in the day. Ulrich noted the shuttle will also be used for senior day trips to places such as area shopping centers, parks, performing arts venues and farmers’ markets.
“Our seniors deserve better transportation options,” Ulrich said. “Since Hurricane Sandy, far too many of our elderly friends and neighbors have become isolated in their homes or apartments. This shuttle bus service will ensure that our seniors have direct access to senior centers and the vital services and programs they provide.”
Judy Kleve, vice president for Catholic Charities Older Adult Services, applauded Ulrich for funding the senior shuttle, noting that it would enhance “the ability of our seniors to live independently and increase the quality of their lives.”
The shuttle will serve four southwestern Queens senior centers that Catholic Charities operates: the Woodhaven- Richmond Hill Senior Center, currently operating out of American Legion Post 118 at 89- 02 91st St. in Woodhaven (phone 1-718-847-9200); the Ozone Park Senior Center at 103-02 101st Ave. (phone 1-718-847-2100); the Howard Beach Senior Center at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. (phone 1-718-738-8100); and the Seaside Senior Center at 320 Beach 94th St. in Rockaway Beach (phone 1-347-926-4119).
For more information, visit www.ccbq.org/what-wedo/ older-adult-services; to schedule a pickup, call the senior centers.
