Drago secures retired Metro van for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission

October 15, 2010

Summary

Van will help connect homeless to services, care, and community

Story

On October 14, a retired King County Metro Vanpool van began its new life with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission with a warm welcome from more than 600 guests at the Mission’s first ever gala fundraiser event. It was the first of three donated vans that will be delivered by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jan Drago to non-profit organizations that help the homeless, the hungry, and young people in neighborhoods in south Seattle and White Center.

“The county’s retired van donation program is really about making the most of the county’s resources. By donating the vans, they continue to serve the public in their new life with these non-profit organizations,” said Drago. “The recession has put even more pressure on non-profits like Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, with fewer resources for a growing number of clients. I know this van is welcome relief to the Mission and it will really help them reach more people in need.”

Since 1995, the County Council has been donating retired vans from Metro’s Vanpool program to local nonprofit organizations. This year, Councilmember Drago secured vans for three organizations in Council District Eight, including Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

“We are so pleased to receive the van from Councilmember Drago. We could not have asked for a better symbol of collaboration, working hand in hand as we launch dozens of new services for people in need,” said Jeff Lilley, President of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

The gala dinner held Thursday evening by Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission brought together elected officials, business and community leaders, and many others to raise awareness and funds for the programs the Mission provides to those living with addiction, poverty and homelessness. The event raised nearly $650,000 that will help fund critical programs as winter weather looms.

Lilley continued, “This van will immediately be put to work as part of our Search and Rescue fleet, and it likely will be the difference between life and death for people living on the streets this coming winter.”

The King County Council donates retired vans to local nonprofit groups to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, seniors, youth, or people with disabilities in King County. The groups are responsible for licensing, insuring and maintaining the vehicles. The retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet for at least six years and have reached the end of their service life. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus. The council uses an annual application process to donate the retired vans.