Getting to the resources you need often requires transportation. In Waterloo Region we have a public bus system called Grand River Transit or GRT. To use the bus you may pay with cash (exact change only), bus tickets, or a monthly pass. For more information on fares, routes, and how the system works you can check out the GRT website at www.grt.ca or call them. You should also ask about reduced fares for seniors and students if applicable.
Sometimes affording the bus can be a problem; there are some agencies and government programs that may be able to give you bus tickets so that you can get to your job, a shelter, or some appointments.
Sometimes, though, you are simply unable to take the bus and need someone to drive you to an appointment. There are programs that have volunteer drivers who help seniors and disabled adults shop or attend medical appointments.
It is also important to look at the resources and connections that you already have. Do you belong to any sort of group, church, or association that could help out? Perhaps you have a friend, family member, or neighbour who would be willing to trade favours or skills with you, for example you could exchange babysitting for a ride to your doctor.
Another option, for those who occasionally need the use of a vehicle, is Grand River CarShare. This is a car sharing cooperative that you can join and then sign out a car whenever needed. There is a membership fee; however, they have an interest free loan available to help you pay this fee if the initial cost is a problem.
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Basic Needs Guide: Basic Needs
301-750 Baseline Rd E, London
phone: 1-866-522-2122
241 Duke St W, Kitchener
phone: 886-8888
A-28 South St W, Elmira
phone: 749-0784, 669-3023
420 Weber St N, Waterloo
phone: 772-8787
3-29 King St E, Kitchener
phone: 578-1895
13 Industrial Dr, Unit C, Elmira
phone: 669-4533, 1-800-461-1355
35 Dickson St, Cambridge
phone: 623-9380
165 King St E, Kitchener
phone: 743-2460
First United Church, 15 Wellington St, Cambridge
phone: 622-3136
2300 Sheppard Ave W, Ste LL 105, North York
phone: (416) 663-5544
185 King St S, Waterloo
phone: 579-6930
250 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener
phone: 744-8570 (same day inquiries), 744-2241 (future bookings), 585-7597 ext 7290 (registration)
Grand River Transit South Terminal, 35 Ainslie St S, Cambridge
phone: 585-7597 ext 7290 (admin)
73 Arthur St S, Elmira
phone: 669-5139
© 2008 Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo.
151 Frederick St, Ste 300, Kitchener N2H 2M2
519-579-1096
enquiry@waterlooregion.org
Last updated January 2008.