Goodwill partners with Lyft to offer free rides to work, job interviews WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — Finding reliable transportation to get to and from work can be tough, especially with recent changes to service from the Charlotte Area Transit System.

But Channel 9′s Damany Lewis learned Goodwill is offering people a free lift to work, and they don’t have to work for the company.

China Brooks, 26, said Goodwill is helping her rebuild her life in more ways than one, especially after her rocky past.

“I am a recovering addict. I went to drugs at the age of 19, I have been in abusive relationships in the streets and homeless. I just lost it all,” she said.

Rideshare company Lyft and Goodwill are teaming up to give people free rides to job interviews or even rides to work for the first three weeks.

It’s reliable transportation during a time when some said Charlotte’s public transportation is a gamble.

“The bus lines are not reliable. Sometimes they don’t show up for work, sometimes issues on the bus,” Brooks said.

Goodwill’s director of career experience Janice Gray said Lyft donated $24,000 in credits. So far, people have used half the money, but the nonprofit knows so many more people out there can use the service.

“The goal was to help job seekers connect to resources that can help them be successful at work,” Gray said. “Anyone in our community can access this. You just have to come to us and we can get you enrolled and in our services.”

Goodwill is also giving away 150 free laptops and hotspots to those who qualify, all in an effort to bridge the digital divide and get people back to work.

“I am happy in life because I have a new opportunity and I feel great about it,” Brooks said.

For more information about the free Lyft credits or to apply for a new laptop, click here.

(WATCH BELOW: Goodwill helps connect people with jobs through trade-skill programs)

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