Pocono Mountains United Way and Monroe County Transit Authority are partnering to provide free transportation services to people who do not meet the requirements of MCTA’s existing assistance programs.

This include the ALICE population (ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE residents represent the growing number of households in Monroe County that make too much money to qualify for assistance programs, but do not earn enough to afford necessities.

The United Way received $15,000 from Sanofi for the newly developed initiative called Care Connects.

“We at Sanofi recognize the inequities associated with access to health care, and we’re happy to support the access that Care Connects Program will provide,” said Phillip St. James, associate director, US CSR & Community Relations Sanofi U.S.

The Care Connects program provides affordable and accessible transportation services to lower-income families who struggle to meet their transportation needs, especially those who require medical attention but lack the resources to access transportation for appointments within Monroe County.

The program is designed to assist those who are unable to travel on their own due to medical conditions, disabilities, funding or other circumstances that make transportation difficult.

“This program is an example of how United Way and MCTA can develop creative and realistic solutions to everyday challenges. We are grateful for Sanofi’s support,” said Rich Schlameuss, CEO of MCTA.

People interested in getting more information or signing up for the Care Connects transportation assistance program can call 570-839-6282, Ext. 434

For more information or to access the online application, visitwww.gomcta.com/careconnects.php.