Phillips finds New Homes for “Retired” County Vans

Instead of heading to the used car lot, three retired Metro Transit vanpool vans will go to nonprofit organizations serving at-risk youth and homeless populations thanks to Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips.

Following this week’s unanimous approval by the County Council of the King County Vanpool Program, Phillips announced that Farestart, the Service Board, and the Downtown Emergency Service Center will each receive one eight-passenger vehicle.

“I’ve seen firsthand many times how our local service agencies find a second life for these well-loved vans serving the needs of children, elderly, low income, and disabled people in King County,” said Councilmember Phillips. “I’m very proud of King County’s successful retired vanpool program and have no doubt that Farestart, the Service Board, and the Downtown Emergency Service Center will put their vans to great use.”

Farestart provides nutritious meals to those in need and helps homeless and disadvantaged men, women, and their families create new opportunities for the future. Farestart will use their van to deliver high quality meals to low-income populations through its contract meal business.

The Service Board provides youth with life-changing experiences that build self-knowledge, skills, courage, determination and an ethic of public service. The Service Board will use their van to transport young people to community service projects, program nights, and special events.

The Downtown Emergency Service Center opened its newest housing program, Evans House, for mentally ill homeless adults in September. Evans House will provide housing for 75 chronically homeless adults, and the Service Center’s van will be used to serve Evans House residents and the community.

Since 1995, the King County Council has donated retired vans to nonprofit groups and local governments to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, elderly, disabled, and young people throughout the county.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2007-0489”