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Councilmember Patterson provides “retired” van to Northwest Urban Ministries
Summary
Van will help Tukwila-based non-profit organization meet transportation needs in South King County
Story
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson recently provided an eight-passenger van to Northwest Urban Ministries, a non-profit organization based in Tukwila that assists people and communities throughout South King County. Northwest Urban Ministries will use the van to transport children and their families to educational programs and after-school functions, and will also transport low-income individuals to partnering health organizations for doctor and dental services.“Children should receive a quality education, and low-income members of our communities should have access to medical care,” Councilmember Patterson said. “For years now, King County’s van donation program has helped non-profit organizations carry out their work in our communities, and I’m glad that this van will be used to help improve the lives of people in South King County.”
Since 1995, the County Council has donated vans from Metro’s Vanpool to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for low-income, elderly, youth, and disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles.
Governments, agencies and organizations that receive vans must meet specific requirements, including outlining specific plans for using the van, ability to provide quality and trained drivers, and assurance that the van will be available to assist persons without regard to affiliation with any particular organization.
Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Patterson’s office at 206-296-1005 or julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov for more information about applying for a vehicle.