Community Spotlight: United Way of Manatee Collaborates to Solve Barriers to Self-Sufficiency with Reliable Transportation Program

BRADENTON – In Manatee County, automobiles are an essential piece to a self-sufficient life. Transportation connects us to jobs, education, healthcare and healthy food.

United Way of Manatee County, Enterprise Car Sales, and Manatee Community Federal Credit Union (MCFCU) have collaborated to provide Reliable Ride (RR), one solution to our community’s complex transportation challenges. RR pairs working individuals with affordable, safe, low-mileage automobiles. Individuals normally limited to buying over-priced unreliable cars with high interest rates from “buy-here, pay-here” car lots will now have access to quality transportation at competitive prices while receiving below market interest rates.

Using the capacity of United Way of Manatee County to provide outreach and supportive services, the resources of Manatee Community Federal Credit Union with financial support, and autos provided by Enterprise Car Sales, the program would help individuals overcome one of the primary barriers to self-sufficiency: reliable transportation.

Additionally, Reliable Ride makes family financial literacy and automobile maintenance courses part of the application process, which spotlight ownership responsibilities designed for the new car owner.

“United Way of Manatee County’s mission is to develop the resources and partnerships that make a measurable difference in peoples’ lives,” said Philip Brown, president of United Way of Manatee County. “Reliable Ride is a resource that will provide greater access to opportunities for working individuals and families in our community.”

Sherod Halliburton, president of Manatee Community Federal Credit Union, says, "Manatee Community Federal Credit Union is excited about the opportunity to support United Way of Manatee County's Financial Stability strategy by serving as the lender for the much needed Reliable Ride program. Access to reliable transportation will change the lives of many low-income families in our community."

RR connects and builds upon a network of resources in Manatee County to help ensure that our neighbors are able to meet their families’ health, educational and vocational needs by providing an opportunity to gain safe affordable transportation.

To learn more about the program, please contact Jerri M. Sutton, Reliable Ride Program Administrator, United Way Manatee County, 1701 Tamiami Trail, Bradenton, FL 34205.