Opportunities, Incorporated in Great Falls is offering free rides to anyone who needs to get to work, in the wake of Great Falls Transit suspending regular bus service as concerns grow over the spread of coronvirus (COVID-19).
They’ve already helped workers at Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart this week and want to help even more workers facing transportation issues.
“(We) Just want to keep people working and alleviate any of the barriers and stress that we can,” said executive director Karla Seaman.
The organization is partnering with Blacked Out 406 Taxi to provide the free rides; the service is only for those who need to get to shift work.
Organizers say they hope to continue the rides long term, but their current focus is on helping others now. "Just taking care of the immediate and then looking to how we're going to be able to sustain it for individuals,” said Seaman.
Seaman says Opportunities, Inc. hopes to address food delivery for the elderly and is focusing on immediate needs on a day-to-day basis.
She says church volunteers are willing and ready to help with whatever they need with organizations such as North Central Independent Living Services, Inc. and Aging Services also reaching out. “All in all, it’s just people working together,” she said.
Offices are closed to walk-in clients, and calls are being redirected to one main number, 406-761-0310. You can also email oppincquestion@gfoppinc.org for more information, or click here to visit the Facebook page.
Officials ask for patience as phone systems are busy.
There are now 10 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Montana. Here is the publicly-released information about them:
- Gallatin County (3): man in his 40s; recovering at home; acquired through international travel; 2 men in their 20s
- Missoula County (3): man in his 50s, woman in her 30s; man in his 20s
- Yellowstone County (2): woman in her 50s; recovering at home; acquired through international travel; woman in her 20s
- Butte-Silver Bow County: man in his 50s; recovering at home; acquired domestically in affected areas out of state
- Broadwater County: man in his 50s; recovering at home; acquired domestically in affected areas out of state
There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Great Falls or Cascade County. KRTV is aware of concerns in the community about who should be tested and who is able to get tested, and are working to get answers from public health officials.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- Free COVID-19 testing and unemployment benefits for Montanans
- Bullock directs two-week closure of public K-12 schools in Montana
- Two COVID-19 cases confirmed in Missoula County; total in Montana is now six
- How the coronavirus closure will affect Great Falls Public Schools
- Officials in Cascade County address coronavirus concerns
- CDC: Cancel or postpone all events with more than 50 people for next 8 weeks
- St. Patrick's Day parade and other events canceled due to coronavirus
