Established in 2015, CARSS (Call A Ride for Sausalito Seniors) has provided over 9,000 local rides and more than 5400 hours have been logged by their vetted volunteer drivers. About 20 floating homes residents have benefitted from this service, and six have volunteered as drivers.
When the shelter in place order was instituted, CARSS transformed from a transportation program to a free shopping and delivery service for all eligible residents. Since the start of the crisis, over 300 services have been completed by vetted volunteers including shopping and delivery, companionship calls and technical assistance with Zoom and Facetime.
The City of Sausalito has historically included the program in their budget. However, due to the pandemic, the City is facing a $4 million dollar deficit and the CARSS organization must look elsewhere for funding. They need to raise a minimum of $20,000 by July 1, 2020 to keep CARSS operating through the next fiscal year.
CARSS plans to continue as an errand service during this critical time and, when it is safe, return to a transportation program. Tax deductible donations can be made directly to the City of Sausalito/CARSS. The tax ID number for the City is: 94-6000429. Checks should be made payable to ‘City of Sausalito/CARSS’ and mailed to 420 Litho Street, Sausalito, CA 94965, attn: Parks/Rec Department.
The City can also accept donations by credit card. Please contact the Parks/Rec Department 415-289-4152. Since staff are working remotely, please leave a message and they will return your call.
CARSS (Call A Ride for Sausalito Seniors) is a City of Sausalito Age Friendly program managed by Sausalito Village. They also need more drivers. If you’d like to help, you can sign up on the CARSS website.