CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking have been getting help from the Cook County Sheriff's Office and Uber.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said the new initiative involves $10,000 worth of Uber vouchers, which go toward free rides and grocery deliveries for survivors.
“We average about five or six cases per day just within our police department,” said Dart. “I cannot tell you how valuable these vouchers have been already, because we’ve been doing this for a while now, and it’s been … truly life changing.”
Cyndi Kenzinger is Director of Victims Support Services with the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
“The program is in its pilot stage,” Kenzinger said. “It’s been about six weeks and … I believe this program has already saved lives. There [are] situations where people are able to receive medical care daily and treatment that they need to keep them alive.
Cook County Sheriff Deputy Chief Dion Trotter, who oversees the Special Victims Unit, said the community has taken pride in what they’re doing — which he said shows that “the people of Cook County are winning.”
In a press release, Cook County officials said that approximately 90% of the human trafficking and domestic violence survivors helped by Victim Support Services do not have access to a vehicle.
“Transportation is often the biggest barrier for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, who are seeking access to those essential services, so we want to do our part to help,” said Cory Frievogel, with Uber.
The program is currently in several cities across the country.
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