Community impact: helping a domestic abuse survivor get back on her feet

This story was provided by Seattle Uber NW Community Initiative partner DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network). The names in this story have been altered to protect privacy. 

Uber stands for safety and we’re proud to support DAWN and the work they do to help domestic abuse survivors reclaim their lives. Domestic abuse can leave survivors traumatized. They flee their homes, jobs, and often don’t have cars, food, or changes of clothing. DAWN is a resource for these survivors as they start to rebuild their lives. We’re able to supply food and clothing—and thanks to our partnership with Uber, we can provide transportation at critical times.

For Marni, that time was when she needed a ride from DAWN’s shelter to a custody hearing for her daughter. We requested an Uber trip to her hearing. When Marni went inside, she realized the address entered was to the wrong courthouse and that the correct location was 5 city blocks away.

With 15 minutes left before the hearing, she stepped out the doors in tears—but saw her Uber ride was still there. The driver had waited to make sure she was at the right location. After getting back in the car, he swiftly drove her 5 blocks to the correct courthouse and she made it just in time. At that hearing, the judge awarded her custody of her daughter.

Stories like this one are why we’re so happy to be partnering with Uber. DAWN clients are able to get to job interviews, court hearings, medical appointments, support groups, and other critical meetings that help them in their quest to restart their lives in a peaceful, safe environment.

In 2018, the Uber NW Community Impact Initiative has donated over $600,000 in financial assistance and rides to 45+ nonprofits across the region. For more information, visit t.uber.com/communityimpact.