I have been a judge in the District Court in Massachusetts for 30 years, working with people caught up in the criminal or civil justice system. This has involved people with criminal histories, histories of domestic violence, whether as a perpetrator or victim, and people facing homelessness. One overriding problem for the vast majority of these people is that they suffer from substance abuse disorder. Their lives are often in chaos, and, as a judge, I see it as my responsibility to help direct people on a path to recapturing their lives. By definition, this involves helping people reach a sustained period of sobriety. We impose responsibilities for people, either through probationary terms or through involuntary substance abuse commitments, but we need to assist that person to be able to meet these goals.
One obstacle is the ability to get from one place to another, whether that person has shelter or not. That might mean getting to a treatment program, or to take a drug test, to get to an AA/NA meeting, or to the Court for a hearing or a meeting with a probation officer. For people whose lives are in chaos, the best of intentions may be undermined by an inability to make their way to all of these obligations. That’s why helping people to organize themselves and get help with transportation is so important.
— Mark S. Coven
One obstacle is the ability to get from one place to another, whether that person has shelter or not. That might mean getting to a treatment program, or to take a drug test, to get to an AA/NA meeting, or to the Court for a hearing or a meeting with a probation officer. For people whose lives are in chaos, the best of intentions may be undermined by an inability to make their way to all of these obligations. That’s why helping people to organize themselves and get help with transportation is so important.
— Mark S. Coven
“This was a life saver. I don't know how I would get anything done without having this option. I appreciate the heads up texts keeping me posted on where the driver is and what type of car to look for. The drivers have been great, polite and friendly. I'm just seriously so happy. This makes my life less of a struggle and I'm truly grateful for that.”
— Pura Vida Resident
— Pura Vida Resident