Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) provides relocation services to individuals and families that request assistance with relocation to a destination, if it is their intent to reside there. Social Services staff verifies that a friend or family member or an agency at their destination will receive and support the individual or family. Relocation services can also be provided to an individual or family if there verification of an offer of employment with a verified start date. The purpose of the program is to assist individuals and/or families who can be better served by relocating to a destination that provides a reconnection to family or friends or with employment opportunities that will lead to self-sufficiency.

To be eligible to the program an individual needs:

• To be 18 years of age, or a child in the care of an applicant parent.
• To provide a valid picture ID. Exceptions are allowed.
• Must not have received cash assistance from any County, State, or Federal Program during the same month in which the bus ticket is requested. Exceptions can be made.
• Must not have liquid resources, including cash on hand of more than $150.

Two different tracks for TAP eligibility have been developed:

Track A:

Provides relocation services to individuals and/or families who are not applicants or recipients of the County’s General Relief or CalWORKs cash assistance programs.

Track B:

Provides relocation services to individuals who are applicants or recipients of General Relief.

Transportation Assistance Program benefits include:

• A non-refundable one-way ticket to a pre-designated location.
• Meal allowance for adults of $20 per 24-hour period and $10 per 24-hour period for children under the age of 8.
• In some instances, issuances of gas will be available if the driver of the vehicle is a legal driver, the vehicle is currently registered, and proof of insurance is provided. If children are traveling in the vehicle, safety seats must be properly installed.
• Individuals and families are eligible to TAP once every two years.

Social Services Branch staff verifies that family or friends at the destination will receive and support the TAP applicant, or verify that there is a job waiting. This verification is done within two days of application. Staff also verifies that the participant arrives safely at the pre-designated destination.

These community partners can help with making phone calls to locate family or friends, completing the TAP application, and providing other services that might assist TAP applicants with any issues that need to be address before they travel.

• Alcohol Drug Care Services
  Serenity Inn
  2109 Broadway
  Eureka, CA 95501
  (707) 442-4815
• Arcata Endeavor
  501 9th St.
  Arcata, CA 95521
  (707) 822-5008
• Humboldt Domestic Violence Services
  1-866-668-6543
• Redwood Community Action Agency
  Emergency Shelter Program
  926 G St.
  Eureka, CA 95501
  (707) 269-2075

Apply for TAP at:

• Humboldt County Health and Human Services
  Social Services Branch Main Office
  929 Koster St.
  Eureka, CA 95501
  (707) 269-3590

Go to the front office at the Social Services office and ask about TAP or the Transportation Assistance Program.