In November of 2021, HIRTA announced a new volunteer program called RSVP (Retired, Senior Volunteer Program) in Marion County. HIRTA staff tell KNIA/KRLS News the volunteer program will now be called HIRTA Helps, which aligns with their mission to help people and volunteers. The new name also comes with a new software and website design to help match volunteers with opportunities.

Under the HIRTA Helps umbrella, there are different programs and focuses: RSVP in Madison and Marion counties to provide volunteer opportunities and assistance to those in need. The focuses for RSVP are companionship, nutrition, and transportation.

Danny Schnathorst, mobility coordinator for HIRTA tells KNIA/KLRLS News their fares for rides in the county are $2.50 one way or $5 round trip. Schathorst replied how people rely on HIRTA to get around, “There are people who couldn’t go to the doctor’s office without us, people who couldn’t get to congregate meals or just live everyday life and going to the barber shop.”

In Warren counties, HIRTA has partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa to provide transportation.

The new HIRTA Helps website, www.HIRTAHelps.org, is easier to access for both volunteers, who may easily sign up for opportunities on the website, and agencies, who may add their own volunteer opportunities to the platform. The volunteer application is now available to be completed online.

Contact HIRTA’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mildred Chihak, by emailing volunteer@ridehirta.com or calling (515) 309-9293. Visit www.HIRTAHelps.org for more information or to apply.