Newport Housing Authority Receives National Award For “A Ride Can Change A Life”

June 20, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

June 20, 2025

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Jim Connell, Executive Director, Age-Friendly RI; jconnell@ric.edu, 401-456-2781

 

Newport, RI – The Newport Housing Authority has received national recognition for a groundbreaking transportation initiative, “A Ride Can Change a Life,” earning a prestigious Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award celebrates outstanding innovation in housing and community development programs across the United States.

Launched as a pilot and now a fully operational program, “A Ride Can Change a Life” provides free, on-demand transportation to residents of Newport Housing Authority and several other senior housing communities across Aquidneck Island. The service helps older adults travel to medical appointments and essential destinations, significantly supporting their independence, access, and overall well-being.

The success of “A Ride Can Change a Life” was made possible through a grant from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) and brought to Newport by grantee Age-Friendly Rhode Island, in partnership with Looking Upwards (Middletown), the Edward King House Senior Center, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Newport Housing Authority.

“This program is aptly named,” said Jim Connell, Director of Age-Friendly Rhode Island. “A ride truly can change a life — especially for older adults facing isolation and limited mobility. We applaud Newport Housing Authority for their vision and commitment to bringing this pilot to life and for the spirit of collaboration shown by all partners involved.” Accepting the NAHRO award for “A Ride Can Change A Life,” in Washington, were Newport Housing Authority Executive Director, Rhonda Mitchell, and NHA Commissioners Nikki Vazquez, Dave Roderick, and Tom Sheehan.

This recognition underscores the Newport Housing Authority’s continued commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents through creative, community-driven solutions.