New jail transport program has already helped 173 people

- Wendy DiAlesandro

In the first six months of a new Portage County Jail transportation program, 173 people recently released from the jail have taken advantage of free rides to a PARTA hub, personally accompanied by a social worker offering help with employment and housing.

Emerald Transportation, an arm of Axess Family Services (formerly Family & Community Services of Portage County), began transporting people released from the county jail in January. The need arose after dozens of people found themselves walking miles down Infirmary Road to reach a bus stop, some of them arriving after dark and having to spend the night outside in downtown Ravenna.

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