Community Transportation Navigators
Community Transportation Navigators Program Overview
The Community Transportation Navigators (CTN) program uses a peer-to-peer approach to provide trusted transportation information and outreach education to hard-to-reach communities. This model empowers and encourages community champions to use their networks and ensure their local communities receive culturally inclusive information and resources.
History of CTN
In 2018, the King County Mobility Coalition (KCMC) was awarded an inclusive planning grant to develop an inclusive process to evaluate how people find and secure free or low-cost transportation in our region. This grant opportunity focused on older adults, people with disabilities, non-English speakers, low-income individuals, people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, refugees, veterans, and youth.
After collecting feedback, the Inclusive Planning Steering Committee, which consisted of transit agencies, community members, and human service representatives, voted to move forward with several projects, including Community Transportation Navigators. Community members with lived experience can best help their peers or groups of people with unique needs, like refugees, immigrants, people with disabilities, or people facing housing challenges. Chosen Transportation Navigators will have the experience and skills to provide unique support to meet the needs of the communities and clients they represent.
In 2020, KCMC, King County Metro, and Notre Dame Lab for Economic Opportunity began researching how to pilot the CTN program. This research led to a working partnership with the local Somali and Afghan communities and the creation of a full CTN program.
During the summer of 2022, Hopelink and King County Metro launched the first CTN program, connecting community members with trusted peer guides who, through shared experiences, languages, cultures, and geography, provide transportation options and connections to greater opportunities.
Meet The Filipino Cultural Cohort
The Hopelink Mobility Team and King County Metro are incredibly excited to share the first extension of our Community Transportation Navigators program, the Filipino Cultural Cohort!
All Navigators receive in-depth training on regional transportation mapping and resources during onboarding. With this knowledge, Navigators host outreach events using culturally fitting strategies to educate and engage community members. Navigators provide special support and creative solutions, meeting the needs of their communities. Our Filipino Cohort will continue supporting the community through the summer of 2023. Stay tuned for more Cohorts, forming to serve even more unique community groups.
Roxanne (pictured on the left)
Roxanne and her family migrated from the Philippines to Washington State in 2017. After arriving, she continued to work professionally in Human Resource Management and Office Administration in the private and public sectors. Overall, Roxanne seeks to support other newly arrived members like herself to continuously learn, inspire, and support each other’s dreams to be productive and significant.
Contact: Roxanne Vasquez,
Rocel (pictured in the middle)
Rocel was born in Manila, Philippines, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. In her past professional journey, Rocel worked as a bilingual teacher with the Seattle School District. She’s currently working full-time in the social service industry and as a part-time Community Transportation Navigator. Rocel enjoys traveling, gardening, and volunteering in her neighborhood and local school district.
Contact: Rocel Mendoza,RocelMendoza@hopelink.org.
Vicky (pictured on the right)
Vicky brings over 15 years of experience supporting community efforts founded upon social justice and equity. She worked collaboratively on a broad range of community projects, including planning, coaching, mentorship, and utilizing media communications and social networking platforms with bi-lingual and multi-cultural communities. Vicky worked in other roles with local organizations, including as a Community Navigator of King County Public Health and Vice President of Lend a Hand Community Outreach.
Contact: Vicky Navarro,VNavarro@hopelink.org.
Introducing the Health Through Housing (HTH) Cohort
Our team is proud to announce the first CTN cohort dedicated to serving the Health Through Housing (HTH) residents to increase their access to transportation. Health Through Housing is an innovative program designed to support the region’s homeless population by repurposing hotels and other vacant buildings in King County. King County is partnering with host cities to create up to 1,600 units of emergency housing and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of long-term homelessness.
HTH Navigators come to our team with their unique experiences with homelessness, ready to empower their peers and improve their quality of life with transportation. Navigators are trusted resources and provide ongoing transit education and outreach onsite at the HTH facilities. They share transportation resources, assist with trip planning, and build relationships with residents.
Lester (pictured on the left)
Lester was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and lived in Washington and Germany for years. He is now a proud Filipino who lives in Federal Way with his Maltese and Shi Tzu mix dog, Chewie. In his free time, Lester enjoys the outdoors, fishing, and spending time with his son and daughter.
Contact: Lester Alano,
LAlano@hopelink.org.
Cedric (pictured in the middle)
Cedric is originally from Houston, Texas, and moved to Seattle for new career opportunities. Cedric is passionate about serving and supporting communities in need. Cedric is a Navigator and a full-time student studying computer science and engineering. Cedric believes that good things will always come your way if you do good things.
Contact: Cedric Lilly, CLilly@hopelink.org.
Bill(pictured on the right)
Bill is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the city and country. Bill moved to Seattle in February 2014. As a US veteran of six years, he served overseas and stateside. Bill has a bachelor's degree in graphic design and is a proud artist. Bill enjoys volunteering at The Humane Society and with various animal rescue groups during his free time. One of Bill’s most significant personal accomplishments is living in 48 out of the 50 United States! Alaska and Hawaii are next on his bucket list.
Contact: Bill Nichols, WNichols@hopelink.org.
Engage, Educate, Enroll, Empower
Community Engagement
Check out our Community Transportation Navigators in action! CTNs participate and provide outreach at community events, host presentations and assist clients with one-on-one support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Involved with CTN:
Please contact Program Supervisor Sandy Phan at SPhan@hopelink.org to learn more about getting involved with the program!
CTN Core Pillars:
- Empower: Creating trust by building strong relationships to support individuals and partners riding transit while enabling others to make changes that improve mobility access and freedom.
- Educate: Providing accurate and updated information on transit system changes by connecting community members to personalized resources and alternative services.
- Enroll: Eliminating administrative barriers for community access to reduced fare options and eligibility requirement programs.
- Engage: Initiating ongoing discussions and listening to community feedback and concerns while providing alternatives and options.
Resources and Learning:
Visit this webpage for the latest updates as the Community Transportation Navigators program continues to grow.
Our Funding Partners
