Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Volunteering?

Who can volunteer?

Volunteer eligibility and enrollment to HIRTA Helps is open to anyone

However, RSVP is designed for volunteers who are 55 years and older. Volunteers who are younger than 55 in Madison and Marion county will not be able to receive reimbursement due to AmeriCorps Seniors grant restrictions.

Each volunteer chooses the days, times, and frequency of their service in coordination with the organization they volunteer with. If a volunteer wants to serve with family or friends, the family or friends would need to also apply for a volunteer position.

To be enrolled as a HIRTA Helps volunteer, an individual must:

  • Create a profile on HIRTAHelps.org 

    • Undergo a criminal background check and the sex offender registry check.

    • Participate in an orientation with the HIRTA staff and complete all necessary paperwork.

    • Complete all necessary orientation, background checks, training and paperwork required by the volunteer station.

What if I'm not sure how I want to volunteer?

HIRTA Helps assists with determining what volunteer opportunity will be the best fit for a volunteer. Whether a volunteer comes to HIRTA Helps believing they would like to volunteer one place or with no plan on what they'd like to do, we will help place volunteers with opportunities they'd enjoy. Additionally, if a volunteer may be better fit for an organization outside HIRTA Helps, we will help connect the volunteer. 

Why does HIRTA Helps ask for demographic information?

The demographic information we ask for is requested information from AmeriCorps Seniors. The demographic information we collect will help us show we are reaching our goal of creating a safe and inclusive experience for all. 

Are there limitations for what volunteers can do through HIRTA Helps?

To learn more about what volunteers are prohibited from doing while volunteering through HIRTA Helps, please reference our Special Limitations Policy here.

How do I find available volunteer opportunities?

On the homescreen of HIRTAHelps.org, click on the Opportunities tab. Then, you can filter by county or use your location to show opportunities near you. 

If you are in Madison or Marion county, you can click "Madison County opportunities" or "Marion County Opportunities" to solely see the opportunities available in those counties. 

What benefits do I receive as a HIRTA Helps volunteer?

All HIRTA Helps volunteers are provided mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance while volunteering. If a volunteer requires transportation to an opportunity, we will work with the HIRTA bus and/or other volunteers to schedule a ride. HIRTA Helps volunteers also are invited to an annual recognition event as well as receive informal acts of appreciation and thanks throughout the year.

Seeking Services?

Am I eligible to receive HIRTA Helps services?

We seek to serve anyone in the community however we place on emphasis on community members who are people with disabilities, people with lower income, older adults, and veterans. Please note, volunteers are using their personal vehicle so there may be some mobility considerations when using HIRTA Helps services.

How do I request a HIRTA Helps service?

You can request a HIRTA Helps service by doing one of the following:

    • Call us at 1 (877) 686-0029
    • Email us at erides@ridehirta.com

When you request service, please include your name, address, destination's address, appointment time and return time. 

We will complete an intake assessment with you prior to receiving your first ride with the volunteer program. You will also need to sign a waiver.

Can I schedule a same-day ride?

We will try our best to match you with a volunteer but cannot guarantee we will be able to find an available volunteer. We recommend scheduling with our volunteer program at least 48 hours in advance.

How do I pay for my trip?

Our volunteer driver program is provided on a donation basis. Volunteers are not able to accept donations. If you would like to donate to the program, please contact us.

Is there an age limit?

Children (18 years and younger) must be accompanied by an adult. If a child requires a car seat, they must be appropriately secured in an approved child safety seat/restraint per Iowa laws, and placed in the back seat. The accompanying adult is responsible for the  installation of the child safety seat/restraint. 

What if I don't know how long an appointment will take?

For times like this, we will schedule your trip on a will-call basis. This means you can call us or the volunteer when your appointment is done. 

General Questions

How is HIRTA Helps funded?

In order to receive federal funding from AmeriCorps Seniors for RSVP, HIRTA is required to show local support in the form of matching funds. RSVP relies on support from various funding sources, dependent on availability, to provide the required matching funds. We thank United Way of Marion County, Kuyper Foundation, Marion County Community Foundation, and Madison County Community Foundation for providing matching funds. Refer to https://www.ridehirta.com/funding for additional HIRTA funding information.

If you'd like to donate to HIRTA Helps, you can make a tax-deductible donation to HIRTA's non-profit, Heart of Transit. Visit www.HeartofTransit.com/donate. Every donation counts. We thank you for your generosity.

How can agencies promote their volunteer opportunities on HIRTA Helps?

Agencies who would like to promote their volunteer opportunities on HIRTA Helps must be a volunteer station. Volunteer Stations are public agencies, private non-profit organizations or proprietary health-care agencies that accept the responsibility for assignments and supervision of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. Volunteer Stations provide orientation, training, in-service instruction, and other education as needed. HIRTA Helps welcomes conversations with local organizations that are interested in becoming AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer stations. Volunteer Stations agree to abide by all current federal non-discriminatory regulations and be handicap accessible, or provide reasonable accommodations for volunteers.

As a volunteer station, RSVP assists with volunteer recruitment. Benefits volunteers can receive while volunteering at a volunteer station include mileage reimbursement and supplemental and liability insurance. Agencies are able to use the HIRTA Helps website to track hours and request data for their reports. Agencies can also use the website to create shifts and schedule volunteers. If your agency is interested in becoming a volunteer station, please reach out to HIRTA Helps at volunteer@ridehirta.com

Got a Question? We are here to help.

Reach out to Mildred Chihak, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 515.309.9293.