By Matthew McLaughlin

Throughout the nation, growing gas prices are forcing people to make serious changes to everyday life. One local non-profit organization that helps elderly residents in need of a ride is trying to overcome the crisis creatively.

SCM Community Transportation, an organization that has helped people throughout Greater Boston for 25 years, is trying to find a formula to keep afloat.  Reed Cochran, executive director for SCM, said harsh economic times have forced the organization to be creative. 

“This is a crisis, but it is also an opportunity because people are thinking of different ways to get around the problem,” she said. “It is up to creative non-profits to get things done.”

The surge in gas prices cost SCM around $72,000 extra a year in gas alone.  A recent $100 thousand grant from the state offered some relief and allowed SCM to not make cutbacks in services. But it is only helping SCM keep pace with refueling their 27 vans, Cochran said.

‚ÄúThe vans barely keep up at eight miles to the gallon, but we need vehicles that can handle wheelchairs,‚Äù she said.  ‚ÄúThat puts us in survival mode to pay for gas.‚Äù

So barring a change in gas prices or a miracle grant, SCM had to get creative.  The organization decided it needed what Cochran called ‚Äústrategic re-branding.‚Äù SCM collaborated with the Cambridge Portuguese Credit Union to repaint all of the SCM vehicles to new green and white colors. SCM hopes this will increase awareness of their service in the community.

‚ÄúWe have been around for 25 years, and a lot of people see our vans and don’t know they are ours,‚Äù she said.

The facelift will also hopefully assist another adaptation SCM is making to stay afloat. In the past, SCM has offered rides to groups going into Boston for a fee.  They hope the image change will increase this aspect of their attempt to service the elderly.

‚ÄúWe’re in the type of community that we can say ‘ride with us so we can help the elderly’ and people will support us,‚Äù Cochran said.  ‚ÄúSo you can ride in our shiny new van and help people.‚Äù

Cochran said this service differs from a cab company because they require a minimum two days notice and charge an hourly rate. She said the service is ideal for groups trying to pool their resources, save money on gas and help the elderly, much as SCM is trying to do.

‚ÄúThe next five years for the whole country are going to be real traumatic and painful, but we’ll get there together,‚Äù she said. ‚ÄúWe are responding to global warming and it is jarring because we have to do it on short notice. The issue of transportation has become so critical, and the ability to change and be innovative is much more important.‚Äù