Daytona Beach homeless shelter launches new program to help clients get around safely after woman fatally struck

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A woman was hit and killed in front of a local homeless shelter while on her way to her new job almost a month ago.

Now, the shelter is launching a new program in her honor to help other clients get around safely.

The new program, created by the First Step Shelter in Daytona Beach, is called Ashley’s Ride.

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It’s named after Ashley Baker, who was hit and killed crossing US-92 last month trying to catch a bus to her first day at a new job.

The program will rely on donations and help fund alternative transportation for people at the shelter.

That could include purchasing another van, or helping people pay for people to use a ride share program.

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“Everything that goes into it will be completely donated toward transportation at the shelter,” said Victoria Falhberg, shelter director.

Fahlberg said all 50 people at the shelter need ways to get to work, look at apartments or go to the doctor.

Their only options are using a van that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., paying for a ride out of their own pocket or crossing the same road Baker did to try and catch a bus.

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The shelter said it is also in talks to possibly add a bus stop or even some lighting to make it safer.

You can donate to Ashley’s Ride by texting the word “GIVE” to 386-603-9207 or by visiting FirstStepShelter.org.

Cox Media Group