Travelers Aid: Days To Call

Travelers Aid International is a global network that provides a human services support system by facilitating interactions between social service agencies, airports, train stations, and other transit hubs. Travelers Aid was founded to help those who are stranded while travelling, in distress, or at risk of harm. The movement began in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Mayor Bryan Mullanphy, with the purpose of providing assistance to American pioneers and new immigrants who were stranded on their journeys. Today, Travelers Aid continues to respond to the specific needs of the community, with member agencies sharing the original service of assisting stranded travellers, as well as providing shelter for the homeless, transitional housing, job training, counselling, and local transportation assistance. Travelers Aid operates 24/7 and 365 days a year, offering emergency medical and concierge assistance services to those outside their home country or far away from their primary residence.

International travel emergencies

International travel can be unpredictable, and emergencies can arise at any time. Here are some essential steps to take and resources to utilise in case of an international travel emergency:

Seek Local Emergency Services

The first step in any medical emergency is to call the local emergency services. Each country has its own emergency numbers, so ensure you know the relevant number for your location or download a free app like TravelSmart, which includes emergency numbers for every nation. This is crucial, especially for time-sensitive emergencies such as fractures, cardiovascular problems, traumas, and pulmonary/respiratory issues.

Contact Your Country's Embassy or Consulate

If you are a citizen of a particular country and find yourself in an emergency situation while abroad, you can reach out to your country's nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They can provide a range of services and support during international travel emergencies. For instance, the U.S. Department of State offers help with lost or stolen passports, assistance for victims of crime, and guidance on locating missing citizens abroad. Similarly, the Government of Canada provides emergency consular assistance to Canadian citizens, addressing issues such as arrest and detention, child abduction, financial assistance, and lost or stolen belongings.

Utilise Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance with emergency medical benefits can be a lifesaver during international travel emergencies. Companies like Allianz Global Assistance offer emergency hotlines that you can contact for immediate assistance. They can help arrange emergency medical transportation to reputable hospitals and guarantee payment to ensure you receive prompt treatment. Additionally, their assistance team will monitor your treatment and help determine your transport needs to get you back home safely.

Prepare in Advance

Before embarking on international travel, it is essential to take some precautionary measures. Make two copies of all your travel documents and leave one set with a trusted contact. Additionally, ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency medical situations. Pack essential medications and be mindful of your health conditions, especially when visiting high-altitude locations.

Stay Informed

Stay updated with safety and security information for your destination by subscribing to relevant government or travel organisation websites. This can help you be aware of potential risks and prepare accordingly. Additionally, follow any recommended web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, to ensure a secure browsing experience when accessing important travel information.

Homelessness prevention

Travelers Aid International (TAI) is an international network of social service agencies, airports, and train stations that provide a safety net for individuals in need of support. TAI offers a helping hand to those in transit who are in distress, through their direct services and those of their member organizations. This includes people who are stranded, hungry, victims of sex trafficking, and those who need assistance navigating transportation centers. TAI also provides one-way bus tickets to eligible individuals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

TAI's homelessness prevention efforts include providing a range of housing options, job training, and food assistance. They work with veterans, senior citizens, and families, tailoring their services to meet specific needs.

In addition to TAI's work, there are other programs and initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness:

• The Housing Stability Program (HSP) in King County, Washington, assists low and moderate-income households facing a financial crisis that has impacted their ability to pay rent for a short period, typically no more than 60 days.
• The Office of Family and Adult Homelessness (OFAH) in Washington State supports crisis response systems and best practices to reduce the number of people living outside.
• The Office of Homeless Youth in Washington State leads efforts to reduce and prevent youth homelessness through five priority service areas.
• The Office of Apple Health and Homes & Permanent Supportive Housing coordinates with other state agencies to increase supportive housing for those with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or those at risk of homelessness.
• The Homeless Student Stability Program (HSSP) in Washington State aims to support students at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program includes a Homelessness Prevention component, which provides short-term and medium-term rental assistance, rental application fees, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs, housing search assistance, and more.

Transport assistance

Travelers Aid International (TAI) is a global network that serves as a human services support system worldwide. It facilitates interactions between social service agencies, airports, train stations, and other transit hubs to help stranded or distressed travellers.

Travelers Aid agencies operate information booths at 17 airports, seven train stations, and several bus depots in the US. Their volunteers and staff members help travellers in distress or those who need assistance amid the hustle and bustle of transportation centres. At many Travelers Aid locations, a caseworker will meet with a stranded individual and suggest the best way to get home. Services vary at each location.

One-way bus tickets are provided by some programs, pending eligibility, and only if the traveller is in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Train or plane tickets are not available through any Travelers Aid program. Transportation for funerals or medical emergencies is also not provided.

Travelers Aid airport programs have limited social services resources and do not participate in any bus ticket programs. Assistance is not available to those outside the US while on international travel.

In addition to supporting member agencies, Travelers Aid International employs staff and is supported by nearly 800 volunteers who assist passengers. TAI directly operates the following customer service programs in the Washington, D.C., New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Hartford, CT metropolitan areas:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, through a partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
• JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, through a partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
• Philadelphia International Airport and the 30th Street Station, through a partnership with the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Division of Aviation
• Bradley International Airport, through a partnership with the Connecticut Airport Authority
• Washington Union Station, which also provides some social services to those encountering a crisis while travelling

Social services

Travelers Aid International is a global network of social service agencies, airports, and train stations that serve as a safety net for individuals of all abilities to connect with a support system or place. Travelers Aid members embrace a comprehensive approach to facilitating transportation and preventing homelessness, focusing on the strengths of each case to provide services that meet specific needs.

Travelers Aid agencies provide a range of social services, including:

• Housing options: Some agencies offer permanent supportive housing for families in transition, addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. They work to end harmful systems that contribute to these issues and strive to provide dignified and empowering assistance.
• Job training: Agencies may provide job training to help individuals gain employment and achieve self-sufficiency.
• Food assistance: They aim to alleviate hunger and ensure that individuals and families have access to meals.
• Crisis intervention and problem-solving: Travelers Aid offers crisis intervention services to help individuals navigate challenging situations and find solutions.
• Counseling: Counseling services are available to provide support and guidance to those in need.
• Local transportation assistance: Agencies assist with local transportation needs, such as providing bus tickets or offering suggestions on the best way to get home.

These social services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or family, and they are provided based on available funding, eligibility, and location.

In addition to these direct services, Travelers Aid International also operates a network of customer service programs in metropolitan areas across the United States, including Washington, D.C., New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Hartford, CT. These programs provide assistance to passengers at airports and train stations, helping them navigate their travels and offering a friendly guide to those in need.

Community assistance

Travelers Aid International is a global network that acts as a human services support system. It facilitates interactions between social service agencies, airports, train stations, and other transit hubs to help stranded or distressed individuals. Travelers Aid was founded in the 1880s to provide protection for women and girls traveling alone. Today, it serves people of all abilities and backgrounds, including families, and strives to meet their specific needs.

If you are in need of community assistance and a Travelers Aid member is not nearby or unable to help, you can call your local information and referral helpline. Dial 211 or 311 to ask about local charities and services that may be able to assist you.

In addition to this, there are several national hotlines you can call for specialized support:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 888-373-7888
• National Runaway Switchboard: 800-786-2929
• Corporate Angel Network: 866-328-1313
• National Patient Travel Center: 800-296-1217
• Mercy Medical Angels: 888-675-1405

If you are an expatriate or an individual located outside your home country, or more than 100 miles away from your primary residence, you can also access 24/7 emergency medical and concierge assistance services through TravelAid. They can be reached by calling 410-453-6330 from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.

Travelers Aid also has specific chapters in certain cities, such as the Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, which focuses on ending homelessness and housing insecurity. They can be contacted at (504) 658-2944.

Frequently asked questions