Working Wheels
is an independent non-profit organization located in Asheville, North Carolina, and serving the surrounding Western North Carolina area. In partnership with local social service agencies, we provide working families with dependable, affordable vehicles. Vehicle donations from within our community are the lifeblood of our program. These vehicles open the doors to better opportunities for Working Wheels program participants while also creating a runway to a more stable future.
Program Participants, once referred by their case manager at a partner agency, must have a valid NC driver’s license, proof of employment, and the ability to pay $610 ($500 + $110 tax, title, and tag) to purchase their vehicle. Program Participants must also be able to provide proof of insurance at the time of sale and must not have any other vehicle currently registered in their name or in the name of any member of their household.
If you do not reside in the Western North Carolina area but are in need of reliable transportation, here is a list of a variety of affordable vehicle programs throughout the country. Working Wheels is not affiliated with any of these organizations and makes no claims or guarantees about them. We are providing you with this list in the hopes that it will be a helpful starting place for finding or donating a car if you are not located in the Western North Carolina area.
Arizona
Shift Program
This program is offered through the Labor Community Service Industry. They offer a 24-month program which helps low-income working families purchase a reliable vehicle through a low-cost payment plan coupled with on-going financial coaching. Regular maintenance and low-cost repairs are also covered during the 24-month period.
California
Drive Forward
Drive Forward is a program of Peninsula Family Services in San Mateo, California. They provide affordable loans to individuals unable to obtain a traditional loan to purchase a used vehicle, while also providing workshops on budgeting, credit utilization, and money management.
Due to COVID-19, this program is temporarily on hold.
Colorado
Good Neighbor Garage
This Denver organization assists single mothers and widows obtain self-sufficiency through the purchase of a used vehicle at a reduced cost. They also assist with vehicle education, maintenance, and repairs.
Florida
Wheels of Success
Applicants to this program must be referred through a partner agency and must be employed at least 32 hours a week. Participants receive assistance to purchase a used vehicle by making low, monthly payments toward the purchase of the vehicle and must also volunteer five hours per month of service to the organization. The program also offers assistance with automotive repairs, preventative maintenance, and car-care classes for families who have transportation but cannot afford repairs and maintenance. Wheels of Success serves the Florida counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco.
Georgia
AutoGift
Located in Atlanta, AutoGift’s mission is “To give single mothers with minor children, and no access to a car, the gift of a safe, reliable, debt-free automobile as a resource to be used to enhance their quality of life.” All applicants must be referred through an advocate agency.
Vet Car
This program provides assistance to veterans to purchase a reduced price or specially financed used vehicle. Participants must be a veteran, employed, and have a valid Georgia driver’s license as well as a clean driving record.
Maryland
Second Chances Garage
This organization helps low-income families in Frederick County, Maryland purchase a used vehicle. Participants must be referred through a partner agency, be employed, have a clean driving record with no DUI’s/DWI’s, or outstanding insurance violations. Participants pay a program fee of $500 + $278 in title/tag/tax fees, as well as the ability to save $200/month after the purchase to go toward maintenance/repairs/gas. Participants must also be at least 25 years of age.
Vehicles for Change
This organization requires a referral for individuals or families to purchase a low-cost used vehicle. Participants must be employed, or have a job offer. Participants must not own a vehicle, must meet income guidelines, and have no DUI/DWI on their record. They also offer low-cost maintenance and repair through their re-entry mechanic internship program.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont
Good News Garage
Good News Garage has offices in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. In New Hampshire, their Wheels to Work program is currently inactive. However, in Massachusetts this program assists people with disabilities active with the MRC program to purchase a low-cost used vehicle. In New Hampshire, the Ready To Go program provides rides to work for individuals. In Vermont, the Reach Up program assists with child safety seat fittings.
Their Jump Start Program is offered to residents of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The program provides refurbished vehicles to qualified, working individuals at a subsidized cost. Unfortunately, this program is currently on hold.
Michigan
Vehicles for Change Detroit
This program helps eligible families in Detroit purchase used vehicles at low-cost through a short-term loan. Applicants must be referred from a partner agency, be employed a minimum of 30 hours/week, have a valid Michigan driver’s license meet income guidelines, not have a vehicle in the household, have no outstanding insurance violations, no DUI/DWI, be at least 25 years of age or have a parental responsibility. A car orientation program is also offered.
Workers for Wheels
Workers for Wheels is a program of Goodwill of Northern Michigan partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide low-cost vehicles to working families and individuals. They serve the Michigan counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmett, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Wexford. Applicants must be employed, meet income guidelines, and be referred through their local DHHS office.
Minnesota
Cars for Neighbors
This program helps low-income residents of Anoka County, Minnesota purchase a donated, refurbished vehicle at a low cost. Applicants must meet income requirements and have a valid driver’s license which shows county residence. They also offer low-cost repairs for certain issues.
Tri-County Community Action Car Loan Program
This program assists individuals in obtaining flexible loans for the purchase or repair of a low-cost vehicle in order to get to work, school, or medical appointments. Individuals must be employed, or have a valid job offer, have a current Minnesota Driver’s license, and meet income guidelines.
Wheel Get There
This program is offered through the Minnesota Valley Action Council and repairs donated vehicles for placement with low-income individuals. Participants must reside in Blue Earth, Brown, LeSueur, Faribault, Martin, Sibley, Nicollet, Waseca, Watonwan counties, be at least 18 years of age, and meet income guidelines.
Wheels for Women
Wheels for Women is a program offered through Newgate School assisting single mothers in the Minneapolis area in a used vehicle at no charge. To qualify, you must be a resident of the seven-county Metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties) and have lived in this area for at least one year. You must also be the single mother of a school-age child, currently employed, have a valid Minnesota driver’s license, proof of insurance, and meet income guidelines.
New Jersey
Cars for Success
Cars for Success was developed by Strengthen Our Sisters, Inc to assist low-income women in making the transition from welfare to work by providing essential transportation. Women are referred to Cars for Success by a number of diverse non-profit organizations and agencies, which include homeless and domestic violence shelters, job training programs, and welfare agencies.
New York
Wheels to Work
Wheels to Work is a transportation assistance program designed to support income-eligible households in acquiring safe, reliable transportation so adults may get to and from work. The program helps low-income adults to acquire employment and keep working, by coordinating the purchase of affordable/used vehicles, offering financial assistance for vehicle repairs, and general financial management skills. To qualify for assistance, applicants must demonstrate the need for transportation assistance in order to obtain and/or retain employment and be a resident of Otsego County, employed or participating in a job training, receiving TANF services, or under 200% federal poverty rate.
North Carolina
Wheels 4 Hope
This organization serves low-income residents in the Triangle and Triad area. Participants must be referred by a partner agency, have a valid NC driver’s license, proof of employment, and have no other vehicle within the household. Participants pay $500 + title fees.
Working Wheels
Working Wheels, based in Asheville, North Carolina, partners with 20 local service agencies in the Western North Carolina region to provide their clients with affordable, reliable transportation. Program Participants, once referred by their case manager, must have a valid NC driver’s license, proof of employment, and the ability to pay $610 ($500 + $110 tax, title, and tag) to purchase their vehicle. Program Participants must also be able to provide proof of insurance at the time of sale and must not have any other vehicle currently registered in their name.
Ohio
Miracles on Wheels
Miracles on Wheels was founded because members saw a need in the community, as some of our family, friends, and neighbors were struggling to find balance in life and make ends meet. Miracles on Wheels is a small faith-based ministry of people who have come together to award Summit County, Ohio residents with a free reliable vehicle.
Pennsylvania
Community Auto
This group serves low-income residents of the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. They collect donated cars, refurbish them, and place them with families in need. Vehicles also come with a PA state inspection, 6-month warranty, full tank of gas, a one-year AAA membership, and car seats if applicable.
Lawrence County Community Action Vehicle Purchase & Repair Program
Through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, ACTS is available to assist working parents with financial assistance to purchase an automobile or repair an automobile.To qualify, participants must be employed for at least 30 days, 20 hours/week, must have primary, physical custody of a minor, dependent child, meet income guidelines, and have a valid PA driver’s license.
Ways to Work
This is a program offered through Wesley Family Services which provides car loans for working individuals and families. This program combines low-interest car loans with financial wellness, budget consulting, and support. Loans can also be used toward the repair of a vehicle. To qualify, individuals must be a resident of Allegheny county, be 18 years or older, be currently employed for at least 3 months, not have a vehicle in their name, provide proof of ability to afford the monthly payment, meet income guidelines, and participate in a financial wellness class.
South Carolina
Autos for Opportunities
This program is offered through The Cooperative Ministry and assists low-income families in the Richland and Lexington areas. To qualify, individuals must be employed at the same place for at least 6 months, have a valid SC driver’s license, and a clean driving record.
Tennessee
Roll As You Are
A non-profit organization that takes donated or purchased vehicles in need of repair or refurbishment and then donates to those in need of transportation. They can pick up what you want to donate. Located in the Knoxville, TN area.
Texas
God’s Garage Cars
This program assists single mothers, widows, and wives of deployed military members with car repairs and car placement through donated parts and vehicles. To qualify, applicants must have insurance, a valid driver’s license.
Virginia/Washington DC
Vehicles for Change
This organization requires a referral for individuals or families to purchase a low-cost used vehicle. Participants must be employed, or have a job offer. Participants must not own a vehicle, must meet income guidelines, and have no DUI/DWI on their record. They also offer low-cost maintenance and repair through their re-entry mechanic internship program.
West Virginia
Good News Mountaineer Garage
This program is open to low-income families across the entire state of West Virginia. Donated cars are transformed into reliable transportation and placed with low-income families and individuals. Participants must be referred through a DHHR case manager, be receiving TANF benefits, be actively participating in the West Virginia WORKS program, have a valid WV driver’s license, and not have any other transportation. Participants must also obtain liability insurance, and participate in GNMG’s maintenance and car care program.
Wisconsin
Work ‘n Wheels
This program, offered through the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, provides 0% interest loans to low-income families for the purchase of a used vehicle. Applicants must have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, be employed for a minimum of 30 days, complete financial education classes, meet income guidelines, and reside in Dane, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, or Sauk counties. Participants are also responsible for tag fees/taxes, as well as a 5% administrative fee of $225.