Are you a single mother or veteran who needs help with car repairs? Some organizations offer car repair assistance and free grants to low-income car owners. Some churches help with grants. Repairs are expensive, and car repairs can be devastating if you don’t have good credit or savings. Having a working, reliable car is not a luxury but a necessity.
There are also free car programs for families with exceptional circumstances who need reliable transportation. But now you know you have options. Below are charities and other organizations that can help you get back on the road.
Organizations that Help with Free Car Repairs
1. The Lift Garage
This non-profit auto repair shop helps low-income Minnesotans and those living at or below the poverty line. If you live in the state and need help, go to theliftgarage.org. For more information, you must verify your income before receiving repairs. If you are on WIC, TANF, SNAP SSI, etc., provide proof when you receive help. 612-866-5840, info@theliftgarage.org.
2. Career Connection
Career Connection in New Jersey offers transportation grants to get to work and discounts auto insurance to eligible drivers. This program may be in Career Connection locations in other states as well. However, it is up to you to determine if your state offers a transportation grant; go to Career Connection in your county for more information. 800-652-2471.
3. NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
One way to get your vehicle repaired for free is to check with NHTSA. Here you can find out if your car’s problem is related to a recall on the car. Go to the website, click ‘recalls,” and enter the vehicle’s VIN. If your car is listed, take it to the dealership for free to have it fixed. If you have a used car, go to Was, a Recalled Car Fixed? to learn more about doing that.
4. Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
To improve California’s air quality, CAP will help California residents who qualify financially with a grant to help repair vehicles that do not meet vehicle emissions standards. Repairs are limited to Star test and repair stations.
To be eligible, your care must be 1996 or newer and can receive up to $1,200 toward repairing emissions. If your care is between 1976 and 1995, you can receive up to $900 to help you pass a Smog Check inspection. 800-952-5210.
5. Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program
If you are a low-income resident of Arizona, you may qualify for a grant for emission repairs on your car. You must be registered in Maricopa or Pima County for at least 12 months. You may be eligible for $500 and up to $1000 if approved, depending on your vehicle’s year and makeup.
The vehicle owner must contribute the first $150 as a co-pay. If you have failed an emission test and your vehicle is 12 years or older, contact the emissions tester to find out how to apply. When approved, locate an ADEQ-approved repair facility to make your repairs. 520-628-5395.
6. Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
JARC is a government program that can help fix your car. One of the qualifications for receiving help is living in a rural area without public transportation. You may be eligible for assistance with repairs and even used tires. As with excellent programs, funding is limited, and you must qualify financially. 202-366-4043.
7. The CARpenter’s Garage
The Carpenter’s Garage is a federally registered 501(c)3 non-profit auto repair shop in Vancouver, WA. Their mission is to display the compassion of Christ by directly helping their community. However, car repairs are not free but significantly reduced, which is the next best thing. They have repaired over 15,000 cars at reduced labor costs to help needy families. 360-882-7755. (Permanently closed after the pandemic)
8. United Methodist Chuch
In many locations, the United Methodist Church will fix your car. This ministry helps struggling families and individuals return their cars to good working order. As a Christian ministry, they understand how losing your transportation can lead to disaster for disadvantaged families. Please contact a church in your state to find out how to get help—at 770-943-3008 x 1254.
9. Veteran’s Administration
If you are a veteran with a service-related injury, you can get help buying a specialized vehicle or equipment to make your car handicapped-friendly. You can get a one-time $21,488.29 grant to purchase a specialized vehicle or equipment.
You are qualified if you lose limbs or loss the use of one or more limbs, vision 20/200, ALS, ankylosis in permanent loss of use of 1 or both feet, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ankylosis in knees or hips. 877-327-0022.
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