Previously on the Millionaires Giving Money blog I wrote a
Post about how to get free cars for low income families. This post became very popular and received a
lot of recognition for the information provided. After receiving several thank you
emails I decided to write a series of post reviewing all the organizations that
offer a free car or partially free car in detail. All the low income assistance programs to get a
free car mentioned here are legal and legitimate and to date have donated over
50,000 vehicles to low income families and individuals who need help with a
car. Some of the free car programs I will be looking at include 1800 Auto Donations,
Online Car Donations, Vehicles for Change, With Causes, Modest Needs, Free Gas
USA and Free Auto Cars company.
My intension is that this review helps those searching
for free cars for low income families. Most individuals and families take out
payday loans, short term loans or even bad credit loans when they need access
to a vehicle. What you should do is look at all the low income assistance
programs on offer for free cars so they can apply for the vehicle for free. If
you’re on a very low income and making a transition then you will be eligible
for a free car from the aforementioned organisations. So now without further
ado here is the third review on vehiclesforchange.org.
Free Charity Cars
Free Cars for Low Income Families Review: vehiclesforchange.org
Vehiclesforchange.org also known as VFC is an
organisation dedicated to helping low income families with a car. It has a
number of low income assistance programs where you can apply for free charity cars. VFC
empowers individuals and families to achieve personal and economic independence
through car ownership.
Vehiclesforchange.org has created a sustainable free charity car
program in the Mayland-Virginia-Washington DC region and is now replicating the
low income assistance program nationally. The ultimate aim for VFC is to bring
independent transportation and training in the automotive field to as many low
income families and individuals as possible.
How to Get a Free Charity Car
Vehiclesforchange.org works by receiving donated cars
from the public in exchange for a tax write off. Car donors receive full fair
market value for their car donations. Once VFC receive the vehicle they check
the car thoroughly and make sure it is roadworthy. VFC spend an average of $750
per vehicle which includes repairs, service and bodywork to make everything
safe and secure. These vehicles are then sold on or given for free to low income
individuals and families who are referred by social services.
Since 2000 Vehiclesforchange.org has awarded over 4000
cars to low income families. VFC have changed the lives of 15,000 people and
research suggests that 75% of the free car recipients go on to get better jobs
and have boosted their earnings by $7000 on average.
Vehiclesforchange.org guarantees low interest car loans
which allows families and individuals to get access to affordable credit and repair
any bad credit that they may have. VFC also carries out a half yearly/6000 km
warranty with real maintenance for 24,000 miles or 2 years.
Who is Eligible for a Free Vehicle?
To be eligible for an awarded car you must be on the road
to self sufficiency with the only thing holding you back being transportation.
There is a criteria to receive a donated read ready car which is outlined
below.
You must have a verifiable job offer working at least 30
hours.
You must have a drivers licence.
No DWI’s or DUI’s.
You must not have other vehicle in your household.
You must be drug free and no extensive criminal
background.
You must be able to cover fees for tax, tags, and title
You must have children if you are under the age of 25.
You must be able to afford the ongoing cost of car
ownership such as insurance, fuel and repairs.
There are three low income assistance programs on offer
from VFC. These include Tier I Program, Tier II Program and the Maryland
transportation Assistance Program which are outlined below.
Tier I Program
Tier I program awards low income families who fit the
above criteria with vehicles for about $750 dollars. Low interest loans are
guaranteed regardless of bad credit history. The program is used for
individuals and families referred to by social services and job readiness
agencies.
Tier II Program
Tier II Program awards vehicles at below market prices.
To be eligible you must have low incomes and not meet the criteria for Tier I
where you don’t have a referring agency.
Maryland Transportation Assistance Program
Maryland State Department of Human Resources has
initiated a partnership with VFC to create the Transportation Assistance
Program (TAP). This program offers vehicles state wide to help TCA (Temporary
Cash Assistance) recipients to keep employed. Some of the requirements include
the following.
You must be eligible to receive TCA.
You must have a job that is accessible to public
transport.
You must work non-traditional work hours.
You must have valid driver licence and proof or 30 hours
employment.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting a Free Vehicle?
To improve your chances of being awarded a vehicle you
must position yourself so you meet the requirements. You should contact social services
and seek their assistance. If you are on a low income you should consider
applying for TCA and you should have compelling evidence that your employment
depends on your car.