Car repairs and maintenance can be expensive. Depending on the repair, replacing a car part can set you back a few hundred dollars. That’s why thousands of struggling families are looking for low-cost auto repair assistance from the government.
Many organizations connect those in need to available resources in their communities. These include low-income families or individuals who are looking for car repair programs. Various groups, organizations, and charities offer financial assistance to eligible individuals in need of car maintenance or repair.
Keep in mind that most of these groups are vast networks made up of local chapters, which are free to establish their own rules and programs. While some places provide free car repair to low-income families, not all branches offer this assistance.
We'll walk you through some organizations and groups that might offer car repair assistance programs.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a well-known philanthropic organization that assists people all around the country. They offer several financial aid services to those in need. Their assistance extends not only for basic commodities such as rent, clothing, bills, and food but also for car repairs and gas vouchers online.
This charity provides auto repair aid in various locations, including upstate New York, Michigan, and neighboring states. People of all faiths, ethnicities, creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome to use these services.
This organization's purpose is to ensure that everyone has the right to a dignified and respected existence. As a result, the specifics of these programs may differ depending on where you live.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies can be found all across the United States. Although their programs differ, these organizations provide help for various causes. Most Community Action agencies can help with utility bills, weatherization services, and necessities such as food. Some locations can even help with rent and car repairs.
Availability is determined by the location, donation level, and financial resources. You can find a CAC in your region by typing "Community Action Agency" after the name of your city or county.
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
JARC aims to help low-income people with government grants for car repair. These funds can be utilized for public transit, car maintenance, and other necessities. Although many other websites claim this is a simple way to acquire free car repair grants, this is not the case. JARC is a program that distributes funding to local organizations in accordance with the legislation.
Lutheran Faith in Action
Automobile repair assistance is frequently provided by Lutheran Ministries — most notably Faith in Action. Lutheran Ministries in Idaho, Washington, and other states provide low-cost or even free car maintenance to disadvantaged families. If you need assistance, contact your local Lutheran church to see if they provide this service or if they know of a local organization that can assist you.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army consistently ranks at the top of the list when it comes to helping people in numerous ways. This non-profit organization offers different assistance programs to struggling families in the community. Salvation Army has local offices in every state, which you can visit if you are seeking funds for car repairs.
This nationwide organization has local branches across the country. The services provided by each branch may differ slightly, so while some local branches might provide car repair assistance, this may not necessarily be the case for all of them.
Nevertheless, it would be worth reaching out and asking. Salvation Army located in many states, including Florida, has offered assistance with car repairs in the past.
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization that provides high-quality social services and financial assistance to those in need. SVDP distributes emergency services to families facing financial hardship due to illness, personal troubles, or other factors.
In addition to food and medication, the church provides clothes, fuel, utilities, rent, and even transportation for eligible individuals. In California, Texas, and Wisconsin, among other states, there are SVDP programs that assist with auto repair. To find out whether your local chapter of SVDP can help, you can contact them or visit their office.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Families with low incomes are the primary beneficiaries of the TANF program. As part of this program, financially-strapped working families may receive free car repair services if the repairs are essential to meet employment goals.
Specialized Auto Repair Resources
Some resources cater to people who belong to certain groups, such as those with specific disabilities or veterans.
Army Emergency Relief
Rent relief may be available to soldiers and their families through the Army Emergency Relief Program (AER). Grants and loans are provided to eligible individuals with zero-interest rates.
AER can offer financial aid to cover rent, security deposits, food, vehicle expenses, utility bills, funeral expenses, furniture, appliance costs, child care seats, car repair, dental care, home repairs, and clothing.
Operation Homefront
Nonprofit organization Operation Homefront operates in Arlington, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas. In their mission statement, Operation Homefront states that they are seeking to "build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive inside the communities they have protected."
The program is only open to active duty military members and deployed, disabled, or sick veterans. You may qualify for help with auto payments, auto repair, food, utilities, essential home items, child and dependent care, dental and vision care, moving assistance, mortgage assistance, travel assistance, and home repair.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides housing assistance to homeless veterans. In some cases, financial aid under this program can help with rent, moving expenses, utility bills, or even auto repair costs. Please contact the SSVF provider agency in your area for more information.
Conclusion
Aside from free car repair aid, some organizations also give away free vehicles to eligible individuals. Low-income families and even single mothers can get free cars from these charitable organizations.
Many churches, charitable organizations, and government programs offer free car repairs to families and individuals in need. They offer these assistance programs to alleviate the financial burden of families trying to get by.
Are you interested in learning more about the various programs and foundations that can help you with your financial needs? Read more of Gov Relations' resources on our website!
