For many people, a dependable vehicle is more than just a convenience—it’s an absolute necessity.. But if you are struggling financially, buying a vehicle or repairing the one you have is simply out of reach.
Thankfully, there are some good charities that recognize this need and have created ways to get low-income people the transportation they need.
Help for those who need a free car
Good News Garage (Vermont and Massachusetts)
Vehicles for Change (Maryland and Virginia)
Wheels from the Heart (Florida)
Working Wheels (North Carolina)
National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides
Working Cars for Working Families
Bottom line: There are cars for moms
Help for those who need a free car
Fortunately, there is help for those who need a free car. There are income-based qualifications for these free car programs that include:
- Income based on federal poverty level
- Family situation (children, medical needs)
- Military and veterans
- State-specific programs
If you need a car loan but have very low — or no — credit, a repossession or bankruptcy, check out Auto Credit Express. A+ Better Business Bureau rating, 30-second pre-approval and cash within 24 hours.
If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:
- Better Business Bureau rating of A+
- In business since 1999
- For new or used cars
- Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
- Pre-approval within 30 seconds
24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>
FreeCharityCars.org
FreeCharityCars.org is the free car division of 1-800-Charity Cars, a nonprofit organization that accepts donated vehicles to be given to families who are without transportation. The organization has been featured on Oprah, Good Morning America and in People magazine. The company has gifted more than $70 Million worth of vehicles nationwide.
How to qualify for a donated car from FreeCharityCars.org
Free Charity Cars gives away donated cars throughout the United States to those in need, including:
- Domestic violence victims (the application is not made public and is only viewable for staff)
- The medically needy
- Victims of natural disasters
- Families transitioning from public assistance to work
- Families living in transitional living shelters
- The working poor
- Nonprofit organizations
- Military families
Those interested in applying for a free car from Free Charity Cars can complete the vehicle request form on the website, which requires applicants:
- U.S. resident
- 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Have a genuine need for a vehicle (meaning you lack any sustainable transportation)
- Have access to a computer and internet service
- Have the financial means to pay for tags, title, emissions, insurance, etc.
- Be available to pick up the vehicle as soon as the process is complete and the vehicle is ready for pick up
- Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle once awarded
OnlineCarDonation.org
OnlineCarDonation.org, part of the WithCauses.org network, is a nationwide charity that provides free vehicles to individuals, families, and organizations in need. They gift vehicles to:
- Women who have been victims of domestic violence
- People with physical challenges (yet still retain the ability to safely drive a vehicle)
- Families living in homeless shelters
- “Self supporting families” making the move from public assistance
- Military Families (those with loved ones on Active Duty and Veterans of the Armed Forces
How to apply for a free vehicle from OnlineCarDonation.org
- Visit the OnlineCarDonation.org website and navigate to the application section
- Choose between the Individual or Organization application form, depending on your situation
- Complete the application form with detailed information about your circumstances and need for a vehicle
- Submit your application and wait for a response—the organization reviews each request on a case-by-case basis
Key points to remember:
- Only selected applicants will be contacted, typically within 30 days
- Applications are valid for 30 days—if you don’t hear back within that time, you can reapply
- The organization prioritizes phone lines for vehicle donors, so applicants are asked not to call about their vehicle needs
- If selected, be prepared to cover costs for tags, title, emissions, and insurance
Cars 4 Heroes
Cars 4 Heroes is a registered nonprofit that provides free vehicles to veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families if they do not have the means to obtain their own. They’ve also added an option for civilians and first responders to apply, saying “Are you or your family in serious need, but not a member of the military family? We care about you too!” The charity was founded in 1996 by used car business owners Terry Franz and Mike Van Noy with the program Cars 4 Christmas and gave away six cars that year. A few years later, Terry decided to make Cars 4 Christmas his full time job, earning him the nickname “Car Santa.”
Today, the organization gives away over 300 cars a year just in the Kansas City metro area alone. Charity officials announce awarded vehicles every Monday on radio station FM 101 The Fox in Kansas City, and the organization opens the program up to everyone at Christmas.
How to qualify for a donated car from Cars 4 Heroes
Those interested in applying for a free car from Cars 4 Heroes can do so on the website.
Required information on the application includes:
- Name and contact
- Military status and service (if applicable)
- Honors and discharge
- Military ID photo
- Details about need
The application form also asks questions like:
- “How would a vehicle change the recipient’s life? Why does the recipient need a vehicle?”
- “How many people does the vehicle need to accommodate?”
- “Number of children in need of a car seat
6 ways to get paid for advertising on your car
Good News Garage (Vermont and Massachusetts)
Good News Garage has donated 5,500 cars to those in need who live in Vermont and Massachusetts since its founding in 1996. The nonprofit is working to expand to New Hampshire and they encourage residents of that state to advocate for funding by writing an email or letter to their state representatives.
The charity is part of Ascentria Care Alliance, Lutheran Community Services.
How to qualify for a donated car from Good News Garage
The program awards vehicles to Vermont residents in partnership with the Department of Children and Families’ Reach Up program and to Massachusetts residents in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
- To apply for a car in Massachusetts, you must request a referral and application from your MassAbility counselor.
To apply for a car in Vermont, contact your case manager at Reach Up. - Learn more about charities and services for moms in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Hands of the Carpenter (Colorado)
Established in 2003, Hands of the Carpenter is a faith-based nonprofit that provides working single moms with reliable transportation in Colorado. Through the Transportation @ Low Cost (TLC) and Lift UP programs, you can get discounted repairs and access to a reliable car to get to work. This program serves seven counties in Colorado and is open to working single moms with dependent children. The organization can be contacted at 303-526-4488 or 720-710-8852.
After participating in TLC, you can apply for the Lift UP program which provides:
- Discounted car care for up to three years
- Vehicle placement for cars that are beyond repair
- Vehicles for working moms that don’t have a car
- Car education to ensure the car stays in good working condition
Vehicles for Change (Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Michigan)
Vehicles for Change launched in 1999, originally serving Maryland and Virginia. They recently expanded to Washington D.C., and Detroit, Michigan, and they have provided 8,000+ cars to those in need.
The organization does not give away cars for free. Instead, the charity, which is verified by GuideStar, sells the donated cars for about $950 and sets the individual or family up with a 12-month, low-interest loan with affordable monthly payments of around $90, which in turn helps them establish credit.
The organization does not give away cars for free. Instead, the charity, which is verified by GuideStar, sells the donated cars for about $950 and sets the individual or family up with a 12-month, low-interest loan with affordable monthly payments of around $90, which in turn helps them establish credit.
How to qualify for a donated car from Vehicles for Change
Families are referred to VFC by partner agencies, including TANF agencies, domestic violence shelters, and workforce training programs. Successful applicants are guaranteed a low-interest loan, regardless of your credit history, making car ownership accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. Each vehicle comes with a comprehensive six-month or 6,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.
The website lists specific eligibility requirements for Maryland residents (to apply, you must still work with a sponsoring agency). To be eligible, you must:
- Be a resident of Maryland
- Be referred by one of the sponsoring agencies
- Have a verifiable job offer or be working at least 30 hours a week
- Have a driver’s license in the state in which you reside
- Be insurable (no DWIs or DUIs)
- Not have any other vehicle in your household
- Be drug free
- Be able to cover fees for taxes, tags, and title (approximately an additional $500)
- If you are under the age of 25, you must have children
- You may need to meet additional criteria required by your sponsoring agency
For other locations, visit this page to find out what sponsoring agency you can work with.
Find more charities and services for single moms in Maryland. Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Michigan.
Cars for Moms
Cars for Moms is a nationwide charity that provides transportation, vehicles, and car repairs for single parents who need help with reliable transportation. People donate cash or cars to support single moms in need.
How to qualify for a donated car from Cars for Moms
To qualify, you need a nomination for a donated car. You can nominate yourself, or someone can nominate you.
Cars for Moms vets all nominees and checks with partners in your state to see if there are donated cars to give away. If there are no cars available, the nonprofit saves your information until they are able to help.
How to buy a secondhand car without getting ripped off.
Wheels from the Heart (Florida)
Wheels from the Heart is a nonprofit organization that provides reliable vehicles to single mothers. They currently help single moms in Florida in the following areas:
- Boca Raton
- Broward County
- Delray Beach
- Palm Beach County
- Palm Springs
- Lake Worth
How to qualify for a donated car from Wheels from the Heart
Wheels from the Heart works with specific Florida charities to identify single mothers who need transportation. Wheels from the Heart vets each nominee and adds qualified single moms to a waiting list to receive a donated vehicle.
Working Wheels (North Carolina)
Working Wheels aims to provide reliable transportation to working families, helping them access better opportunities and improve their quality of life. Their Vehicle Purchase Program offers affordable cars to eligible individuals in Western North Carolina. To qualify, you must:
- Be referred by a case manager from a partner organization
- Have a valid NC driver’s license
- Provide proof of employment
- Be able to pay $628
The process involves applying through your case manager, attending a virtual orientation, and waiting 6-12 weeks (or potentially longer) for a suitable vehicle. Once a car is available, you’ll need to obtain insurance before pickup.
National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides
Since the NABC Recycled Rides program started in 2007, more than 3,000 vehicles valued at $42 million ave gone to individuals, families, and social service agencies. The average value of gifted vehicles is $18,000. NABC members, including collision experts, car insurance companies, and local businesses work together to refurbish and donate reliable vehicles. This is a nationwide program.
Recently, a single father of six in Sacramento, who had been biking 16 miles roundtrip to work, was gifted with a restored 2019 Hyundai Elantra from the NABC Recycled Rides program. It was a combined effort of Caliber Collision Roseville, Travelers Insurance, and Family Promise of Sacramento:
How to qualify for a car from NABC Recycled Rides
To qualify for a car from NABC Recycled Rides, you must be referred by an NABC partner organization, such as a nonprofit or charity like the United Way.
This program donates cars to people who:
- Have a valid driver’s license and a safe, clean driving record
- Are able to get car insurance and pay for registration, title, and other fees
- Do not currently own a reliable vehicle
- Can afford fuel and service for a vehicle
- Have household income around 200% of the federal poverty level
- Are honorably discharged (if a veteran)
Contact your local charities and nonprofits to find out if they work with NABC or ask your case manager if you receive government benefits.
Working Cars for Working Families
The National Consumer Law Center’s Working Cars for Working Families program serves as a support system for low-income families and the charities that help those families with transportation.
How do they help?
- Improves consumer protection to stop abuse in car sales and finance
- Promotes nonprofit efforts to provide cars or financing to those in need
- Collects data and analysis regarding car ownership and working families
The organization publishes a comprehensive list of find-a-car programs across the nation—definitely check out to find local or regional programs that might assist you.
Churches and other local orgs
Churches have long been a place to turn to for help, and many low-income families can find assistance with transportation needs there as well. In addition to providing a car, some churches also help with car repairs and affordable vehicle loans.
Catholic Charities USA runs a vehicle donation program that benefits those struggling to afford a car. You can find your local agency on their website here.
Other faith-based organizations that can help:
Search for your local chapters of these faith organizations and inquire about help with vehicles:
- United Methodist Church
- Jewish Federation of North America
- Lutheran Social Services
- Episcopal Church
- Knights of Columbus
- The Salvation Army
Local car dealerships
Car dealerships aren’t nonprofit charitable organizations, but many of them do offer give-a-ways and promotional events, especially around the holidays. For example, Underriner Ford and Nissan of The Dalles in Oregon occasionally donate cars to deserving families in their community.1 These initiatives are often done in collaboration with local nonprofits or United Way chapters.
To find a local dealership giveaway event, you can try the following:
- Check dealership websites and social media: Many dealerships, like Underriner Ford and Nissan of The Dalles mentioned above, announce their giveaways and events on their websites and social media pages
- Follow local dealerships on social media: This will help you stay updated on any promotional events or giveaways they might be hosting
- Sign up for dealership newsletters: Many dealerships send out email newsletters with information about upcoming events and promotions.
- Search for “car giveaway near me” online: This might help you find current or upcoming events in your area.
Chat with representatives from local dealerships and small car lot owners about what they may have to offer in terms of community and charitable events or cars they may be willing to let go of for little money.
Where can I sell my car for the most money?
Local charities
Local charities are a good resource when it comes to getting a free car. They work to build relationships with the community they serve and are able to identify people who need transportation.
Recently, the Military Warriors Support Foundation worked with a local dealership and Wells Fargo to donate a 2023 Buick Enclave to a veteran wounded in Iraq who is the father of five children who was wounded in combat:
Tips for finding local charities that may be able to help you with a free car:
- Contact your local United Way to find charities in your area that focus on transportation assistance or support for single parents.
- Contact local domestic violence shelters:Some shelters partner with organizations that provide transportation assistance to survivors.
- Search for location-specific programs: Use search terms like “free car program [your city/state]” to find local initiatives.
- Inquire at local vocational schools or community colleges: Some educational institutions have programs to help students with transportation needs.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, known for its home-building initiatives, also operates a vehicle donation program called Cars for Homes. To explore potential opportunities:
- Locate your nearest Habitat for Humanity affiliate: Visit the official Habitat for Humanity website to find your local chapter.
- Reach out directly: Contact the local office via phone or email to inquire about any transportation assistance programs they might offer or be aware of in your community.
- Explain your situation: Be prepared to discuss your circumstances as a single mother and why reliable transportation is crucial for your family.
- Ask about partner organizations: Even if the Habitat affiliate doesn’t directly provide vehicles, they may be able to refer you to local partners or other programs that do.
- Volunteer or participate: Consider getting involved with your local Habitat chapter. This can help you build relationships and potentially learn about opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
FAQs about getting a free car
How can I get a free car from the government?
There are some federal grant programs that may provide help with the purchase of a car for people in some circumstances—USA.gov/benefitsfinder details details government programs for low-income families and individuals. By qualifying for some programs, such as child care assistance, it could free up income that could go towards a car loan.
Can Goodwill help me get a car?
The Goodwill Wheels to Work program allows low-income individuals to purchase a car for low, interest-free payments. The program is not available in all areas, however, so those interested should check with a local Goodwill Industries Headquarters.
Not eligible for a free car?
Here are more transportation-related articles:
Free gas
Free car inspections
Free car repair
Free tires
Help with repossessions
Free rides
Free bus passes
Free roadside assistance
Cash for junk cars
Some charities are focused on helping those in need find a reliable ride, including getting financing that will not leave you broke. You can also check our state-by-state guides on services for single moms to find local programs.
Need to buy a car? Start by checking your credit score, and then seeing about getting an affordable car payment.
If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:
- Better Business Bureau rating of A+
- In business since 1999
- For new or used cars
- Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
- Pre-approval within 30 seconds
24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>
Bottom line: There are cars for moms
Having a reliable vehicle can make your life easier, whether you use it to get to work, pick up your child, attend after-school activities events, or visit the doctor. While free car programs are limited and competitive, they offer a valuable lifeline—don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately qualify or hear back from your application, stay persistent.
Need financial assistance? These posts can help:
If you’re ready to buy a car, but money is a problem, we recommend myAutoLoan, a marketplace for auto loans.
There are some grant programs that may provide help with the purchase of a car for people in some circumstances. Benefits.gov details government programs for low-income families and individuals. By qualifying for some programs, such as child care assistance, it could free up income that could go towards a car loan.
The Goodwill Wheels to Work program allows low-income individuals to purchase a car for low, interest-free payments. The program is not available in all areas, however, so those interested should check with a local Goodwill Industries Headquarters.
Source:
- “Underriner Gives ‘life saving’ Gift of a Free Car To Struggling Single Mom,” by Cole Goodwin, Columbia Community Connection. Dec. 7, 2023.
We are homeless the kids needs to get to school. I need transportation to get to places so that I could handle business to get back on my feet
Thank you for people like you that give hope to struggling mother like myself even if I don’t qualify it’s a blessing to know someone cares about real struggling mothers life can be hard at times but this gave me hope and. Smile god bless these helpful people thank you.
Thank you for being the people that really will help single mothers like me.and give us a push and help in our time of need .
I hope to hear back from you soon I’m so glad to find such help
This is a very helpful website. Thank you
This website was very helpful, and offered information I was not previously aware of. Thank you
Thank you for this helpful site
Thank you to the creator of this website!!! It is highly needed, God Bless!
Thank you for your helpful information and up to date services.
Thank you so much for all of this very valuable information. I will definitely pass it along to other single moms who just need all the help that they can find.
Thanks
I came across this page by chance . I am a single mother of four children ,a woman that was put threw domestic violence . Working hard and took schooling to provide for my children to become a cna and med tech and caregiver pryer . Then the end of 23 changed my life as drs stated it was under there advise to not work i have applyed for soc and disability. In march still waiting for approval my family and friends have assisted me with my home and bills and they have stretched themselfs so much putting them at risk for me and the gilt of my issues have taken a tole i am still navigating the sit but i hope i may get some help and someone out there will have no idea the impact this will have on my life and children as well as my family and friends