One of the most significant challenges many single mothers face in their daily lives is transportation. Whether it’s to make sure the kids get to school or time or making the daily commute to work, reliable transportation plays a major role in helping lift these families out of tough situations like poverty.

The Difficulty of Not Having A Car

Low-income workers are less likely to own a car than other people in the USA. On top of that, many jobs are not accessible through public transportation due to the job’s location and hours. Moreover, sequential trips, like leaving work, going to the grocery store, and picking the kids up from daycare, are nearly impossible or impractical when only using public transportation options.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a great deal of public support for low-income, single mothers who would benefit from owning a car. When these parents do own a vehicle, it is often outdated, riddled with issues, and unreliable or lacks in the safety department.

Help May Be Available

The Newgate School near Minneapolis has found a way to provide aid for single mothers who lack safe and reliable transportation. Their Wheels for Women program provides vehicles for qualified applicants at no cost. The cars are repaired as part of the school’s school that focuses on providing auto mechanic training for at-risk adults. The Newgate School is a non-profit organization funded through the sale of repaired vehicles donated by the public.

There are also a few private organizations that offer aid for single moms, such as Vehicles for Change and Opportunity Cars. Unfortunately, public funding for programs like these is sparse, which reduces their reach.

How Can You Help?

Because there isn’t a great deal of funding for programs like Wheels for Women, used car donations play a significant role in making a positive impact. If you have an unused car, it may be worth exploring donation options near you.

The benefit of donating your unused vehicle to a non-profit is that you can avoid the hassle of trying to sell it privately or trading it in at the dealership. Additionally, you can earn a sizable tax credit to help you save when Uncle Sam comes knocking.

Donating your old vehicle has never been easier. Organizations like the Newgate School are able to officially transfer your title right on the spot. They’ll even help you understand the paperwork required to earn your tax credit.

If You Need Help

You or someone you know might be in a situation where having access to a car would make a huge difference. Programs like Wheels For Women have a short-list of requirements to apply:

• Must have been a resident of the appropriate counties for at least a year
• Must be a single mother who at least one dependent, school-aged child
• Must have a current full-time job (at least six months) with an annual income below $35,000
• Must not currently own a vehicle
• Must have proof of auto insurance to take ownership of a car

Women who meet the necessary criteria can apply via the Wheels For Women website’s secure form. The Newgate School will review the application, verify the appropriate information, and make a decision regarding the application. Those who are accepted will receive a vehicle at no cost to them.

There’s Still Room To Grow

With the need for aid for single moms continuing to increase, programs like Wheels For Women, Vehicles for Change, and Opportunity Cars need your help. Your old car can be given a second life to help improve the life of someone else.

Reach out to your local program to learn more about how you can help. You can make a difference.