Charities That Help with Car Repairs: A Lifeline for Those in Need

Owning a vehicle is often essential for getting to work, school, or medical appointments, but car repairs can be expensive and difficult to afford. If you’re facing unexpected car repair costs, there are charities and non-profit organizations that can provide assistance, especially for low-income individuals, veterans, and families in need. Here’s a guide to some of the top charities and programs that can help with car repairs.


1. Working Cars for Working Families

Working Cars for Working Families is a national initiative that helps low-income individuals and families get access to reliable vehicles, including repairs. They connect people with local programs that offer affordable car repairs, donations, or low-cost loans for essential car maintenance.

  • What They Do: Offer car repair programs, car donation services, and affordable vehicle loans.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income individuals and families who need a vehicle to maintain employment or access essential services.
  • How to Apply: Visit the Working Cars for Working Families website to find a participating organization near you.

2. Modest Needs

Modest Needs is a non-profit organization that provides small emergency grants to people facing short-term financial hardships. They offer Self-Sufficiency Grants to help cover unexpected expenses like car repairs, helping individuals maintain employment and stability.

  • What They Do: Provide one-time emergency grants to cover car repairs and other urgent financial needs.
  • Who Qualifies: Low- to moderate-income workers who don’t qualify for traditional assistance but are facing temporary financial hardship.
  • How to Apply: Submit an application on the Modest Needs website, providing documentation of your financial need.

3. Catholic Charities

Many Catholic Charities chapters across the U.S. offer assistance for emergency expenses, including car repairs, particularly for low-income families or those in need of transportation to work or medical appointments. The availability of car repair assistance varies by location.

  • What They Do: Offer financial aid for car repairs, transportation assistance, and other emergency needs.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income individuals and families who demonstrate financial hardship and need reliable transportation.
  • How to Apply: Contact your local Catholic Charities office to inquire about available assistance programs for car repairs.

4. Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of emergency assistance services, including help with transportation and car repairs in some locations. They focus on helping low-income individuals and families maintain employment, and a functional vehicle is often key to that goal.

  • What They Do: Provide emergency financial assistance for car repairs and other critical expenses.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income individuals and families who need transportation for work or essential services.
  • How to Apply: Reach out to your local Salvation Army branch to find out if they offer car repair assistance in your area.

5. Ways to Work

Ways to Work is a non-profit organization that offers low-interest loans to working families for car repairs, car purchases, or other transportation-related needs. Their goal is to help individuals maintain employment by providing affordable transportation options.

  • What They Do: Provide low-interest loans for car repairs and vehicle purchases.
  • Who Qualifies: Working individuals and families who need reliable transportation to maintain employment but can’t afford repairs or a new car.
  • How to Apply: Visit the Ways to Work website to see if the program is available in your area and to apply for a loan.

6. Lutheran Services in America (LSA)

Some local affiliates of Lutheran Services in America provide car repair assistance to low-income individuals and families, especially in rural areas where transportation is essential for work, school, and medical care. Availability of assistance depends on the local chapter.

  • What They Do: Offer car repair grants or low-cost repair services in certain locations.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income individuals and families, especially those in rural or underserved communities.
  • How to Apply: Contact your local Lutheran Services office to see if car repair assistance is available in your area.

7. Veterans’ Charities and Assistance Programs

Several veterans’ organizations offer help with car repairs as part of their support services for veterans. Reliable transportation is often key for veterans transitioning back to civilian life, getting to work, or accessing medical care.

  • What They Do: Offer financial assistance for car repairs and transportation needs for veterans.
  • Who Qualifies: U.S. military veterans who need transportation for work or medical appointments.
  • How to Apply: Contact organizations like Operation Homefront or The American Legion to inquire about car repair assistance programs for veterans.

8. St. Vincent de Paul Society

The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides emergency financial assistance to low-income families, including help with car repairs in some locations. They work through local chapters to assist with various needs, and car repairs may be covered as part of their broader mission to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

  • What They Do: Provide emergency financial assistance, including car repair grants in some cases.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income families and individuals facing financial hardships.
  • How to Apply: Visit your local St. Vincent de Paul chapter to inquire about the availability of car repair assistance.

9. Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Jewish Family Services operates in many communities across the U.S., offering emergency financial assistance, including for car repairs. They often focus on helping families in financial crisis, and reliable transportation is key to maintaining employment and access to essential services.

  • What They Do: Offer emergency financial aid for car repairs, utility bills, and other critical needs.
  • Who Qualifies: Individuals and families in financial need, regardless of religious affiliation.
  • How to Apply: Contact your local Jewish Family Services office to inquire about car repair assistance.

10. Grants from Local Churches and Community Organizations

Many local churches and community organizations have emergency assistance funds that can be used to cover urgent car repairs for people in need. These funds are often reserved for members of the community or congregation who are facing unexpected financial challenges.

  • What They Do: Provide small grants or financial aid for emergency needs, including car repairs.
  • Who Qualifies: Low-income individuals and families who are part of the local community or congregation.
  • How to Apply: Reach out to local churches or community centers to ask about available financial assistance programs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re facing expensive car repairs and don’t have the means to pay for them, there are charitable organizations and programs that can help you get back on the road. Whether it’s through grants, low-interest loans, or direct financial aid, these organizations can provide the support you need to maintain reliable transportation. Always check local resources and non-profits in your community, as many have small, targeted assistance programs for car repairs.

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