Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Resources for people in need of transportation

So many Americans are struggling harder than the average individuals or families because they do not have reliable transportation to get to work, to school, meet basic needs or medical needs.

Today I want to offer a list of resources for people needing a Hand Up to get a vehicle to get back on their feet.

  Free Charity Cars is a nationally recognized 501(C) (3) non-profit charity with its stated mission “To engage in activities that will uplift humanity”. The organization’s main focus is to provide free donated vehicles to struggling families to assist them in their transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. Established in 1996, The Original 1-800-Charity Cars, www.800CharityCars.org  (DBA: Free Charity Cars), has awarded over 4500 vehicles to families in need. They provide a one of a kind social network platform where people in need of a car can sign up, make friends and generate votes to earn themselves a Free Charity Car. They service the entire United States.

*NOTE*
I personally have been a member of Free Charity Cars for almost a year and was awarded a Free Charity Car over 5 months ago.


Cars 4 Causes currently has a program called Cars 4 Caring - Car Give-Away Program Since the program began, they have given more than $1.1 million worth of vehicles to people in need.They currently only service California Residents.You must also be sponsored by a Non Profit or Religious Organization and they only take online request submissions.



Online Car Donation    has provided thousands of absolutely free vehicles to families in need, social service agencies and numerous charitable organizations. They review online application submissions on a case by case basis. They service specific clientele which is limited to Battered women, people with physical challenges but still can drive, the homeless, military families, Private non profits, and self supporting families moving off of public assistance. 



Goodwill Industries has a program called Wheels To Work. This program is specifically for people who • Have a referral from the Department of Social Services, Lack sustainable transportation, Do not have any criminal charges or major driving violations, Be employed at least 6 to 12 months prior to receiving a vehicle, Maintain employment for at least 12 months after receiving a vehicle, Make monthly payments commensurate  with with initial investments and take financial responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle.




 Opportunity cars is actually a network that provides low income families with cars. They have a huge network with almost 150 Non Profits. They are aimed at helping poor people by providing them reliable used cars. They have designed certain types of programs for different types of people and their preferences. It in turn enables those people to find some other and better source of income. It also gives them economic security and safety.  They have 3 different programs operating in 33 States and have helped 10,000 disadvantaged families.



Cars 4 Christmas is a not-for-profit organization that provides free basic transportation to disadvantaged individuals who are not able to obtain it on their own. They have supplied hundreds of vehicles to some very deserving people and families since 1996. You can apply for yourself or someone else online, through the mail or by Fax.


The American Red Cross takes in car donations but has no area online for a person to ask to receive a vehicle they have donated to them. I did however call them and inquire as to if they in fact would place a viable donated vehicle with a person in need. I was informed that yes some of the local chapters will. It varies chapter to chapter and there are only a few chapters that even handle vehicle doations. But all it takes is a quick check to see if one is in your area and a quick call to see if they would provide a donated vehicle to you!





The Special Kids Fund gives donated vans to families with disabled children. A family must qualify for the program based upon financial need. For more information, email  info@SpecialKidsFund.org or call (732) 397-5056.




Midwest Mobility offers donated handicap vans and other similar vehicles to needy families throughout the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. If you live in Illinois, call (800) 809-3738.  Those in Wisconsin should call (866) 520-8267.






Contact nearby churches. They should be a good source of information for local charities that might have a vehicle available for you. Church officials could have the inside track on a member of their congregation  looking to directly donate a vehicle to a person in need or a struggling family.



Blessings To All
~TBVG~

Friday, April 29, 2011

Helping The Tornado Victims Of The South

With all of the devastating destruction and tragedy that has hit the South from the tornadoes that ravaged so many on April 27, 2011, I felt a blog was in order to spread awareness of the need for donations and help for those affected by this cataclysmic event.

The National Weather Service released a statement saying that the event was an ‘outbreak of historic proportions.’ The death toll soared to at least 233, including 149 in Alabama, 32 in Mississippi, 30 in Tennessee, 13 in Georgia, eight in Virginia and one in Kentucky. As of this writing on Thursday morning, the Storm Prediction Center had preliminarily recorded 164 tornadoes (unconfirmed) and 343 damaging wind and 182 large hail reports. With assessments on-going, the number of recorded tornadoes may continue to increase. The outbreak is also likely to challenge the all-time 24-hour record of 148 tornado touchdowns that occurred on April 3-4, 1974. 


There are many ways you can help. Here is a list I have compiled from resources across the internet.

 


It's a joint effort by FOX 5, Publix and the American Red Cross. Donations are being accepted at all metro area Publix stores. Just make your contribution at the check out line. The money goes directly to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.
 
The Red Cross is on the ground providing shelter and relief to survivors.
  • To donate to the relief efforts online, click here
  • Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
  • Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation



The Salvation Army has teams of responders providing food and support for victims throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
  • Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak."
  • Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
  • Send checks to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339. Please designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.”

To help tornado victims in Alabama, donate by check or credit card here.
Your employer or community organization can donate goods here.


Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund
The governor's office has created the fund to serve as a clearinghouse for donations and volunteer help.
Visit mississippi.relief.com to give or volunteer.


Save The Children
The relief effort providing food, medical care and education to children is accepting donations online at Donate to Save The Children . People can also call 1-800-728-3843 during business hours.



Volunteer Opportunities
The Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, helps coordinate community service and volunteer efforts throughout the country. Visit serve.gov for more information.


If you know of any other ways to help please comment below and share them!
Blessings
~TBVG~

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Handicap Van Resources For Families In Need

With so many families struggling and in need of Handicap Accessible Vans to care for their families medical needs. I decided to go on a mission to find resources to help them. Below is what I have found along my journey and I hope that it will offers some assistance to a family in need.





The Special Kids Fund gives donated vans to families with disabled children.
A family must qualify for the program based upon financial need. 
For more information, email  info@SpecialKidsFund.org or call (732) 397-5056.






Midwest Mobility offers donated handicap vans and other similar vehicles to needy families throughout the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. If you live in Illinois, call (800) 809-3738. 
Those in Wisconsin should call (866) 520-8267.





 Another way to get help is through a government grant.
The United States government has many grants available for obtaining financial assistance to meet the needs of disabled individuals. Many of these grants are available to private citizens and can be used for purchasing mobility equipment, including handicapped vans. While certain requirements may need to be met to establish eligibility, these grants can provide a lot of help and possibly make the research effort worth while.








Contact nearby churches. They should be a good source of information for local charities that might have a free wheelchair van available for you. Church officials could have the inside track on a member looking to directly donate a vehicle to a needy person or family.



Blessings To All
~TBVG~