Need free or cheap auto repair (or maybe even a free car)? Transportation and vehicle problems are one of the biggest challenges facing low income families… and transportation costs can be a real budget buster. If you can’t drive… you might not be able to get to work.. and the problems just pile on.
Fortunately, we’ve found help.
You could get a free car!
Good News Garage
The Good News Garage was started with a mission to help low income individuals get a hand up, not a hand out. Their goal was to make sure people in need could access reliable transportation. They serve needy families and individuals with disabilities. In order to qualify, you must be referred by your case worker from the Massachusetts Rehab Commission. Vehicles are granted to individuals who need one in order to find employment, maintain employment, or attend employment training.
340 Granite Street, 3rd Floor
Manchester, NH 03103
(774) 243-3920
(877) 448-3288 Toll free
Low-Cost Auto Repair is available at these locations.
Operation Homefront:
This program helps veterans and military members with auto repair assistance for their primary vehicle. It is arranged through authorized service centers. You must apply online. Be prepared to provide proof of household income. The program has many other services as well. Check the website for additional details.
1 Franklin Street Suite 2
Quincy, MA 02169
(866) 401-5541 Toll free
Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Pathfinder Tech:
The school’s body repair shop is a fully equipped service collision and refinishing training facility.
- Diagnostic testing
- Electrical work
- Painting
- Identifying misaligned or damaged steering, suspension and
- power-train components
240 Sykes St.
Palmer, MA 01069
(413) 283-9701
Greater Lowell Technical High School:
Residents of the school district can get automotive work done via this technical school. They have access to sophisticated diagnostic equipment. They do computerized alignment and are licensed to perform state inspections. They are only open during the school year, September through May
Available to residents of Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable and Tyngsboro. Cars must be 2000 model or newer. Proof of Massachusetts registration and insurance required. Basic repairs and collision work available. You must also cover parts and materials. They accept checks and credit cards for payment. When you call, be prepared to provide the year, make and model of the vehicle.
250 Pawtucket Blvd
Tyngsboro, MA 01879
(978) 454-5411
(978) 441-4431
There are multiple vocational high schools and technical schools throughout Massachusetts that offer an education in automotive repair. Students in these schools need hands on experience in order to learn their trade. One way to get low cost automotive work done is to contact your local trade school and inquire about their programs. Other technical schools in the state which are supposed to have such low cost repair programs include:
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School
Greater Lawrence Technical School
Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center
Medford Vocational Technical High School
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
Upper Cape Regional Technical School
Waltham High School
Westfield Vocational Technical High School
Worcester Technical High School
Need other transportation assistance?
Massuchusetts Bay Transportation Authority: If you are blind or visually impaired, you can ride all MBTA services for free. You need to apply for a Blind Access CharlieCard to get free access to public transit.
Additionally, some programs provide free transportation to access the program. For example, you can get free bus transportation to the Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative. See the link for the list of free bus routes.
So, if you lack transportation, don’t let that stop you from looking up programs that might serve your needs. You may be able to get transportation to the program in question for free. This is especially likely to be true if you have a disability.
Hello im looking for a new bumper or repair big hole in rear amd my undercarriage up front is being held up by zip tie I still have front piece but bumper is more important they won’t let me get a sticker over here
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this—it’s incredibly frustrating when car issues keep you from getting your inspection sticker and staying on the road. Since you’ve already checked the resources in the post, you might also want to contact local vocational schools or community colleges with auto tech programs—some offer low-cost or free repairs as part of their training. You can also try calling 211 to ask about any local nonprofits, churches, or emergency programs that help with urgent vehicle repairs. We also have a list of programs that help with free or low-cost cars and repairs here: https://lowincomerelief.com/free-cars/. We really hope you’re able to get the support you need soon.