If you’re in need of a car or transportation, Good News Garage currently serves Vermont and Massachusetts by providing these services for free! This article will go into detail about everything you need to know to apply for Good News Garage programs.
What is Good News Garage?
Good News Garage is a nonprofit car donation program that helps low-income individuals and families have access to transportation for work, childcare, and other necessities. Right now, Good News Garage currently provides services to people living in Vermont and Massachusetts. They have helped over 5,500 families.
Before giving cars away or using them to transport you somewhere, Good News Garage has qualified mechanics do a 72-point inspection of the vehicles donated to them. The donated cars are repaired and must pass state inspection before being used by you. Good News Garage makes sure that the vehicle you’ll be using is safe and reliable.
Below is a video from their YouTube channel featuring a success story and testimonial from Amanda, who was able to get a car because of Good News Garage.
What programs does Good News Garage provide?
Each state provides different services. Please find the section for your state to find out more.
Vermont
The Wheels to Work program in Vermont provides donated vehicles to low-income individuals and families. You can apply if you are a part of the Vermont Reach Up program.
The Ready To Go transportation program uses donated minivans to drive individuals and families to necessities such as jobs, job training, and childcare providers.
Good News Garage can also help parents and caregivers select, install, and use car seats. They have two certified child safety seat technicians. You can contact them to schedule an inspection or installation at 877.GIVE.AUTO (877.448.3288).
Massachusetts
The Wheels to Work program in Massachusetts provides donated vehicles to disabled people who otherwise cannot afford to purchase their own car. The cars will be used to drive the person to their job. To apply, you must be a part of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and have a written Individual Plan for Employment.
The Ready To Go transportation program uses donated minivans to drive individuals and families to necessities such as jobs, job training, and childcare providers. A pilot program was launched in the greater Worcester area.
Do I qualify for Good News Garage services? How do I apply?
Each state provides different services and has different qualification requirements. Please find the section for your state to find out more. You can ask questions from any state about Good News Garage at their Contact Us webpage.
Vermont
The services in Vermont requires you to be a participant in the Reach Up program. Contact your Reach Up case manager to see if you are eligible. If you qualify, you will be given an application to fill out and then return to your case manager. The Reach Up program will then determine if you will receive a vehicle and they will reach out to Good News Garage.
For a child’s car seat installation or inspection, contact 877.GIVE.AUTO (877.448.3288).
Massachusetts
The Wheels to Work service in Massachusetts requires you to be a participant in the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) program. Contact your MRC Counselor to request a referral and application. Fax completed referrals to 603.626.7763.
The Good News Garage website does not elaborate on qualifications necessary for individuals and families interested in the Ready To Go program. We would advise contacting your case manager if you have one or going to Good News Garage’s Contact Us webpage to ask about the requirements.
Does Good News Garage help people in New Hampshire?
Unfortunately, Good News Garage’s programs in New Hampshire are currently inactive. They are waiting for the state to renew its contract for funding, which they are reliant on since they are a nonprofit organization. If the state chooses to renew its contract and continue to fund them, Good News Garage should hopefully have active services available in New Hampshire again.
What else can Low Income Relief do to help me?
We have a ton of resources that we’d love to share with you! Here’s a few:
- Click here to read more articles for Vermont.
- Click here for more articles for Massachusetts.
- Click here for more articles for New Hampshire.
- Click here for more articles on getting help with transportation.
- Click here for more articles on finding childcare.
Visual and auditory learners may want to look through our Low Income Relief YouTube channel!
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Chloe Copti
With her years of researching and writing experience, Chloe uses her experience and her passion for helping others to help you get the financial aid you deserve.