Wheels of Success provides free vehicles for workers in select Florida counties. Their goal is to help people maintain their independence by giving them the ability to get to work.
What is Wheels of Success?
Wheels of Success has been helping people connect with reliable transportation since June 2003. This organization offers a variety of services, including free vehicle placement, help with vehicle repairs, car payments, down payments, and car repair education.
They focus on serving people in their local area because the statistics are staggering. More than 219,000 people have commutes that are an hour or more. Tampa Bay residents spend an average of 13.7% of their income on transportation. That’s why Wheels of Success is here to help.
How Can They Help?
Their sole goal is to help people achieve reliable, safe transportation.
- Discounted vehicles may be available in the form of dependable cars, trucks or vans. However, they have a “pay it forward” philosophy so they will ask you to make monthly payments based on your ability to pay and they’ll also ask you to donate a few service hours each month to the organization so that they can continue helping others.
- Car repairs and maintenance services are also be available for those who can’t afford the cost of regular service.
- Car care education is also available through a partnership with State Farm. It’s a two-hour course that teaches how engines work and how to maintain your vehicle so it lasts longer.
Am I Eligible?
In order to be eligible for their services, you must meet the following requirements:
- Live in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco Counties
- Work at least 32 hours a week OR have recently lost your job due to transportation issues
- Have an income that is 250% or less of the Federal Poverty Level
- Not currently receiving government assistance other than unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP
- Must meet at least ONE of the following target categories:
- Single parent (mother or father)
- Young adult aging out of foster care
- Underemployed couple with child(ren)
- Underemployed working poor with no dependent children
- Moderate income families with no liquid resources who have suffered a hardship such as abusive relationships, accidents, death of a spouse, divorce, natural disaster, illness, loss of income, etc.)
- It appears they also have special programs for veterans and caregivers but those are listed on the program page, not the eligibility page, of their website. I’d recommend calling to ask.
If you are selected, you will need to agree to continue working, maintain your insurance, provide a public testimonial, complete an exit survey, attend a car care class and donate an amount you can afford to the program.
How Do I Apply?
In order to apply for this program, you must be referred by a qualifying agency such as a church, employer, Board Member or Social Service Agency.
- Employers can fill out the Employer Referral Form.
- Social Service Agencies can fill out the Agency Referral Form.
Relief Recap
Wheels of Success is an incredible program that helps people get to work and improve their self-sufficiency. From free cars to car care classes, this program provides a comprehensive approach to helping people obtain and maintain dependable transportation.
