Some would not consider owning a car a necessity. In urban areas, it isn't uncommon for families to walk to work, school, and the grocery store. However, in more rural areas, families may live an hour or more away from these places. The family car is essential in areas without public transportation. Unfortunately for low income families, reliable transportation can be hard to come by.
It begins directly out of school. While children can often ride the bus to public schools, they may begin experiencing transportation issues in high school or shortly thereafter. One of the biggest worries for young adults in low income families is getting a job. However, it can be hard to get steady work without steady transportation. Likewise, a job is necessary to earn money for a car.
The Transportation Barrier
The transportation barrier is a serious problem for students, workers, and families as a whole. A lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed doctor's appointments, missed classes, and missed days of work. With much of the country living paycheck to paycheck, absences which are often unavoidable are also devastating for low income families.
Morgan Winston, the director of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project (a nonprofit that teaches English and Reading to adults in rural Arkansas) sees the effects of the transportation barrier daily. "At least 95% of our students are low income. They come here to improve their job prospects, but without transportation, it is hard for them to thrive. Our goal is to empower adults and improve communities through education," she says, "But, the cycle of poverty is further perpetuated by a lack of transportation."
Are there Really Free Cars?
Luckily, there are programs out there that are tackling this problem. Charity Cars provides free cars to eligible participants nationwide. Their stated mission is to "engage in activities that uplift humanity." Many of their previous recipients would agree that the donated car they received changed their lives. Some of them couldn't have finished college or obtained a job without it!
Cars for Christmas and Good News Garage are other nonprofits who donate cars to needy individuals.
There are other solutions that while not always free, are making big changes for those struggling. Vehicle donation programs such as Vehicles for Change accept donations from the community, make repairs, then provide low-interest deals to low income families below market price. They also provide technical training that improves clients' job prospects.
Goodwill Industries also operates a low-cost loan program in some areas. For locations without this program, Goodwill agents may be able to help individuals locate low-cost cars.
Other organizations have turned to pedaling bicycles to those in need. Drug Courts of Russellville, AR have seen great success with bicycle donation programs. Clients who take advantage of it are much more likely to complete treatment programs, get jobs, and are less likely to offend again.
For those with medical needs, Medicaid and some private insurance companies may be able to provide transportation to and from appointments, and similar services are often run for senior citizens.
Some nonprofits also specialize in performing free auto mechanic services which can greatly aid individuals who have a car but can't afford to keep it running. Other programs may be able to help buy gasoline.
Important Steps
In places without public transportation, implementation of transport services and improving infrastructure is changing lives. "In Batesville," says Winston, "It began by simply putting in bike lanes. Many of our English Language Learners can now ride their bikes here for classes and then to work. Improving the sidewalks and crosswalks has also been a big help to our students who walk, often with their children in tow."
While not everyone will be able to quickly access a free car, they may find programs that can still help them achieve the independence and access they need. Transportation in any form puts people back to work, lifting them out of poverty. It gets them the medical care they and their families need. It gives them access to education and human services, and most importantly, it empowers them to help themselves and others.
A Vicious Cycle
It begins directly out of school. While children can often ride the bus to public schools, they may begin experiencing transportation issues in high school or shortly thereafter. One of the biggest worries for young adults in low income families is getting a job. However, it can be hard to get steady work without steady transportation. Likewise, a job is necessary to earn money for a car.
The Transportation Barrier
The transportation barrier is a serious problem for students, workers, and families as a whole. A lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed doctor's appointments, missed classes, and missed days of work. With much of the country living paycheck to paycheck, absences which are often unavoidable are also devastating for low income families.
Morgan Winston, the director of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project (a nonprofit that teaches English and Reading to adults in rural Arkansas) sees the effects of the transportation barrier daily. "At least 95% of our students are low income. They come here to improve their job prospects, but without transportation, it is hard for them to thrive. Our goal is to empower adults and improve communities through education," she says, "But, the cycle of poverty is further perpetuated by a lack of transportation."
Are there Really Free Cars?
Luckily, there are programs out there that are tackling this problem. Charity Cars provides free cars to eligible participants nationwide. Their stated mission is to "engage in activities that uplift humanity." Many of their previous recipients would agree that the donated car they received changed their lives. Some of them couldn't have finished college or obtained a job without it!
Cars for Christmas and Good News Garage are other nonprofits who donate cars to needy individuals.
Other Solutions
There are other solutions that while not always free, are making big changes for those struggling. Vehicle donation programs such as Vehicles for Change accept donations from the community, make repairs, then provide low-interest deals to low income families below market price. They also provide technical training that improves clients' job prospects.
Goodwill Industries also operates a low-cost loan program in some areas. For locations without this program, Goodwill agents may be able to help individuals locate low-cost cars.
Other organizations have turned to pedaling bicycles to those in need. Drug Courts of Russellville, AR have seen great success with bicycle donation programs. Clients who take advantage of it are much more likely to complete treatment programs, get jobs, and are less likely to offend again.
For those with medical needs, Medicaid and some private insurance companies may be able to provide transportation to and from appointments, and similar services are often run for senior citizens.
Some nonprofits also specialize in performing free auto mechanic services which can greatly aid individuals who have a car but can't afford to keep it running. Other programs may be able to help buy gasoline.
Important Steps
In places without public transportation, implementation of transport services and improving infrastructure is changing lives. "In Batesville," says Winston, "It began by simply putting in bike lanes. Many of our English Language Learners can now ride their bikes here for classes and then to work. Improving the sidewalks and crosswalks has also been a big help to our students who walk, often with their children in tow."
While not everyone will be able to quickly access a free car, they may find programs that can still help them achieve the independence and access they need. Transportation in any form puts people back to work, lifting them out of poverty. It gets them the medical care they and their families need. It gives them access to education and human services, and most importantly, it empowers them to help themselves and others.
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