Working Wheels, a non-profit that provides affordable, reliable transportation for local families in need, has raised nearly $400,000 to purchase 30 replacement cars for survivors of Hurricane Helene who lost their cars in the flood. The first seven cars are on track to be matched with local families by the end of December.
“The need for replacement cars is completely overwhelming. Estimates are in the thousands of people who lost their car in the flood,” says Jamie Beasley, Working Wheels executive director. “Now, they have no way to get back on their feet — to go to work, take their kids to activities, pick up groceries from the store, or visit their doctors.”
Thanks to the support of the Community Foundation of WNC, Pisgah Investments Foundation, Inc., Impact Health, WNC Bridge Foundation, Hunter Hometown Foundation, and dozens of individual donors, Working Wheels can help at least 30 individuals get back on the road.
With the funds, representatives from Working Wheels are purchasing 10 to 12 year-old Hondas and Toyotas with 120,000-160,000 miles. Working Wheels assesses each vehicle, performs pre-sale repairs if necessary, processes the sale with the DMV, and stands by the program participants with a 3-month warranty after the sale.
“The beautiful thing about this recovery is that so many people are helping in whatever way they can. This feels like something we can do,” Beasley says.
For more information on Working Wheels, to make a donation or apply for a replacement car, visit WorkingWheelsWNC.org.
