15 Ways To Get A Free Car for Single Moms

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Lori Pace

Gone are the days where cars were nothing but a luxury. Today they are essential for carrying out daily activities. That’s why we take a look at how single moms and low-income families can get free cars to help them out.

Single moms are our unsung superheroes who excel in multitasking, but it hinders your performance without a vehicle. 

How to get a free car as a single mom?

There are many credible and legitimate programs throughout the U.S.A that provide FREE cars for low-income single moms. 

How does having safe and reliable transportation at zero cost sound to you?? You could take your kids to a good school, secure a job you want, do the shopping, and carry out errands.

To live the life that you deserve, take a look at the top 15 free car programs we’ve shared with you so that you, too, can enjoy independence and a better quality of life. 

15 Free Cars Programs for Low-Income Families

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program 

If you’re looking for a grant to buy a car, then this may be the best option for you. 

TANF is a federal grant program designed to help low-income families with their basic needs. 

Yes, transportation is a basic need, especially for employed single moms. The program understands that being a single mom head of household is very tough and that you need transportation to fulfill your responsibilities and look after your family.

TANF does not hand out cars for free, but they offer grants to employed families for transportation needs. This includes using the grant to purchase a car. 

To apply for this grant, contact your local welfare office. 

Carsformoms.org

This non-profit organization gifts single moms cars to help empower them. 

They believe cars are tools that help make or break your life. 

By giving you a car (free of charge), they are enabling you to go to work, take your children to school, attend to emergencies, make it for graduations, go to interviews and provide healthcare for you and your loved ones. 

Call 1-800-470-1210 today to see how they could help you.

1-800-Charity Cars

Did you know that 1-800-Charity Cars is America’s leading car donation charity giving away over 9000 cars?

They donated cars worth $6.4 million last year alone! This 4-star rated charity has been featured on top shows like Oprah, Disney, Good Morning America, and People. 

1-800-Charity Cars makes dreams come true by providing FREE cars (yes, absolutely zero cost) to low-income or vulnerable families to help them become self-reliant. These are pre-loved cars that were donated to the charity. 

Working Cars For Working Families

You could get a new or used car for free if you’re in a low-income single-mom household. 

The best part of this program is that you can still apply even if TANF covers you. 

The National Consumer Law center created the Working Cars For Working Families program to help individuals apply for car ownership. 

They have more than 120 programs across the U.S to help low-income individuals get a car to find and secure a job. 

Interested? See if you meet the basic requirements:

• You need to be working for at least 35 hours a week (basically a full-time Monday to Friday job)
• Your job needs to be permanent (not temporary) 
• You need to work for at least a month at your current job and have payslips to prove it.

If you’re interested in getting a new car donated by a car dealership, email info@workingcarsforworkingfamilies.org for further information. 

Cars 4 Christmas

If you’re looking for a free car and don’t mind a second-hand one, you should definitely check out this non-profit organization.

Cars 4 Christmas collects donated cars and gives them to deserving low-income families desperately in need of a vehicle. 

Your safety is a priority. This NPO doesn’t just give out donated cars. They first make sure that the cars are road-worthy. This ensures that you get a reliable car to transport your family safely everywhere you go. 

The only catch is that you don’t receive an application status update because there are thousands of applicants.  So it’s basically sitting in the dark waiting for something to manifest. 

However, the application for a free car is super easy! It’s all online, making the application process highly effective, easily accessible, and efficient. 

Another bonus, your application stays on file for 3 years! So they don’t just forget about you. You’re still there and have a fighting chance. 

Follow these steps to apply:

• Visit their website
• Fill in your details
• Give a strong story of why you need a car (be real)

OnlineCarDonation.org

OnlineCarDonation.org chooses applicants based on their cases. The stronger your case, the higher your chances of being gifted a vehicle! 

The charity provides vehicles to the following:

• Abused women
• Physically challenged individuals who are still able to drive
• Families living in homeless shelters
• Self-supporting families 
• Private NPO’s
• Military Families

To start your application, visit their website. Don’t forget to explain your circumstances and why you are in desperate need of a car. 

Good News Garage

This non-profit organization is a life-changer! 

“I am a single mother of 4 who, like many, have struggled financially. Thanks to your kind gesture, my life and the lives of my children will now be a little less hectic. I am extremely appreciative and would like you to know you have changed our lives. I can’t wait for the day I can pay it forward.”

Sedenia

Good News Garage helps low-income families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

They offer two types of programs: Wheels To Work and Ready To Go. 

Wheels To Work receives donated cars (in any condition). They repair these cars and then give them to families who cannot afford a car but desperately need one. These include low-income families and people with disabilities. 

Ready To Go is an effective transportation program, especially for people who don’t know how to drive or face certain physical disabilities. They offer individuals or families lifts to work, interviews, childcare, and other important daily activities. 

Newgate School Wheels For Women

How does a FREE SUV sound?

If you’re a working single mom living in Minneapolis, then you may be eligible to receive a reliable car, SUV, or van free of cost! 

This program is designed specifically for single moms (so you have a greater chance of being gifted a vehicle).

 To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a resident of and have lived in one of the following countries for at least a year: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington
• You are a single-head of household with one or more dependents under 18 years old living with you
• Your children are in school
• You have been working full-time for at least 6 months
• You have a valid driver’s license for the state of Minnesota
• Your annual income is $35 000 or less
• You do not own or have any vehicle available to use
• You need to have proof of auto insurance before you receive a vehicle

If you feel that you are eligible, then you can contact the program via email at contact@newgateschool.org for an online application form. 

Good Neighbor Garage 

Good Neighbor Garage has been making a huge impact on the lives of single moms and widows residing in the Denver area.

It’s not just about giving free cars. This charity also offers vehicle education, maintenance, and repairs!

They have helped single women get back on their feet, save money and enjoy a better quality of life.

Sheila is one of the many success stories:

“You cannot imagine how thankful we are. This is a vehicle that will help my family finally go somewhere and enjoy themselves, get to our destinations safely and inexpensively, and, most importantly, escape poverty. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.”

– Sheila

To see if you can benefit from this opportunity, check whether you qualify: Request A Car.

Wheels4Hope

This faith-based charity in North Carolina has blessed over 4558 families!

They provide cars that are road-worthy, stable, and reliable to low-income families. These vehicles are worth $2 000 to $4 000 each. 

A huge advantage is that you get a 6-month warranty on your car! So if anything happens in the first 6 months, you can rest assured that you are covered. 

Unfortunately, you don’t receive a car for free. You have to pay a minimal fee of $500 AND cover the title and transfer costs. 

Wheels4Hope also sells low-cost cars to families who can afford one. 

To apply for a vehicle, you need to have a North Carolina driver’s license and prove that you are employed. You would also need to be nominated by and be actively involved with one of Wheel4Hope’s partner agencies. Click here to view their partner agencies: Partners. 

Wheels 4 Working

Traveling to work can be a huge challenge, especially when you have no choice but to rely on public transport (we all know that this isn’t the best OR safest OR cheapest option).  

The great news is that Wheels 4 Working may be the solution to all your problems. 

This charity is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and is focused on helping low-income individuals pursue their work by providing them with a reliable vehicle. 

Each application is reviewed and evaluated on a case-to-case basis and is selected based on its own merit. 

To qualify, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of employment
• Provide the number of working hours
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Provide a salary slip to show income
• It would be best if you had insurance

Cars4Heroes

Are you an American knight in shining armor? Have you served the country? Are you a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or EMT? Maybe you’re related to someone who served in the army?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you may be entitled to a FREE, reliable car with a bonus of free food, clothing, and much more!

There are some rules when applying, though:

• You can only apply ONCE
• Your application stays on file for 3 years (sp you may not get a response soon, but you could at a later stage)
• You can submit information about yourself or someone you know who is in need.
• Remember, you need to have served the country and have proved to be eligible. 

OnlineCarDonation.com

Have you been searching for a used but reliable vehicle? 

Then look no further!

OnlineCarDonation.com helps as many individuals and families as they can by providing reliable transportation and safe vehicles! 

They provide cars, vans, and even trucks, all FREE of charge! 

Do you know what’s even better? They provide customized vehicles to accommodate any physical disabilities you may have, like adding a wheelchair ramp, modifying your seats or pedals. They go all out to provide you with a safe vehicle that is well suited to your needs. 

Eligible applicants need to be from a low-income background and show that they are improving their circumstances. For example, a single mom is trying to juggle a job and daycare without a vehicle. 

ExtendedFamily.Org

Extended Family is a non-profit organization based in San Fernando Valley, CA. 

Their primary focus is acting as an extended family to help single parents and their children financially. 

The NPO believes that employed single parents are the most deserving because they work so hard to provide for their families and are entitled to little or no government help. 

A few of the necessities they assist with:

• Food
• Clothing 
• Housing
• Transportation
• Medical expenses
• Education expenses

To find out more about Extended Family, call 818-937-3766.

WithCauses.org

If you’re a techno-savvy mom, this online platform connecting donors with low-income families may be for you. 

The main aim of this organization is to provide FREE vehicles to families who are in the process of working towards independence. 

A single mom household is a perfect example. 

To participate in this donation drive, you need to explain why you desperately need a car and be sure to focus on your financial condition ( this will give you a greater advantage).

Modest Needs

Modest Needs gives away FREE used cars and is one of the few charities that helps low-income drivers with basic car repairs. They have you covered even after you receive a car! 

The application process is online, free, fast, and simple!

Below are the requirements for eligible applicants:

• Over 18 years old
• A US or Canadian citizen
• Applying for yourself or someone living in your home
• Have an active bank account
• Have access to a computer and the internet to stay in touch with Modest Needs
• Your income passes the tests in the application process
• If you rent, you need to have a legal lease

Alternatives

None of the above programs suit your needs? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back!

Apart from the programs listed above, many other avenues assist low-income single moms with free cars. 

Local churches 

They help feed the needy and execute many other big initiatives, so they definitely could help provide you with a donated car. Get in touch with your local church and explain your current situation and why having a car is crucial to your well-being and your children. 

Local car dealerships

These are another great source for getting new or used cars. But you can’t contact them directly; you much rather go through reputable local charities or your church to get in touch with them. It’s also important to note that they don’t give away cars regularly. Nissan is one brand that helps people in need. 

Your job

Certain companies (usually governmental businesses or those that require regular traveling) provide their employees with free cars to help increase their performance. Sometimes even when you leave their company, they allow you to keep the car. 

Family and relatives

If you hit rock bottom, you’re going to need all the help you can get! Family and even friends could know someone who will give you a free car or allow you to pay minimal costs for a car. 

Craigslist

Many people who have broken down cars or cars that have been in accidents try to sell them on craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Check out these sites for dirt cheap cars. If the car isn’t road-worthy, you could always sell the spares and use that money towards buying another affordable car. 

Goodwill

They often receive new and used cars from their donors; get in touch with them to see if they could help you. Remember to give valid reasons for why you need a car and its difference to your life and your children. Goodwill also offers car auctions, where you could buy cars at a reasonable cost. Please note that they will not deliver these vehicles; you will need to arrange how to get the vehicle to you. 

GoFundMe

This a reputable online fundraising platform where you could raise funds to buy a car. You could do this from the comfort of your home, all you need is a computer and access to the internet. It’s simple and easy. But to have a successful fundraiser, you need to be clear, honest and make your story powerful. State why you need a car and how it will help improve your life. By doing this, you will attract donors to your story and raise enough funds to buy a reliable car. 

Unemployment

Did you know that you could get a free car if you’re unemployed? Yes, the government offers free cars to low-income unemployed individuals to help them grab opportunities. This program is in place to help you find work, go to interviews, and travel to distant locations to attend multiple interviews. But that’s not the only benefit. These free cars also serve to give you the freedom and ability to access free skills development programs to improve your chances of securing a job.

Finally, we admit that not having a car restricts you in so many ways, especially when you’re looking for a job. You miss opportunity after opportunity, and your only fault is that you come from a low-income background. 

But with these amazing programs in place, you could go places. And the best part? You don’t need to return the car once you’ve secured a job! It’s yours to keep. 

To apply, visit the employment service in your community.