Car exchange program keeps families on the road

COEUR d’ALENE — Transportation is a critical need for low-income individuals and families in Kootenai County, but many people lack the resources to buy a reliable vehicle.

That’s why the nonprofit Charity Reimagined has partnered with Kootenai Technical Education Campus and several area businesses for a car exchange program called Rides for a Reason. 

“As a community, we’re rural,” said Maggie Lyons of Charity Reimagined. “Getting to and from work, for most people, requires a reliable car.” 

The concept is simple. Community members donate cars to Charity Reimagined. Partnering auto shops fix up the vehicles, which are then sold, at a significantly discounted price, to eligible clients. 

Mountain West Bank makes low-interest loans available to those purchasing cars through the program. 

“They are building their credit, which is a huge limiting factor for them,” Lyons said of the clients who purchase cars through Rides for a Reason. “It’s very hard to get into an apartment or to do much when you have a bad credit score.” 

The bank also provides a three-week budgeting course for the buyers. This helps them build a budget that factors in all the costs associated with car ownership — not only the monthly payments but insurance, gas and maintenance. 

Earlier this month, Sunnie Helling purchased a reliable used vehicle through the program. 

The Press shared Helling’s story in December, as part of the annual Christmas for All campaign. 

For years, while she struggled with addiction to alcohol, Helling and her daughters lived with whomever would take them in. Everything changed after she entered the women’s recovery program at the Union Gospel Mission. 

While in the program at UGM, Helling worked to transform her life beyond recovering from addiction.

She earned her GED and now works part-time at the Adult Education Center at NIC while studying full-time. She’ll graduate with an associate degree in the spring, walking alongside her 17-year-old daughter, who is dual-enrolled at NIC and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Lewis-Clark State College. She has been sober for nearly four years.

Rides for a Reason clients are referred to the program through organizations that partner with Charity Reimagined. To apply for a vehicle, clients must be working or enrolled in school or a training program and working part-time. 

“They don’t see this as charity,” Lyons said. “They see it as an opportunity. They are so grateful to have access to something they can do themselves.” 

The program is accepting car donations. In addition to a reduction on their taxes, Lyons said the community members who donate vehicles get a sense of satisfaction. 

Last summer, Joan Woodard donated her car, nicknamed Violet, to Rides for a Reason. Woodard said she likes to support programs and activities that build resiliency, provide hope and encourage achievement, rather than offering a temporary fix to an immediate issue, so the program was a perfect fit. 

“The idea that my beloved Violet, who had been a reliable pal for adventures and travel over the last 12 years, can have a second life helping someone to achieve their life needs and goals make my heart happy,” she said. “That happiness for me was worth far more than the trade-in or sale value of Violet and seems like a far better tribute for what she was to me, as well.” 

The buyer who purchased Woodard’s car kept the nickname, so Violet rides on. 

Even cars that aren’t repairable can help the program’s mission. KTEC students use donated vehicles that can’t be sold for practicing automotive work. 

Info: charityreimagined.org