Programs

Programs

The automobile programs serve a focused group of citizens somewhat overlooked in our community – single parents and widows. Typically living at or around the poverty level, they have very few options for these repairs which, if left undone, can have devastating effects on their family well-being and safety. "Jennifer" is a typical beneficiary of our services. She recently left an abusive relationship to protect her only daughter. Because of the high cost of child care, she is only able to work part-time while being the sole provider. She lives in a two-bedroom apartment and has a monthly gross income of $1,200 from all sources. The graph shows her “budget”. Automotive maintenance and especially repairs are not feasible, yet the automobile is a necessity for her to maintain a job and get her daughter to school.

The automobile programs serve a focused group of citizens somewhat overlooked in our community – single parents and widows. Typically living at or around the poverty level, they have very few options for these repairs which, if left undone, can have devastating effects on their family well-being and safety.

"Jennifer" is a typical beneficiary of our services. She recently left an abusive relationship to protect her only daughter. Because of the high cost of child care, she is only able to work part-time while being the sole provider. She lives in a two-bedroom apartment and has a monthly gross income of $1,200 from all sources. The graph shows her “budget”. Automotive maintenance and especially repairs are not feasible, yet the automobile is a necessity for her to maintain a job and get her daughter to school.

Older widows, in addition to single parents, often find themselves in unmanageable situations when it comes to automobile repair, as they are less able to earn an income. That forces them to live on social security which averages less than $1,000 per month.

Automobile Repair:
With the help of automotive partners and parts suppliers, Hands provides necessary repairs for our clients. Honest, high-quality repairs enable single parents and widows to maintain safe, reliable transportation allowing them to maintain a job and get their children to school.

This program operates on a "pay what you can afford" basis. Recipients are asked to pay what they can afford at the time of the repair without going into debt or borrowing money.

Automobile Maintenance:
Through Car Care Clinics, routine maintenance for vehicles is provided. The clinics, which are held at a variety of locations, help maintain vehicles and prevent costly repairs. The clinics also offer basic auto maintenance education and hands-on experience in performing their own maintenance when possible.

The only requirement for those attending a car care clinic is to RSVP and bring an oil filter. The time, and all other materials (including the oil, conditioners and food/drink) are donated.

Results
The expected results from these programs are very real and practical - that the repairs and maintenance provided will help make it possible to live self-sufficiently. In addition to the pracical repairs, the help provided offer a sense of hope and trust to those served.