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Car Buy Program

The Car Buy Program goal is to help working low-income families become more self-sufficient by assisting them in buying a used car. The vehicles are mechanically sound, used, four door cars with automatic transmissions.

As of December 1, 2007:
463
(14

cars have been delivered
in FY-08)

356
(20
cars have been paid in full
in FY-08)

Who qualifies?

To qualify for the program, an individual must:

  • be a resident of Lucas County
  • be eligible for PRC (at or below 200% of poverty level) through the Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services
  • be 21 years of age or older
  • be a parent with at least one (1) minor children
  • have been employed for 6 months or longer and are currently working 30-40 hours per week or combined employment and college credit hours (at least 20 hours required employment)
  • be able to afford a $150.00 month payment
  • have a good driving record and valid driver's license
  • do not currently have a vehicle titled in their name

How to get into the program

1.An applicant must call TMACOG at 419-241-9155 ext. 157. Then an appointment will be made to fill out
an application.
2.The completed application will be reviewed by a committee for approval.
3.If selected, the participant will attend three car care classes (provided by Owens Community College) to learn the steps of purchasing a car and vehicle maintenance.
4.The participant will attend a budget class (provided by Huntington Bank) to learn how to manage money and make it go farther. The class will help the individual not only buy a car but help in other areas of life.
5.Once the participant has taken the classes, s/he will be in line for the next car that becomes available.
6.The participant is required to maintain contact with staff for on going inspections and to discuss progress with the vehicle
7.The participant will make 12 monthly payments of $150.
8.After the final payment, the participant will receive the title

More About the Program

The Car Buy Program strives to use tax money wisely by helping individuals get to work so that they can continue to pay into the tax system. Applicants must be at or below 200% of the poverty level to qualify. Furthermore, the detailed application includes a credit check and motor vehicle driving record. Every measure is taken to ensure that the individual accepted into the program is one who will benefit from the program. The review committee mentioned above consists of local persons representing the following industries and agencies:

  • Insurance
  • Lending/Banking
  • CommuterLINK Staff and Council
  • Client Advocate
  • Social Service Provider

Once an individual has been accepted into the program, staff offers them assistance throughout the year on budgeting, car maintenance, credit, etc.

The Car Buy Program was established in 2001.

More About the Cars

Program staff work with car dealers to locate roadworthy cars. Cars are inspected by a mechanic and deemed as road worthy. No trucks or SUVs are provided. For more information, contact Russ Stasiak, Car Buy manager, at stasiak@tmacog.org or 419-241-9155 ext. 158.