Jan. 17, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
Getting to work.
Getting kids to school.
Getting to medical appointments.
Buying groceries.
Running errands.
Just trying to accomplish those tasks necessary every day to succeed in life.
The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) recognizes access to dependable transportation is a significant challenge for individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet. For this reason, the CCUW wanted to highlight some of its community partners who try to bridge this gap by accepting and then donating reliable, used cars to those in need.
“When someone gifts a car to one of our participants at Safe Harbor, it is much more than just giving someone a car,” Safe Harbor Executive Director Gigi Williams said.
“It is a gift that fosters upward mobility and promotes independence and self-sufficiency. It allows our ladies to move forward and grow.”
Safe Harbor has operated the HOPE ON WHEELS program for several years, which benefits those women in their residential program.
Vehicle donations are tax-deductible at their blue book value, and Safe Harbor will provide all necessary documentation.
Other non-profits who accept vehicles:
Family Care Center - Serves homeless families with dependent children through an emergency and residential program – Information: https://www.familycare-center.org/ - 828-324-9917.
Safe Harbor - Provides low-cost, furnished, clean and safe apartments in a community for women and children looking for structure and support while preparing for successful independent living - Information: https://safeharbornc.org/ - 828-326-7233.
Sipe’s Orchard Home - Offers a residential program for both male and female youth ages 16-21 who do not have the financial, academic, emotional or behavioral skills necessary for independent living - Information: https://www.sipesorchardhome.org/ - 828-256-5056.
Exodus Homes – Offers transitional to long-term supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from treatment programs and prisons - Information: https://www.exodushomes.org/ - 828-324-4870
Strong life Ministries - The men's transitional living program provides an opportunity for those who have been oppressed by poverty to learn to live independently - Information: https://www.stronglifenc.org/ - 828-994-4321
The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory - Helps restore security and hope to individuals and families through its Shelter of Hope and Transitional Housing programs - Information: https://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyGreaterHickory - 828-322-8061
Council on Adolescents - Vehicle donations benefit those pregnant and parenting teens in the Smart Moms and Dads program - Information: https://coacatawba.org/ - 828-322-4591
Catawba Valley Guardian ad Litem - Has young adults who would welcome a vehicle - Information: 828-466-6121
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley International accepts vehicle donations. When the vehicle is donated, Habitat International gets money for the car and sends a portion of those proceeds to Habitat Catawba Valley.
Information: https://habitatcatawbavalley.org/ - 828-328-4663
Shepherds Hand Ministries – Is a community outreach agency - Information: https://www.shepherdshandministry.org/ - 828-291-0046
The Kindness Project – Program helps people experiencing homelessness by providing hygiene kits, blankets, clothing, food, water and connections to additional resources. Information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/751087949726881 - or email KindnessProjectHky@gmail.com