Wheels4Working (W4W) is a systemic-change Program of the Huntsville Council of St. Vincent de Paul. It was designed to address a root cause of recurring financial hardship: unreliable transportation. 

W4W helps low-income working households obtain critical vehicle repairs so they can remain employed, support their families, and move toward greater financial stability and independence. 

The program reflects emphasis on dignity, responsibility, restoration, family stability, measurable outcomes, and solutions that address root causes rather than provide only temporary relief. Assistance is provided to the greater Huntsville area, including Madison, Morgan, Limestone, Lawrence, Marshall, Cullman, Colbert, and Lauderdale counties.

To qualify for assistance, the person in need must have worked for ther current employer for a minimum of 90 days (time on job will be reduced to 30 days if time with previous employer was 90+ days), must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week, have an income level less than or equal to 80% of the area median income (AMI) level for size of family or minimum wage, and must have an active driver’s license.

Requests for help are received on a first come, first served basis, and repairs are generally limited to $500 so that as many as possible will be helped with the limited funds available. Funds for repairs come from financial donations and donated vehicles, which are then auctioned. The proceeds are then used for needed repairs. 

Since establishing the program in 2014, over 1,400 people have received $587,000 in car repair assistance from the program’s established network of reliable and affordable auto repair shops. In recent months, however, requests have exceeded W4W’s ability to respond in a timely manner. The backlog of over 70 repair requests puts those in need of repairs on a six-month wait list.  

In an effort to broaden the program’s reach, in June, members of the Huntsville Council of St. Vincent de Paul participated at a City of Huntsville community event, promoting their efforts. As the program is run by volunteers, 100 percent of any donation received goes towards meeting the urgent need for assistance.

To learn more about the program and how to help, please visit wheels4working.org.