Vermont Car Application Guidelines

Welcome.

Good News Garage Vermont has two ways you can qualify for a vehicle.

1. The State of Vermont's Reach Up Program

If you participate in the Reach Up program of the Department of Children and Families,we have a contract with the Economic Services Division to provide vehicles to program participants.

To determine if you qualify, please contact your case manager at Reach Up. If you are eligible, you will be given an application which you will need to fill out and return to your case manager. They will forward your application to our office for processing. You will be put on a waiting list for the Vermont county that you live in.

If you are at risk of losing your job due to lack of transportation, ask your case manager about Good News Garage's Ready To Go. This is Good News Garage's van transportation service. Ready To Go covers the entire state of Vermont and provides rides to and from employment and to and from childcare so that you may continue to work.

2. JumpStart

Please note that we are currently not accepting new applications to the Vermont Jumpstart Program. Unfortunately, our current waiting list is quite long. We will once again welcome new applications once the current list of clients waiting to receive a vehicle has been fulfilled. Please check back with us for more updates.

JumpStart vehicles undergo a 72-point safety check and are repaired by certified mechanics to ensure they will be safe and reliable for 12-18 months with proper maintenance and responsible driving. JumpStart vehicles are generally valued between $4,000-$8,000. Approved clients are invited to purchase these vehicles at a cost significantly below their NADA or "book" value. (on average $2,000-$4,000).The purchase price must be paid in full by money order at the time of title transfer.

Program requirements include:

Must have a valid driver's license
Must be employed, participating in a job training program, or able to present a verifiable job offer
Must have somewhat of a difficult commute including, but not limited to: no available public transportation, multiple workplaces, car required for work, inaccessible daycare, etc.
Any vehicle currently registered in the applicant's name must be inoperable or in severe disrepair

Other criteria to keep in mind during the application process:

Clients must demonstrate the financial capacity to purchase, register, insure and maintain a vehicle
Applications must be filled out completely and legibly. Applications submitted with incomplete paperwork or falsified information are subject to immediate disqualification. A denied applicant may be able to reapply after a 60 day respite period.

If you have any questions or are interested in applying, please contact the Donated Wheels Team about Good News Garage's JumpStart program by calling toll-free at 877.448.3288 or emailing the Donated Wheels Team

If you need a loan.
Good News Garage does not offer loans. Please contact your bank and discuss applying for a loan through them.

Opportunities Credit Union is a not-for-profit bank whose goal is to assist people who need smaller loans or who may lack a strong credit history. They are familiar with our program and the quality of our cars therefore they are often willing to provide a loan that covers the full purchase price of the car. Their toll-free number is 800.865.8328.