History of Good News Garage

Good News Garage opened its garage doors in July 1996, under the leadership of  Hal Colston, with support from a Social Ministry Outreach Project of Lutheran Social Services of New England.

Good News Garage was an idea that developed out of a pioneering effort that brought together clusters of local congregations to identify the needs in the community. One such cluster was organized in the Burlington, Vermont, area. 

Hal Colston, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Jericho, Vermont, brought a new idea to the group, based on his experience working with low-income clients at a local social service agency. He was finding that many of his clients were unable to access employment because they had lacked reliable affordable transportation. While employment opportunities that paid a livable wage were occurring in outlying growth areas that were impossible to get to without a vehicle.

Hal told the group about a recent situation that arose when one of his clients, a single mom with two children, came to him in tears. She had just purchased a car for $500, but on the way home the brakes failed. The car broke down repeatly. Hal tried to get the seller to refund the money, but was unsuccessful.

Hal began to think about the possibility of a "community garage" where those stuggling to get out of poverty could buy a car that was affordable, safe and reliable. Hal brought his car donation idea to the Lutheran Social Services of New England's Social Ministry Project. The small group devoted themselves to making it happen. They reached out and received significant support from the Burlington community.

Lutheran Social Services and Wheat Ridge Ministries provided the initial funds. Good News Garage began operating first in the office of Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington, Vermont. Later Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) loaned space on King Street in Burlington, VT.  Hal headed up a capital campaign that raised monies needed to renovated the former Vermont Transit Bus Barn. This new facility with eight lifts opened in 2004. Good News Garage operates its car donation program and Ready To Go program, a transitional transportation service that uses donated vans to drive individuals to and from work.

Hal has traveled the country assisting other states in starting similar car donation programs. Lutheran Social Services funded the opening of additional programs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Since opening, Good News Garage has transformed the lives of more than 3,000 families and individuals for whom the lack of transportation was a barrier to economic independence.

Hal Colston's newest endeavor is Neighborkeepers located in Burlington, Vermont. The goal of this program is to end poverty in Chittenden County through socio-economic integration. One program is called Circles of Support. Click here learn how to volunteer to be a part of Circles of Support.

Neighborkeepers, Circles of Support webcast.

Submit your car donation online right now!