How to apply for a vehicle in Vermont
Welcome to Good News Garage's applicant information page. Sometimes we have money available from donations to assist people with repairs, but, at this time, we do not.
There are two ways to apply and qualify for a vehicle.
1. Apply through 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 cars, trucks, and vans to program participants. Last year, we provided about 170 vehicles through this program.
To determine if you qualify, please contact your case manager at Reach Up. If you are eligible, he/she will provide you with an application which you will need to return to your case manager. Your case manager will forward it to our office for processing. You will then 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 van service. This service covers the entire state of Vermont and provides rides to/from employment and to/from childcare so that you may work.
2. Apply/Buy Good News Garage's Jumpstart Car
Good News Garage offers vehicles for sale to low-income working Vermonters. These vehicles have been gone through thoroughly by GNG's certified mechanics. These vehicles are in good condition and come with a 30 day warranty. The cost of purchase covers the cost of repairing the vehicle and contributes some funds to adminstrative cost.
These are the requirements to apply for/buy a GNG vehicle.
- Applicants must work at least 20 hours per week or be able to provide documentation of a verifiable job offer.
- Applicants must have a valid Vermont driver's license at the time of applying.
- Applicants must be able to pay for the vehicle at the time they are offered it by Good News Garage's Applicant Coordinator. Full payment is expected when the car, truck, or van is picked up. Therefore, you may need to take out an auto loan.
Good News Garage does not offer a loan program or payment plan. We recommend that you speak with a loan officer at your bank or contact Opportunities Credit Union, 1-800-865-8328. Opportunities Credit Union is a not-for-profit bank whose goal is to help individuals who need smaller loans or who may lack a strong credit history.
If you find that you meet all the qualifications, please fill out our JUMPSTART APPLICATION and mail it to: Good News Garage, Applicant Coordinator, 331 North Winooski Avenue Burlington, Vermont 05401.
Please make sure to answer every question, do not leave anything blank. The information on your application is used to match you up with a car, truck, or van that will meet your needs. When a vehicle becomes available, that matches your needs, you will be contacted by phone.
Please make sure to keep your contact information up to date with the Applicant Coordinator. Also, if you obtain a vehicle on your own, let us know. The Applicant Coordinator can be reached, during normal business hours, toll-free, at
1-877-448-3288 extension 14 or by email cars@goodnewsgarage.org
When you are offered a vehicle, you will need to purchase auto insurance and provide us with proof of insurance. When that has been done, we will make an appointment with you, at Good News Garage's office in Burlington, to transfer ownership of the car to you. The car will be registered here, at GNG, at that time. You will be expected to bring payment for both the vehicle and registration fees (registration, title and purchase and use tax) to the appointment.
Good News Garage ranks applicants on our waiting list in order of need. If you have another car and/or have access to public transportation this will affect where you are on the waiting list.
Contact Information:
Applicant Coordinator
Good News Garage - LSS 331 North Winooski Ave. Burlington, VT 05401
toll-free, 1-877-448-3288 extension 14 cars@goodnewsgarage.org
