Changing Gears
Empowering Refugees with the Gift of Mobility
When refugees first arrive in the U.S., the needs are urgent and basic—shelter, groceries, a job. A car—with its attendant expenses of gas, maintenance and insurance—is a dream for the future. But, after a year or so of resettlement, many refugees are in a position to afford and own a car, making life easier for refugees and their families, as well as opening up opportunities in terms of jobs and housing. Through the power of our network of volunteers, Hearts & Homes for Refugees has been able to connect generous donors with refugees who were ready and in need of a car.
Not every car is the right fit of course, especially an older car that might bring maintenance issues. Through the nonprofit CARS, vehicles (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, or even boats!) can be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees by simply completing their online form. CARS then reaches out to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You may qualify for a tax deduction and HHR receives a contribution to our work!
Donor Spotlight
“Wali” had served as a trusted driver and aide to U.S. army forces in Afghanistan. Now in the U.S., he was need in of a car in order to get to work. Ritika Arora and her husband, Ben Browning, generously donated their minivan to Wali and his family.
“I really wanted it to go a family who could use it and would not be able to afford to buy one,” said Ritika. “I was especially touched by Wali’s story about risking his life in Afghanistan to help our military and wanted to help him and his family start a new life here in this country.”
“It was so wonderful to meet them and they were so gracious and appreciative and I feel like we helped to make a difference in their lives, ” Ritika added.