You probably didn’t know…..about these new resources on our site and others. The Mobility Agenda team researches and develops policy to improve access to private vehicles for workers in need of reliable, flexible, affordable transportation. To be a fully contributing citizen in this country today, almost everyone – especially workers with children – needs a car. To realize the goal of social inclusion in the U.S., ensuring access to a reliable means of getting to work, to worship, to vote, to shops, to school, etc. is a necessity. In most places, for most people – this means buying (and financing) a car. We collaborate with car ownership initiatives, pursue means to improve access to credit for car loans, and assist local community initiatives with development of license reinstatement efforts and car programs. For more information, visit our transportation resource page. These materials outline the correlation between reliable, affordable transportation, and a strong economy.
Opportunity Cars has just opened an online location. Opportunity Cars is a network of more than 150 nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing private automobile ownership for low-wage working families to support their ability to find and retain quality employment. On that site, you can search for a nonprofit Opportunity Car program by state, zip code, or city. And anyone who wants to donate a car to an Opportunity Car initiative (for which you are likely to get the full market value of the car as a federal income tax deduction!), can find a place to donate on the new website too. Finally, American for Fairness in Lending has created a great resource for anyone thinking about buying a car. Check out their information on how to avoid problems in car purchase and financing. What’s surprising? These tips are for everyone – if you are buying from a dealer you need to read it. And if you are getting your financing from a dealer….well, STOP! And go to your credit union or bank to see what they offer first. Just around the bend: A new film about jobs and cars in the USA. Stay tuned.