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HOW TO CONTACT US
OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 8:00AM to 3:30PM
TELEPHONE 664-2424 Ext-4442
helpinghands@whcacap.org
The Helping Hands Garage (HHG) is dedicated to helping income eligible people buy vehicles that provide transportation to work for them and their families at a reasonable cost and finance rate. Our primary goals are to enable people with low incomes to develop good credit histories so they will qualify for loans from mainstream lenders, and to provide them safe, affordable transportation so they can commute to work and access medical services.
Applicants and donors may access information by local or toll-free phone service or website, provided by WHCA. Applicants are considered on an income-eligibility basis, or may qualify if a family member has a serious, chronic medical condition for which transportation is imperative and not available. Upon the request of the client, once their loan is paid, they can request a credit report to be provided to their choice of mainstream lenders to aid in the financing of their next vehicle. WHCA has created a revolving loan fund to enable applicants to purchase used vehicles for amounts that cover the cost of initial repairs and partially cover program administration.
Donated vehicles must be in reasonable driving condition. Information on other available vehicle donation programs is offered if the vehicle does not meet program specifications. High-end vehicles are sold and the proceeds used for other vehicle parts and/or repairs, as the upkeep on these vehicles is prohibitive for HHG applicants.
Advisory Board - An advisory board composed of volunteers from area churches and other organizations has been established to guide the program’s rules and regulations. Members are needed in both counties.
Additional Volunteers – Individuals interested in this program may volunteer to pick up vehicles, assess vehicle condition, promote the program at local functions, participate in fund raising, etc. The local auto industry is encouraged to support the HHG as a community service and tax credit. This support may be product discounts or service.
Grants and Local donations - We are soliciting funding support from local banks and businesses to create a revolving loan fund. This includes local municipal funds for WHCA programs. Grants to various funding sources have been submitted for start up funds for this program.
Defensive driver training, insurance basics, light vehicle maintenance, child safety seat instruction and family budgeting will be offered to all buyers. A child safety seat will also be included with the vehicle if requested and the child safety seat instruction has been completed. Reduction of payments may be considered for all optional classes. Applicants will be encouraged and assisted in applying for family and self-driver reimbursements available through MaineCare to reduce their transportation expenses.
Based on 2006 monthly basic needs budgets by family size.
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Individuals may be eligible for the HHG Program based on gross family income, which may not exceed the amounts shown below: |
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Family Size |
Annual Income |
Monthly Income (annual /12) |
Weekly Income (annual/52) |
Washington County |
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Single Person |
19,084.80 |
1,590.40 |
397.60 |
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Two Persons |
29,145.60 |
2,428.80 | 607.20 |
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Single Parent Two Children |
35,020.80 |
2,818.40 | 729.60 |
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Two Parents Two Children One Income |
29,913.60 |
2,492.80 | 623.20 |
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Two Parents Two Children Two Incomes |
45,734.40 |
3,811.20 | 952.80 |
Hancock County |
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Single Person |
20,236.80 |
1,686.40 | 421.60 |
Two Persons |
31,238.40 |
2,603.20 | 650.80 |
Single Parent Two Children |
37,632.00 |
3,136.00 | 784.00 |
Two Parents Two Children One Income |
31,430.40 |
2,619.20 | 654.80 |
Two Parents Two Children Two Incomes |
48,307.20 |
4,025.60 | 1,006.40 |
Other Guidelines:
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- Client must currently have a job or written job offer.
- Client must show ability to repay loan, as well as, insurance, taxes and all registration fees.
- Past poor credit history is not considered.
- Client must be a Maine resident.
- Client must have a valid Maine Driver’s License.
- Client must fill out and sign program application completely.
Question: I need a car. Will HHG give me one if I fill out the application?
Answer: No. You must purchase the car. HHG is not a give-away program.
Question: Do you finance the cars you sell?
Answer: Yes, the WHCA Helping Hands Garage program finances the vehicles sold through the program with no money down, and debt service is charged at prime plus one percent.
Question: Does no money down mean I can simply drive away with my signature?
Answer: No. You do not have to pay any money down on the loan, however you must have sufficient funds to secure insurance (with HHG listed as lien holder), pay sales and excise taxes on the purchase, title fee, and pay for the vehicle registration.
Question: Do I have to get the car inspected and pay for an inspection sticker?
Answer: No. HHG vehicles are sold with a current, valid inspection sticker affixed to the vehicle.
Question: Will HHG repossess my car if I’m late on payments?
Answer: When payments are late or not received, HHG sends a warning letter. If the warning letter is not heeded and payment is not brought up to date, a “right to cure” letter is sent to the customer. The customer has two weeks after receiving this letter to bring the account up to date or HHG may repossess the vehicle at any time thereafter. We try to avoid such action, however sometimes it’s necessary.
Question: Is there a warranty with the purchase of a vehicle through the HHG program?
Answer: No. All HHG vehicles are sold as-is, with no warranties, guarantees, or promises made, written, or implied. In accordance with Maine law, all vehicles will have passed the state safety inspection and have a valid inspection sticker affixed to the vehicle at the time of sale. There are no other assurances.
Question: How does HHG determine the prices at which vehicles are sold?
Answer: Sales prices are determined by several factors: The Kelley Blue Book private sale value, combined with HHG overhead expenses, repairs required for refurbishment, etc. are all considered.
For more information contact Tom Conlon at 664-2424 Ext-4442 or email – helpinghands@whcacap.org
Donate a vehicle to the Helping Hands Garage – help others be self-sufficient and receive a tax credit for your effort!
