Are You In Need of Reliable Transportation?
Vehicles for Change partners with workforce and community organizations to provide affordable vehicles to individuals and families who need reliable transportation to work. This is a structured program designed to support long-term stability. Vehicles are not free, but part of a pathway to independence.
Eligibility Basics
Keys to Independence applicants work with community partners or workforce programs that help coordinate vehicle referrals and placements
Do You Qualify?
Our Keys to Independence Program helps working families gain access to reliable transportation, creating greater opportunities for employment, education, and long-term economic stability.
To be considered for a vehicle, individuals must meet program qualifications and be referred through an approved sponsoring agency. Vehicles for Change does not accept direct applications or maintain applications in-house.
All referrals must come through a participating sponsoring agency. All requirements below must be met to be considered.
Must work a minimum of 30 hrs/week or have a verifiable job offer letter.
Must be a Maryland resident and posess a Maryland drivers license with no DUI's or DWI's within the last 3 years.
Candidates must meet household income requirements and cannot have a vehicle in their name.
Must provide a certified 3-year MVA driving record.
If currently employed, must have copies of 30 days worth of most recent paystubs.
Recipients must be able to pay between $950-$1000 for the vehicle. We partner
with area banks to ensure financing, if needed.
Recipient must be able to secure insurance.
Three Simple Steps
How It Works
Confirm
All applicants are referred through one of our sponsoring agency partners. These trusted organizations help identify qualified recipients and ensure vehicles are awarded to individuals and families facing significant transportation barriers.
Submit
The sponsoring agency assists the applicant throughout the application process and submits the completed application to our Awards Coordinator. Our team carefully reviews each application and communicates next steps to the sponsoring agency.
Match
Once approved, applicants are placed in Vehicles for Change’s queue for a Keys to Independence vehicle award. Awards are made as donated vehicles become available, so wait times vary based on inventory and program demand. Our team works diligently to match recipients with available vehicles as quickly as possible.
Program Expectations
Recipients are expected to maintain employment, meet program requirements, and contribute through an affordable payment structure. This ensures long-term success and accountability. We explain all costs and expectations before you commit.
How We’ve Helped
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, the application process, and how our program works.
Individuals who are employed or have a job offer and are referred through a partner organization. Please see above for full program qualifications and requirements.
No. Vehicles for Change provides reliable vehicles to qualified recipients for a program fee of $950, plus applicable title, registration, and tag fees. Financing is available through one of our banking partners. This helps promote long-term vehicle ownership and supports recipients on their path toward greater independence and stability.
Vehicles are assigned by our program staff based on availability and individual need.
Our Keys to Independence program is currently limited to individuals and families who live in Maryland.
Timelines vary based on eligibility, referrals, and vehicle availability
Contact a sponsoring agency for information on our program
