All Wheels Are New Again for Needy Families

About 80 Ocean County residents without wheels to work can expect to see improvements in their transportation situation this year, thanks to the county's Auto Ownership Program and St. Fancis Community Center on Long Beach Island. The two are partners in auto-related aid to low income individuals, hoping to boost mobility, and ultimately, self-sufficiency.

"A viable means of transportation is often the one major barrier standing between a single-mother and life opportunities like employment and child care," Freeholder Gerry P. Little said in a prepared statement. "This program not only provides a car but it provides a person with a renewed self-esteem and pride in getting back on their feet and regaining their independence."

The federally funded initiative will use a $71,630 Transportation Block Grant from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to refurbish and reissue donated cars, obtain auto insurance, cover the cost of vehicle repairs, and provide driving lessons to those in need.

The cars will come at the solicitation of St. Francis, who receive vehicle donations from local car dealers, churches and the general public, while partnering with local businesses and the county's Vocational-Technical schools to reduce costs for auto repairs and insurance policies.

Ocean County's Auto Ownership Program is the only one of its kind in the Garden State.

According to Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, the auto assistance effort, "truly makes a difference."