"Working Wheels helps employers by keeping Washington's workforce more mobile and available. It helps workers take advantage of new job and training opportunities. And when people can get to work, it not only helps our economy grow – the state saves money on social services as well. It's a win for everyone."
– Representative Ed Murray, Washington State Legislature
Overview
Working Wheels is a comprehensive not-for-profit transportation-to-work program for working families, selling affordable used cars to low-income workers and helping them access living wage career opportunities while improving their credit and financial management skills.
In Detail
For many low-income workers, living without a reliable car is a significant problem. It limits job choices, makes it difficult to stay on the job, and reduces opportunities to take advantage of education and training opportunities that help families move toward economic self-sufficiency.
Working Wheels combines car provision, financial literacy training and coaching, and credit repair / credit development to help car owners use credit and banking services to assemble the financial assets they need to build their way out of poverty.
Port Jobs spent over two years researching, designing and creating Working Wheels, assembling a partnership of non-profit agencies, financial institutions, public agencies and funders to make Working Wheels a reality.
Operated by the Fremont Public Association, Working Wheels offers many services to help low-income workers become successful borrowers and responsible car owners, including:
- Free financial education and financial counseling
- Access to credit (car loans)
- Basic auto maintenance training
- Access to banking services (savings accounts, etc.)
- Insurance payment assistance
- Free employment assistance
Sound Community Bank provides car loans to participants, which average $1500 over a 36-month term. For some, it is their first bank loan - many participants are unable to secure a loan through a traditional bank.
Working Wheels combines credit repair and asset maintenance training to ensure that its clients are successful borrowers and car owners. By making on-time payments, car owners are able to create or improve their credit history and take better control of their finances.
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