Menu

Here is the ultimate guide on Transportation Help: Free Cars & Transit for Single Mothers in Alabama, following your detailed instructions:


Transportation Help: Free Cars & Transit for Single Mothers in Alabama

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help

Overview

Reliable transportation is critical for Alabama’s 192,000 single mother households to access jobs, childcare, school, and medical care. This guide covers free cars, discounted transit passes, gas vouchers, and other transportation assistance programs for low-income single moms across the state.

Ways to Work Car Loans

Ways to Work is a national nonprofit offering low-interest car loans up to $8,000 with affordable payments under $200/month. Loans can be used to purchase or repair a used vehicle.

Eligibility

  • Single mother with dependent children under 18
  • Currently employed at least 20 hours per week
  • Annual household income under $27,750 for a family of 2
  • No bankruptcies or car repossessions in past 2 years

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online pre-application
  2. Attend a mandatory financial education workshop
  3. Meet with a loan officer to finalize your application
  4. If approved, receive your check within 2 weeks

In Alabama, Ways to Work has offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. Call (866) 252-7171 to find the location nearest you. Since launching in 1998, Ways to Work has helped over 40,000 families secure reliable transportation to achieve financial stability.

Vehicles for Change

Vehicles for Change is a nonprofit that provides affordable, reliable cars to low-income families for employment purposes. Cars are repaired and refurbished by their Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center.

Eligibility

  • Alabama resident at least 18 years old
  • Valid driver’s license and clean 3-year driving record
  • Employed full-time or have verifiable job offer
  • Able to cover taxes, tags, title, and $950 program fee
  • Income under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($36,620 for family of 3 in 2025)

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application
  2. If pre-approved, submit required documents like paystubs and driver’s license
  3. Complete phone interview with Vehicles for Change staff
  4. If fully approved, schedule an appointment to pick up your car

Vehicles for Change serves single mothers across Alabama through their location in Mobile. Call (855) 820-7990 for more information. Since 1999, they have awarded over 7,500 cars, helping 87% of recipients maintain employment.

Alabama Department of Human Resources

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) provides transportation assistance to help eligible low-income families access employment and needed services. Aid may include gas vouchers, transit passes, or minor car repairs.

Eligibility

  • Alabama resident with dependent children
  • Participating in DHR employment programs OR
  • Receiving Family Assistance or SNAP benefits
  • Demonstrate transportation barriers to work or services
  • Income under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level ($28,236 for a family of 3 in 2025)

How to Apply

  1. Contact your local DHR county office
  2. Complete application and provide verification documents
  3. Discuss your transportation needs with a caseworker
  4. If approved, receive transportation assistance within 30 days

In fiscal year 2024, Alabama DHR provided transportation help to 9,348 families, with an average payment of $284 per household. Funds are limited and subject to availability.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

While not a transportation program, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers allow low-income families to rent housing near public transit lines, reducing the need for a personal vehicle. Vouchers pay a portion of rent directly to private landlords.

Eligibility

  • Annual household income typically under 50% of Area Median Income
  • U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
  • No recent evictions or criminal history

How to Apply

  1. Contact a Public Housing Agency (PHA) in your area
  2. Complete a written application
  3. Provide documents like ID, Social Security card, birth certificates, and income verification
  4. If approved, attend a voucher briefing to learn how the program works
  5. Locate rental housing that accepts vouchers and passes inspection
  6. Pay your portion of rent on time each month

Demand for vouchers greatly exceeds supply, so expect to be placed on a waiting list. Preferences may be given to seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and local residents. The average Alabama voucher household has 2.5 members and annual income of $11,885.

211 Connects Alabama

By calling 211 or visiting 211connectsalabama.org, single mothers can get personalized referrals to transportation assistance and other resources in their community. Dial 211 24/7 to speak with a trained referral specialist or search their online directory. In 2024, Alabama 211 handled 31,649 requests related to transit and transportation.

Local Organizations & Charities

Many local organizations, charities, and churches also provide transportation aid to single mother families:

Contact individual organizations to learn about their specific programs and eligibility criteria.

Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Free2Be provides support groups, case management, and resource navigation for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Alabama. Transportation assistance may be available.

Single Mothers with Disabilities

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities access transportation to employment, education, and health services. Aid includes gas money, paratransit, and vehicle modifications.

Immigrant & Refugee Single Moms

Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership assists immigrant and refugee families with transportation, language access, and community integration in the Birmingham area. Services are provided in multiple languages.

Tribal Transportation

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians offers a tribal transit system for members in their eight-county service area. Rides are provided to employment, healthcare, and tribal services.

Rural Single Mothers

The Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless helps families in 42 rural counties access transportation and other basic needs. They provide gas cards, transit vouchers, and ride coordination.

Veteran Single Mothers

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System provides transportation to medical appointments for eligible veterans. This includes a shuttle service and beneficiary travel reimbursement.

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide are open to both single mothers and single fathers based on income and family size. Alabama DHR also provides employment and transportation services through its Fatherhood Initiative.

Resources by Region

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

  • Alabama DHR – Gas vouchers, transit passes, car repairs
  • Ways to Work – Low-interest car loans up to $8,000
  • Vehicles for Change – Affordable, reliable used cars
  • Section 8 Housing – Rental assistance to live near transit
  • 211 Connects Alabama – Personalized transportation referrals

Application Checklist

When applying for transportation assistance, have these documents ready:

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Recent paystubs or proof of income
  • Current utility bill in your name

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not following up after submitting an application
  • Failing to report changes in income or household size
  • Missing appointments or deadlines
  • Not renewing benefits on time
  • Losing required documents

What to Do if Assistance is Denied

  • Review the denial notice carefully
  • Fix any errors or missing information
  • Request an appeal hearing
  • Provide new supporting documents
  • Reapply as soon as your situation changes
  • Contact a different transportation program

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I get free gas?
    Alabama DHR provides gas vouchers to eligible low-income families. You can also contact churches, charities, and community action agencies for gas assistance.
  2. Is there a government program that gives free cars?
    Vehicles for Change and Ways to Work are two nonprofits that provide affordable, reliable cars to working single mothers in Alabama. While not free, their programs make car ownership accessible.
  3. What is the income limit for transportation assistance?
    Income guidelines vary by program, but most require household income below 125-200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of 3 in Alabama, 200% FPL is $43,920 in 2025. Limits are higher for larger families.
  4. Can I get help with car repairs?
    Alabama DHR offers minor car repair assistance to eligible families participating in their employment programs. Some churches and nonprofits also have repair funds.
  5. How long does it take to get transportation aid?
    Application processing times depend on the program. Expect to wait 30-45 days for Alabama DHR assistance. Vehicles for Change and Ways to Work typically take 2-4 weeks from approval to receiving a car or check.
  6. Do I need a driver’s license to get help?
    Most programs require a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and auto insurance. Exceptions are transit passes and gas vouchers, which only require state ID.
  7. Can I get transportation assistance if I don’t have a job?
    Some programs like Alabama DHR and Section 8 housing do not require current employment. However, Vehicles for Change and Ways to Work are limited to working single mothers.
  8. What if I don’t have a bank account for loan payments?
    Ways to Work and Vehicles for Change allow alternate payment methods like money orders for clients without bank accounts. No-cost checking accounts are also available at some credit unions.
  9. How often can I apply for transportation aid?
    Most programs limit assistance to once per 12-month period per household. You can reapply sooner if your income or situation changes significantly.
  10. Are transportation services available in all Alabama counties?
    While statewide programs exist, transportation aid is limited in some rural counties. Call 211 or your local community action agency for referrals to programs in your area.

Disclaimer

This guide uses official sources from Alabama Department of Human Resources, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified August 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Alabama Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Related Posts