St. Lucie County is working to make sure that those who need to get to work, school or ongoing medical visits can do so through a new program aimed at providing minor car repairs. The program is funded through a state grant.
The county’s Community Services Department, with help from the grant, has provided financial assistance for education purposes as well as photo ID assistance, which has helped the homeless.
“We can do a variety of things with these dollars,” said Human Services Coordinator Lauren Johnson.
Annually, the county receives about $200,000 in Community Services Block Grant funding. This year, the department decided to set aside approximately $30,000 specifically for the minor car repair program.
“We’re hoping to serve about 60 residents,” Johnson said. Depending on the demand, that budget could be adjusted up or down next year.
Johnson explained that the department’s staff is always looking for different programs to help residents in need. And when one case manager ran across a similar program, she floated the idea of providing minor car repairs through the grant.
“We loved the idea,” Johnson said.
There are criteria residents have to meet in order to receive assistance – income and need.
Financial assistance – up to $500 – will be provided to those whose total family income is at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. For instance, a single resident whose income is $15,075 or less would qualify financially. For a family of four, the threshold is $30,750. All income is counted. “If your dog’s making money, you’ve got to count that, too,” Johnson said.
They must also provide documentation proving a need for the vehicle; i.e., needing it to get to work or school or ongoing medical appointments. Applicants must also have proof of vehicle ownership, insurance and a valid driver’s license.
Initially, the county thought it could get high school auto-mechanic classes to take on the car repairs, according to Johnson. But schools balked at the issue of assuming liability.
“We couldn’t find anyone to do it for a limited cost,” she said. So, the program requires cost estimates from multiple, reputable, auto-mechanic shops. Johnson said vehicle owners would be expected to cover the difference if the estimate exceeds the $500 the county will provide. “We want them to have some buy-in,” she said.
The department expects to see requests for new tires, brakes and batteries – things that either make the car run or run safely.
“We’re not replacing an engine or transmission,” Johnson said. And while residents could request assistance for an oil change or other routine service, she recommends against it.
Residents can only draw from the well once, so she suggests using that request for a larger-ticket item.
A pre-screening process is in place to determine eligibility before making application. That process can be handled over the phone by calling the Community Services Department at 772-462-1777 and then 0.
More information can be found on the county’s website: www.StLucieCo.gov – cursor over “Departments & Services” and click “Community Services.” From there, select “Human Services” and click on “Minor Auto Repair Program” in the left column.
Johnson recommends those who are interested check the webpage first before calling to better determine whether they might be eligible for the program.