Care For Cars Program

Reliable transportation has consistently been a barrier for PRC neighbors to improve their situations, secure employment and to care for their families.  In DuPage County, public transportation options are limited by schedule and location.  Families and individuals are highly reliant on access to working vehicles to take care of their needs.

Care for Cars is a program of People’s Resource Center in partnership with the private sector, working together to provide affordable car repair for low income residents in order to conduct job searches or retain employment.

Who can use Care for Cars Program?

You must live in DuPage County.  You’ll also need to be registered as a PRC Client.  Case workers and job coaches from social service agencies can refer clients to the program. If you are already a PRC client, you can contact the PRC social services team to see if you are eligible.

How to Get Started

If you are a PRC client who is currently employed or working with a job coach you can contact us directly to request assistance from the PRC Care for Cars Program, please call 630-682-5402, extension 323 or send an email to socialservices@peoplesrc.org and leave a message with your name, phone number, and a short explanation of your situation. You will receive a response from a volunteer or staff member.

If you are not a PRC client, and need a car repair, you must be referred by a case worker or job coach from a partner agency. All individuals that are referred must be in an active job search with a partner agency or currently employed.

What to Expect

You will be contacted by a member of our social services team after we receive a referral from a partner agency or a message from you directly.  An initial screening will be completed to determine if your request matches the program requirements.

If you pass the initial screening, you will complete an application with a staff member, including the submission of required documents.  The application process may take several days since repairs are performed based on the number of pending applications and mechanic availability.

The type of repairs approved varies according to car age and mileage, as well as, mechanic recommendation. Typical repairs include ignition, brakes, suspension, exhaust, fuel, and tires. Transmission repairs and body work are beyond the scope of this program.  All repairs are done by NAPA Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Technicians that are identified by PRC.

There is not a maximum repair cost, but PRC staff and repair shop mechanics will determine if the repairs are reasonable in comparison to the value of the vehicle.  Clients are required to pay a portion of the repair.

Our Mission

People’s Resource Center community exists to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County, Illinois.