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Getting to work is harder than it used to be. People who own a car are four times more likely to be employed, yet owning a car is increasingly out of reach for many low-income workers. Used car prices have increased 50% over the past three years. Public transportation is not a viable option for most people in Columbia due to limited bus routes and infrequency of pickups.
Love Columbia's transportation program offers comprehensive support to ensure reliable transportation for our clients. Through transportation coaching, participants can determine the best options for getting around Columbia, overcome barriers like obtaining a driver's license, and receive guidance on purchasing and maintaining a vehicle. Our car repair assistance, provided in partnership with Veterans United and community donors, ensures low income workers can get to their jobs.
| Car Breakdown Leads to Happier Life |  | |
“Who knew a car repair would change my life?” Tamera asked this question when we interviewed her about her recent completion of our Extra Mile money management program. She reached out to us when she could not afford an expensive repair and eagerly accepted our invitation for financial coaching to help her avoid being in this situation again.
“I have just been overjoyed and crying and just blessed ever since I got linked up with Love Columbia," Tamera said. "In the first Extra Mile meeting, they told me that we're going to work out what I'm doing right and wrong with my finances and then help me get on track with my life. This way I don't have another anxiety attack and give up. But that's what I have been doing for years. I just got used to struggling, and making ends meet, and raising my three kids by myself. When I met my coach Julie, she had this glow, and I felt comfortable talking to her. I didn't know how to look at my money. I needed training, and it was tough at first because I had to decide what to eliminate from my budget. I learned I wasn't as broke as I thought I was. Now when I get paid, I'm okay. I don't have an anxiety attack because I'm paying bills on time instead of waiting on a disconnect notice. I’ve also quit over drafting my bank account. My credit score has gone up 100 points. My coach Julie and I have become great friends. We do hard things with my budget and then take time to laugh and talk. I have so much more peace and my kids say they have noticed a big difference.”
We asked Tamera if she had any suggestions for improving the Extra Mile program, “It needs to be longer than 16 weeks," she said. "I’m just getting started making changes so Julie and I are going to keep meeting.”
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2024 Transportation Assistance provided by Love Columbia
115 Clients received car repairs
19 Received assistance to legalize vehicles
18 Zero interest car purchase loans, $13,366 loaned
12 Car Savings Matching Fund gifts
9 Donated cars
567 Gas cards and rides provided
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Iyanna has a beautiful story of resilience and determination. When she first sought help from Love Columbia, she was facing homelessness with her young son. She worked alongside Love Columbia staff and was able to secure housing and take the first step toward a brighter future. This summer, Iyanna's determination led her to land a stable job. She was the recipient of a car donated to Love Columbia which has allowed her to further her goals which include enrolling in her first semester at MACC.
"Just because one door closes, doesn't mean another door can't open," Iyanna said. We are so excited to see what else she will accomplish next!
| Positive Ripple Effects from the Gift of Transportation |  | |
Rod and Kim Petersen are passionate about multiplying impact, so when it came time to buy a new car, they knew they wanted to donate their current car to Love Columbia's transportation program.
Love Columbia is so intentional on seeing what “root causes” can cause problems to spiral into a crisis, Rod said. A lack of transportation can cause problems with keeping a job, which can cause problems with keeping housing, which can cause problems for family stability.
Providing the gift of a car is an investment into a building block that creates many positive ripple effects. While we don't need such a large car anymore, we know how important this is for those who have a family to transport. I have fond memories of strapping all my girls (3) in that second row. I was thankful I was doing it in a car that is safe. That same reality can now be given to someone else. I have to admit I was a little sentimental in letting the car go, but life is full of seasons and I’m learning that this is the season to bless someone else with the gift that has richly blessed our life."
We are grateful for friends like the Petersens who readily say "yes" to loving their neighbors forward!
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Sarah, a hardworking mom of three girls, received the Petersen's car this week. "I am so grateful that there are people out there willing to help others they don't even know," she said. "This car and many people I've met at Love Columbia have changed my life. It's hard to ask for help and to keep pushing through the storm, but it's been worth the challenge because of the unimagined blessings on the other side."
She shared that her hope is for her story to encourage someone facing a hard time to keep going and to ask for help if they need it. "Asking for help is scary, but you can do it. Adopt a positive mindset. It's never too late to start over."
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Our team at the Love Seat welcomed our transportation coach, Howdy, to teach a car maintenance class. He shared some tips to keep your car running smoothly, for example you should keep your gas tank at least half full for a healthy engine.
If you are interested in learning more about partnering with Love Columbia's transportation program, attending or hosting a car maintenance class, we would love to connect! Reach out to us at howdym@lovecolumbia.org
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Three Exciting Ways to Support/Connect with Love Columbia this Fall
Art & Music Fundraiser: Come enjoy an evening of art and music at Sager Reeves Gallery on Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 PM to benefit Love Columbia. Find event details at lovecolumbia.org/events/art-music-fundraiser
Love Columbia Car Show will be at The Crossing Church, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, on September 28. Gates open at 8:30 AM, food trucks will be on site, a free car maintenance class will be led by Howdy Matheny, and a prize ceremony begins at 2:00 PM. This event is free to all spectators! Registration is required to enter your vehicle into the car show; register your car by September 21 and get a free event tee shirt lovecolumbia.org/events/howdys-2024-car-show.
Third Annual Charity Wine Walk benefiting Love Columbia Join us on Thursday, October 10 from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM at 630 E Green Meadows Rd, Columbia, MO 65201 and enjoy wine tastings from 12 different wineries, as well as select food pairings and live music while exploring the participating businesses.
Event tickets are $30. Funds from ticket purchases support Love Columbia, and as a participant you will receive a 12oz stainless steel insulated wine tumbler. Learn more and purchase your tickets today: secure.qgiv.com/event/thirdannualwinewalk/
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