Keeping Lane County Moving.
Keeping People Moving Forward.
When an unexpected car repair threatens your ability to work, attend school, or support your family — we're here to help. Drive Forward Lane County provides vehicle repair assistance to qualifying residents of Lane County, Oregon, including Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding communities.
Currently in our donation collection phase — applications accepted but response times depend on funding availability.
100+
Neighbors waiting for help
A car repair shouldn't derail your life
Across Lane County, Oregon — from Eugene and Springfield to our rural communities — many hardworking people live paycheck to paycheck. When a vehicle breaks down, it can mean missing work, losing income, or being unable to get to school — creating a cycle that's hard to escape.
The Reality
An unexpected repair — brakes, a dead battery, a failed alternator — can cost hundreds of dollars. For families already stretched thin, that's not just inconvenient — it's devastating.
The Consequence
Without reliable transportation, people miss shifts, lose jobs, drop out of school, and can't fulfill volunteer commitments. One repair can trigger a downward spiral.
Our Response
We bridge the gap. By covering the cost of essential repairs, we help people stay employed, stay in school, and keep moving forward — turning a crisis into a lifeline.
The scale of need is real
More than 381,000 residents call Lane County home. For many, a personal vehicle isn't a convenience — it's a lifeline to work, school, healthcare, and family.
Across urban, suburban, and rural communities — many without access to public transit.
Nearly 1 in 7 residents lives below the federal poverty level, with no cushion for emergencies.
Based on U.S. Census Bureau commuting patterns for Lane County, these employed residents depend on their vehicle to get to work.
Nearly half of Oregonians cannot cover a $500 emergency expense — one repair can derail everything.
OR State Treasury
The road to getting back on track
Our process is simple and straightforward. We're here to help when you need it most.
Check Eligibility
Live or work in Lane County, have a valid license, and need your car for work, school, or volunteering.
Submit Application
Fill out our intake form with your details, vehicle info, and documentation of your need.
Get an Estimate
We'll arrange for an estimate at one of our approved repair facilities to assess your vehicle.
Get Back on the Road
Once approved and funded, your repair is completed and you're back to work, school, and life.
Essential repairs that keep you moving
We fund repairs that restore safe, reliable transportation — not cosmetic work or luxury upgrades. Your contributions support car repair assistance that helps keep someone employed, in school, or serving their community in Lane County, Oregon.
We invest in people, not just vehicles
Integrity
We act with honesty and accountability in every decision.
Compassion
We treat every individual with dignity and respect.
Community
Strong partnerships create lasting impact.
Stewardship
We responsibly manage every donation entrusted to us.
Transparency
We are committed to open communication.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
When reliable transportation is lost, the impact extends far beyond the vehicle. A single mechanical failure can trigger a cascade that affects employment, education, health, and family stability. One repair today prevents a crisis tomorrow.
Missed work and lost wages
A single missed shift can mean the difference between making rent and falling behind. Multiple absences often lead to job loss.
Difficulty maintaining employment
Without reliable transportation, even the most dedicated employee can't guarantee they'll show up on time, every day.
Missed classes or training opportunities
Education and job training are the path to better jobs — but only if you can get there.
Difficulty meeting essential obligations
Without reliable transportation, everyday responsibilities like getting to work, attending school, or caring for family become overwhelming challenges.
Increased financial hardship
Without a vehicle, income drops while other costs pile up — rides, late fees, and missed opportunities compound.
Greater reliance on emergency assistance
A preventable crisis spirals into an emergency that costs the community far more than a repair ever would.
The Bottom Line
Helping someone repair a vehicle costs far less than addressing the long-term consequences of unemployment or prolonged financial instability.
A $500 brake job today can prevent thousands in emergency assistance, lost wages, and community strain tomorrow. Every repair we fund is an investment in Lane County's stability — not just a fix for one car.
Support Your Community
Every donation — whether monetary or car parts — helps keep a Lane County neighbor employed, in school, and moving forward. Click below to email us about donating:
DonateNeed Help With a Repair?
If you live or work in Lane County and need your car to get to work, school, or volunteer commitments — we may be able to help.
Apply for AssistanceCurrently in donation collection phase — response times depend on available funding.
Trusted partners powering our mission
We work alongside local businesses, repair shops, and community organizations that share our commitment to keeping Lane County moving forward. Together, we turn donations into repaired vehicles and restored opportunities.
Wrench Automotive
Approved Repair Facility
Wrench Automotive is our flagship approved repair facility, providing expert diagnostics and quality repairs for Drive Forward Lane County participants. Their skilled technicians and commitment to honest, reliable service make them an invaluable partner in our mission.
wrenchautomotive.netInterested in partnering with us? We're actively looking for local businesses and community organizations to join our mission.
One repair can change everything
Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining employment, pursuing education, supporting a family, and contributing to our community. Unfortunately, many Oregonians are only one unexpected repair away from financial hardship.
of Oregonians cannot cover a $500 emergency expense.
One unexpected vehicle repair shouldn't prevent someone from working, learning, or supporting their family.
Source: Oregon State Treasury Financial Wellness Scorecard
Drive Forward Lane County was created to remove those barriers by helping qualified Lane County residents obtain essential vehicle repairs so they can remain productive, independent, and moving forward.
Reliable transportation creates opportunity
Every donation helps remove transportation barriers by funding essential vehicle repairs for qualified Lane County residents who are working, actively seeking employment, attending school, or serving our community through volunteer work.
No gift is too small. Every contribution helps someone move forward.
Have Questions About Donating?
Whether you're curious about donating parts, making a monetary gift, or giving in honor or memory of someone, we're happy to help.
What Your Donation Helps Fund
Helps purchase shop supplies and small parts needed to complete an approved repair.
Helps cover diagnostic testing, fluids, filters, or other essential repair-related costs.
Helps fund batteries, electrical repairs, or other essential components that keep a vehicle reliable.
Helps pay for brake repairs, wheel bearings, cooling system repairs, or other important safety-related repairs.
Can fund many common repairs that allow someone to safely return to work, school, or volunteer service.
Helps fund larger repairs such as steering, suspension, cooling system work, or contributes toward major engine or transmission repairs when approved.
Every repair is unique. Donations are combined with other community contributions to fund essential vehicle repairs based on demonstrated need and available funding.
One Repair Can Change Everything
When a vehicle breaks down, the consequences can be immediate. A missed shift, a lost paycheck, a missed class, or the inability to care for family can all result from a repair someone simply can't afford. Your generosity helps remove those barriers. Together, we're keeping Lane County moving — one repair at a time.
Donate NowDrive Forward Lane County is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To donate parts or ask about monetary gifts, .
Support Drive Forward Lane County in More Ways
Beyond a financial gift, there are easy ways to make your everyday shopping count. Purchase an item we need, or support us at no extra cost every time you shop.
Walmart Spark Good
Purchase Something We Need
Support Drive Forward Lane County by purchasing needed items directly from our Walmart Spark Good Registry. Our registry includes supplies and equipment that help us run our repair assistance program and serve Lane County residents — every purchased item keeps more donated funds focused on essential repairs.
Shop Our Walmart Registry
Fred Meyer Community Rewards
Support Us While You Shop
Fred Meyer shoppers can support Drive Forward Lane County at no additional cost by linking their Rewards account to our organization. A portion of every eligible purchase helps fund vehicle repairs.
Organization Number:
IG505
Donate money on Givebutter · Purchase an item on Walmart · Support while shopping through Fred Meyer
Start your application
Ready to apply for vehicle repair assistance? Head to our Apply for Assistance page to complete the full application — it gathers your information, vehicle details, the repair needed, and supporting documents in one place.
We're currently in our donation collection phase, so please be patient — we'll get back to you as soon as funding is available.