Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you give cars to?
We give reliable vehicles to individuals and families in the Brazos Valley who are working hard towards self-sufficiency, but who lack a reliable vehicle and can’t afford to buy one. All of our clients must be sponsored by partnering organizations (see “How can you recommend someone…” below).
How many vehicles has OnRamp given away?
As of October 2021, we’ve given away reliable vehicles to 78 clients since our inception in 2017! We’ve also repaired approximately 50 more vehicles during that time for at-risk families in our community.
How can someone help OnRamp?
Our greatest needs at the moment are donations of reliable vehicles or funds to purchase reliable vehicles and repair broken vehicles. We could also use help from volunteers skilled in fundraising, vehicle acquisition, and marketing.
What kind of vehicles is OnRamp looking to buy or receive by donation?
At this time, we can only accept vehicles that are already reliable. Typically, we are looking for four-door sedans or SUV’s that are approximately ten or less years old and have less than 120,000 miles. For reference, our most sought after vehicles include Toyota Camrys, Corollas, and Rav4’s, Honda Civics, Accords, and Pilots, Mazda 3’s, and Chevy Tahoes.
How can you recommend someone for a vehicle donation?
Only representatives from recognized charitable, religious, governmental, educational, or healthcare organizations can sponsor applicants for vehicle donation. The sponsor must have at least three months of in-depth relationship with the applicant, must be helping the applicant move forward in life, and must be able to vouch for the applicant’s character. If you are in the position to sponsor an applicant to OnRamp, simply click “Sponsors” on our website – www.onramptx.org – and fill out the “Vehicle Donation Sponsorship Form.”
What are the requirements to become a client and receive a vehicle from OnRamp?
Applicants must be sponsored (see previous question). Applicants must also (1) have a valid driver’s license, (2) have positive monthly income exceeding expenses, (3) be able to afford liability and collision insurance as well as fuel for the vehicle, and (4) be willing to complete all “Action Steps” determined by OnRamp in partnership with the applicant’s sponsor.
Besides vehicle donation, what other help does OnRamp provide to people in need?
OnRamp repairs vehicles for at-risk families and individuals and also provides Uber cards and bus fares. For all existing clients, OnRamp provides one year of free vehicle maintenance. OnRamp also prays consistently for all clients and offers encouragement and resources when possible.
Why do we focus on reliable transportation rather than other needs?
“Automobile ownership has a greater impact on a person’s chances of being employed than having a high school diploma and is the greatest indicator of the quality and likelihood of a person’s employment,” Lichtenwalter, Koeske, & Sales, 2006. Lack of reliable transportation: reduces employment options and wages, increases social isolation and anxiety, harms overall health of adults and children, disproportionately affects poor, minority, single-moms, and the elderly.