Car Donation Wizard is taking a look at Ernie’s story, which was featured on the Habitat for Humanity website. Ernie is an 87-year-old Army veteran who donated his car through Habitat’s Cars for Homes program.
The entrance to Ernie’s house could not accommodate the wheelchair that he uses and the only time he left the house was to get to doctor’s appointments. His family would carry him and the wheelchair down the steps to get to their car.
Ernie applied for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell’s Critical Home Repair Program, where volunteers planned to set up a ramp so Ernie could go outside on the days when he didn’t have doctor’s appointments and make it easier for him to get to the car on days which he did.
Before volunteers were able to set up the ramp, they had to move Ernie’s 2005 Mercury Sable out of his driveway. “It started, but then it conked out,” Ernie says with a laugh. “So, they had to push it to the side. They even cleaned out the mouse nest and acorns in the engine. . . It was just amazing watching them that day.” he says. While watching them, Ernie knew how he would return their kindness– by donating it to the Cars for Homes program. Over the past five years, donations through the Cars for Home program have raised more than $21 million for Habitat for Humanity affiliates, helping provide families with safe and affordable housing.
Lisa Garvey, community outreach director for Habitat Greater Lowell, said that “Ernie didn’t accept help for the longest time and once he finally did, all he could think about was how he was going to use it to help someone else. As a proud veteran, that sense of service is just part of who he is.”
Lisa helped Ernie complete the online vehicle donation form, where soon after the car was picked up and the proceeds from the sale of the Mercury Sable were donated to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. Now, Ernie enjoys his days on the landing of his ramp and chats with neighbors who pass by. Ernie says the ramp has made him “feel more safe and secure. I can come in and exit my house so easily. If there is ever an emergency, I can get out with no problem. It’s the first time in over a year that I’ve been able to do that.”
How to Donate Your Car to Cars for Homes
Habitat for Humanity is a global housing organization that works throughout 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is to create a world where every man, woman, and child has a decent place to live, regardless of race or religion. Car Donation Wizard is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on its Cars for Homes program. All donations through the Cars for Homes program help build safe and affordable housing for a family in your local community.
Donating your car is an easy way to support any organization. Car Donation Wizard will return 75-80% of the gross proceeds from the sale of your vehicle to your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
Turn cars into homes by donating your car online or calling us at (877) 277-4344.