*THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS*

For our potential donor: At Open Hearth, we know how important transportation can be to financial stability, especially in Chester County, which is lacking reliable public transportation options in many areas. In an effort to provide a reliable means of transportation, our JumpStart program accepts the donation of reliable vehicles, provides tax-deductible receipts to the donors, and transfers each repaired and inspected automobile to a family or individual that needs transportation for employment or medical care.

We do not sell any of the cars that are donated to JumpStart.  Every car we accept is given to people who really need it.  While other car donation initiatives like “Cash for Clunkers” have affected the number of cars donated to Open Hearth, we rose to the occasion by creating a fund to provide no-interest loans for car repairs for individuals who already have a car in need of service.

For our potential recipient: Currently, we are helping people who are already involved in our programs. If donations increase, we will provide more information on this site about applying.

Open Hearth’s Family Savings Partner Program (FSP) provides a 1:3 match towards the purchase of a car – Participants save $1,000 and Open Hearth will provide a $3,000 match for a total of $4,000 to be used towards the purchase of a car.

Participants must commit to making monthly deposits of at least $30 at one of Open Hearth’s banking institution partners for a minimum of three months before they qualify for match money. Funds must be used within one year of beginning the program and are provided directly to the seller of the car.  Open Hearth does not assist in the selection or financing of cars.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Participant must be a resident of Chester County
• Participant must have income 
• Adjusted gross income must be less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level OR the family must qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

Those accepted into the Family Savings Partner Program are required to participate in 8 hours of financial education including Open Hearth’s Car Buying: Put Yourself in the Driver’s Seat and Good Credit – How to Get It workshops. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  If you would like to find out more information, please contact Taryn Alexander by phone (610) 280-1033 or email [email protected].

Fill out a Family Savings Partner Program Application

While transportation continues to be a barrier for many Chester County residents, there are resources available via our community partners.

For more information, please visit www.ChescoRideGuide.org