Working Wheels completes Helene car replacement program

Working Wheels has completed its Helene Replacement Car Program after providing 46 vehicles to Western North Carolina residents across 13 counties who lost transportation during Hurricane Helene.

Caldwell County resident Larisha Ferguson was among those who received a vehicle through the program.

The 46th and final car was placed Sept. 28.

Working Wheels launched the program after the September 2024 storm to help people replace vehicles lost in flooding. With support from community donors, the organization purchased dependable used cars and placed them with people working to rebuild their daily lives.

Losing a vehicle can make recovery more difficult long after floodwaters recede, affecting a person’s ability to get to work, medical appointments, school, and other essential destinations.

One program participant, Amber, described the impact of receiving a vehicle.

The 46 placements mark the completion of Working Wheels’ special response to Hurricane Helene.

“When Helene took people’s cars, it took their way to work, to the doctor, and to their kids’ school and activities. 46 families are back on the road because people here at home and from all across the country showed up for them. We’re grateful to every donor who made this possible, proud of our team for seeing it through, and honored to have played a part in our neighbors’ recovery,” said Jamie Beasley, executive director of Working Wheels.

Working Wheels continues its regular Vehicle Purchase Program, which refurbishes donated vehicles and sells them to eligible participants, as well as its Vehicle Repair Program, which provides deeply discounted essential repairs.

For more information or to support the organization’s work, visit workingwheelswnc.org.

— AKC