Cars for Homes Program

With Earth Day just a little over a week away, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area invites everyone to recycle their used cars and vehicles to help build a brighter future in partnership with low-income families right here in Central Pennsylvania.

Throughout the month of April, Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program will kick off the yearlong “Every Day is Earth Day” initiative, encouraging people to donate their used cars, trucks, RVs, boats and other vehicles to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area and other Habitat affiliates throughout the country.

“It is an option that is sometimes overlooked,” said Mark Mattern, Habitat’s Director of Development.  “Many people don’t want to trade in an older vehicle, but they aren’t sure what to do.  Habitat for Humanity provides the answer as we will take the vehicle off your hands, turn that into cash for the affiliate and put that donation towards eliminating poverty housing.”

For nearly six years, Habitat’s Cars for Homes funds have been distributed to 1,055 local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the United States, Canada and overseas to help build affordable homes. To date, more than 30,000 vehicles have been donated to the program, equaling nearly $3 million a year for Habitat affiliates worldwide.  Here in Central Pennsylvania last year, five cars were donated to the Harrisburg affiliate, bringing in more than $2,000. 

“Many times, used cars end up in a landfill or sitting idle, but donating an vehicle for recycling or reselling is a hassle-free and easy way for anyone to help support their local Habitat affiliate and help provide affordable housing within their own community,” said Marcia Rundle, director of Habitat’s Cars for Homes program. “On average, more than 50 percent of the vehicles we receive each year are recycled, so donating idle cars not only helps the community but also lets all of us be good stewards of our environment.”