Free Car Program for Low-Income Families in Montgomery County, MD
If you or your family are struggling with transportation and live in Montgomery County, Maryland, A Good Shepherd, Inc. may be able to help. Through our Vehicle Ownership Program, we place donated vehicles — inspected, repaired, and road-ready — directly with qualifying low-income individuals and families at absolutely no cost.
What You Receive
This is not a loan program. Qualifying recipients receive:
- A road-ready vehicle at no cost — no purchase price, no financing
- A Maryland State inspection certificate
- A 90-day warranty on select vehicles
- One year of AAA membership
- Full MVA title transfer compliance — the vehicle is legally yours
Who We Serve
A Good Shepherd serves working adults, single-parent households, individuals transitioning from public assistance or foster care, veterans, and seniors — exclusively within Montgomery County, Maryland. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, national origin, or immigration status.
Transportation is often the single greatest obstacle preventing low-income individuals from accessing employment, healthcare, education, and independence. A reliable vehicle changes that.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Vehicle Ownership Program, applicants generally must:
- Reside in Montgomery County, Maryland
- Meet income eligibility guidelines for low-income households
- Hold a valid Maryland driver's license
- Demonstrate a genuine need for transportation — for employment, medical care, education, or family responsibilities
- Be able to maintain vehicle insurance and basic operating costs
We evaluate each application individually. Meeting these general criteria does not guarantee vehicle placement — we match available vehicles with applicants on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
- Complete our Vehicle Request form online or call us at (301) 355-9333 to request a paper application
- Describe your current transportation situation and why a vehicle would help you achieve stability and self-sufficiency
- Our team reviews your application and may contact you to discuss your needs further
- If approved, we will contact you when a suitable vehicle becomes available
- You will need to provide a valid Maryland driver's license and proof of insurance before receiving the vehicle
There is no application fee. The process is confidential and handled with dignity and respect.
How Long Is the Wait?
Vehicle availability depends entirely on donations we receive from the community. We do our best to match applicants with available vehicles as quickly as possible. The best way to check on availability is to call us directly at (301) 355-9333.
Why Transportation Changes Lives
Research shows that low-income families who gain reliable vehicle access experience measurably higher wages, better access to healthcare, and greater long-term financial independence. For a single parent trying to hold down a job, reach a medical appointment, or get a child to school, a working car is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
Every vehicle we place in Montgomery County is a direct investment in a family's ability to build a better future.
Additional Transportation Resources in Montgomery County
- Ride On (Montgomery County bus service) — rideontransit.com
- Vehicles for Change Maryland — vehiclesforchange.org (requires agency referral; low-cost purchase model)
- 211 Maryland — dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local transportation assistance programs
- Montgomery County DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) — may have additional emergency transportation resources
Contact Us
A Good Shepherd, Inc.
2 Professional Drive, Suite 229, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: (301) 355-9333 | Mobile: (301) 793-9333
Email: ags@agsh.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM