Eligibility

Our Services

Our services start with a referral from one of the Central Ohio resettlement agencies.

To qualify for our services you must be:

1. Recent refugee - Less than 2 years from date of entry to US.

2. Income level less than 250% of federal poverty level.

3. For vehicle purchase support, refugee must be employed.

Driver Training

Once you obtain a driving permit, Rides 4 Refugees offers comprehensive behind-the-wheel training.

This includes:

Practice on a driving simulator.
In-car training focused on maneuverability and real-world driving situations.
Support with BMV.

If you have a driver's license, you may participate in our Advanced Driver Training course, which covers:

Braking techniques.
Advanced vehicle handling skills.
Driving practice in slippery conditions.

Vehicle Ownership Support

Owning a vehicle for the first time can be challenging, but Rides 4 Refugees is here to help.

We provide:

A comprehensive breakdown of vehicle ownership costs to help you budget effectively.
Support in understanding auto insurance and navigating BMV requirements.
Guidance on essential vehicle maintenance and monitoring for long-term reliability and longevity.

We work closely with our clients, ensuring they feel confident and prepared to take on the responsibilities of vehicle ownership.

Purchase Support- Match Grant

Rides 4 Refugees will match 50/50 up to $4,000 of a client’s funds toward the purchase of a vehicle. Our team provides hands-on support throughout the process, including:

Assessing affordability and helping clients set a realistic budget.
Finding reliable vehicles from a reputable source.
Completing an inspection, test drive and vehicle background check to confirm vehicle condition.
Arranging test drives and inspection with clients so they can make informed decisions.

Every vehicle purchased through this program includes a one-year limited warranty for unexpected issues and one year of roadside assistance for added peace of mind.

Purchase Support - Mobility Now

At Rides 4 Refugees, we understand that saving for a car while rebuilding a life in a new country can be challenging. That’s why we created Mobility Now—a program designed to help refugees own a dependable vehicle with minimal financial burden. Thanks to the generosity of our community:

Rides 4 Refugees receives donated vehicles from our supporters.
Each vehicle is inspected, refurbished and repaired to ensure safety and reliability.
Refugee families and individuals purchase the vehicle for a small contribution toward our repair & rehabilitation fund, helping sustain the program for future recipients.

Every vehicle acquired through Mobility Now includes one year of roadside assistance and access to our repair assistance program, providing peace of mind.

This initiative provides refugees with reliable transportation when they need it most.

Note: Program availability depends on vehicle inventory.

Repair Assistance Program

Unexpected vehicle repairs can be costly, making it difficult to keep your car safe and reliable. Rides 4 Refugees offers a Repair Assistance Program to help ease the financial burden.

We will match 50% of the repair cost, up to $1,500, for pre-approved repairs.

To qualify, clients must:

Meet Rides 4 Refugees eligibility requirements.
Obtain pre-approval for the repair.
Use a trusted, reputable repair shop.

This program ensures that necessary repairs are more affordable, helping you stay safely on the road.