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Executive Update

October 2009

County Executive James T. Smith Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-887-2450
E-mail Address: jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov

Dear Friends of Baltimore County,    

For the past year, our entire nation has been mired in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. With our national unemployment nearing 10 percent, jobs are more important today than ever. Unfortunately, too many people are unable to get jobs, not because of a lack of drive, determination, or skill, but because they lack a reliable means of transportation.

Vehicles for Change

In Baltimore County, we believe that no one who is committed to supporting themselves and their family should go without work. And that is what makes Vehicles for Change such an important program.

Since 1999, Vehicles for Change has worked to change the lives of people throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia by providing them with donated cars to help them access better jobs and participate more fully in their community. Qualified recipients are able to purchase refurbished donated cars with a Vehicles for Change guaranteed loan. Securing the loan also allows recipients to establish credit. Poor quality cars that cannot be rehabbed are sold for parts or disposed of for scrap metal. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of cars and parts are used to rehabilitate other donated cars for the program.

Vehicles for Change is the largest such program in the nation and is extremely successful. The numbers speak for themselves. During the past ten years, this program has repaired and sold more than 3,000 cars and changed more than 9,000 lives. Of those who have bought vehicles from this program, 73 percent have gotten better jobs, increasing their income by $5,000 or more a year; 94 percent were taking children to new activities; 100 percent were using their car to take children to the doctor and daycare; 92 percent felt more independent; and 82 percent said their overall life had improved.

October is Vehicles for Change Month

We understand the value and importance of this program, and that is why October is Vehicles for Change month in Baltimore County. Throughout October, in addition to tax deductions, Baltimore County citizens who donate their vehicles will receive up to $75 worth of gift certificates from Precision Auto Care, Pizza Hut, and Giant Food. 

Baltimore County will be promoting this initiative through fliers distributed to community associations, libraries, and senior centers, as well as on our “Hello Baltimore County” tv show and through our own electronic newsletters. And, in collaboration with Director Tim Griffith and our Department of Social Services, Baltimore County has set aside funding to help program participants afford their rehabbed car.

This initiative is important because not only does it help people get back to work or a better job, it also improves the quality of life in all of our neighborhoods. In the past 12 months, Baltimore County Code Enforcement Officers have cited owners of 1,694 untagged and/or inoperable vehicles in communities throughout the County. These vehicles attract vandalism, create an unsavory appearance in a neighborhood, and contribute to the community’s decline. This program can get those unused cars off neighborhood streets and lawns. To promote this initiative, Code Enforcement will be distributing Vehicles for Change fliers along with the citations they issue for untagged and inoperable vehicles.

Improving Our Communities

These untagged and inoperable vehicles are not just eyesores, they are also a burden on our environment. Many of these vehicles are leaking damaging automotive fluids into the ground. By removing these cars and putting them to good use or turning them into scrap metal, this program protects our environment.

Anyway you look at it, Vehicles for Change is an outstanding idea. It helps people get back to work at a time when they need it most and it improves the quality of life in all our neighborhoods. If you, or someone you know, is interesting in donating a car, please contact Vehicles for Change at 410-242-9674, or www.vehiclesforchange.org for more information.

Sincerely,

Jim Smith
Baltimore County Executive

Revised October 1, 2009