Ways to Work

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Program Summary | Research and Studies | Application Information | Additional Resources

Welcome.  Many people take reliable transportation for granted. But to some, owning a car means the difference between getting and keeping a decent job.  Ways to Work is a proven, innovative program that provides small loans to low-income parents who cannot get loans elsewhere.

All Ways to Work loans are used to help individuals remain in or move forward in their job.  The vast majority of our loans are made for the purchase of modestly priced used vehicles.  Besides stabilization or improvement in their employment situations, our clients also find that our program has caused an increase in their financial literacy, raised their credit rating, heightened their sense of self-esteem, and, for those obtaining a vehicle, brought about a significant improvement in their family’s quality of life.

As an asset-building and economic self-sufficiency program for underserved populations without access to conventional financial resources, Ways to Work helps families move off of and stay off welfare and dependency programs.  Instead of handouts, it provides families a helping hand-up toward a more stable financial future.

Without a personal vehicle, even getting your family to a doctor or dentist appointment, grocery shopping, or picking your children up after extra-curricular school activities may be problematic at best.  The positive impact of owning a car to improve the income and quality of life for a family striving to become economically self-sufficient has been documented by a number of recent studies; including one commissioned by Ways to Work. 

Specific outcomes include:

  • Borrowers have experienced a 41% average increase in earnings. (take-home pay)
  • 67% of borrowers have opened some type of bank account. (i.e. become banked)
  • More than 90% of program participants indicate that their car loan has helped them maintain or improve their employment situation.
  • Over 80% of borrowers with young children have moved their children to more appropriate childcare providers.

For more information on Ways to Work vehicle loan program or how your employer can become involved, please contact:

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Arlington Chamber Foundation
Ways to Work Program
505 East Border
Arlington, TX 76010
Phone:  817-543-4308
Fax:  817-261-7355

For Your Information

Loan Purpose

  • Support job sustainability
  • Car purchase
  • Car repair
  • Promote employee retention
  • Aim to improve credit and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency

Loan Size

  • $6000 car purchase
  • $6000 refinance
  • $750 car repair

Loan Term

  • Interest rate:  8% maximum
  • Repayment schedule:  24 months

Application and Loan Approval Features

  • Requires a larger upfront time investment than is typical for mainstream lenders
  • Character-based lending approach that maintains program efficacy and a low default rate
  • Integrated financial literacy training in the application process
  • Volunteer loan committee to evaluate applications on a blind basis
  • Applicant must locate car for purchase from the agency’s preferred car vendors list
  • Preferred vendor list, provided for applicant to locate and purchase vehicle from
  • Full coverage insurance on vehicle required before loan can be finalized and funds disbursed

Eligibility

  • Employed 20 hours/week for at least 6 consecutive months
  • Distressed credit history
  • Cash flow to repay loan
  • Involved parent of at least one minor child
  • Household Income less than 80% of area median