By Christine Snyder | Apr 21, 2021 |The Oakland Press

As of this week, Royal Oak-based Here to Help Foundation has provided more than 1,100 used vehicles to Oakland and Wayne County residents faced with emergency situations.

This was made possible through the nonprofit’s “Working Cars for Working People” and “Returning Hope for Returning Citizens” programs.

“Oftentimes, the lack of reliable transportation can be a major barrier to someone who wants to maintain steady and gainful employment,” said Here to Help Foundation Co-Founder and CEO Bob Schwartz.

“The reality is that many people are faced with limited financial resources and can’t always afford down payments on cars or unexpected costly repairs. We are very proud that our programs are able to provide dependable used vehicles to help people stay on the job and on the road to success.”

Tyree Stinson, the recipient of Here to Help’s 1100th car donation, recently exited the criminal justice system after 16 years. Here to Help assisted him with food, work attire, clothing and work opportunities to help him reintegrate into society and stay out of prison.

Stinson landed a job with Henry Ford Hospital’s Environmental Services department and needed a vehicle to get to and from work. Stinson saved money to supplement Here to Help’s grant to obtain a larger vehicle, and he now owns a Dodge Caravan. He will soon move into his own apartment, and Here to Help will assist with move in costs as well as provide furniture and home furnishings.

“I am truly grateful for all the assistance Here to Help has given me during my transition to becoming a productive citizen again. I do not know what I would have done without (their) assistance from the beginning,” said Stinson.

All of Here to Help programs are supported by individual donors as well as private foundations and charitable family foundations. Every dollar donated goes directly to individuals facing an emergency situation and no donations go toward administrative or other expenses.

“We just purchased the final used car from a $100,000 grant award from a Michigan family’s legacy fund,” said Schwartz. “Thanks to their generous support, we were able to reach our milestone achievement while helping someone in such a meaningful and personal way.”

Here to Help is a 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations can be made via credit card or bank transfer via PayPal or Venmo or mailed to Here to Help Foundation, P. O. Box 480, Royal Oak, 48068. For more information, visit www.heretohelpfoundation.org.

— Submitted by Christine Snyder