How we started
Wheel of Hope began in the heart of Providence after a group of friends noticed the glaring gap between available social benefits and the community members who desperately needed them. On a chilly January evening, while discussing how to better support our neighbors, we discovered that many eligible families were simply unaware of programs like SNAP and RIte Care. This moment ignited a passion in us to bridge that gap.
From our initial grassroots efforts, we realized that funding was essential to sustain our mission. After researching various models, we embraced vehicle donation as our primary funding mechanism. Each car donated would not only help maintain our free benefits-research service but also serve as a symbol of solidarity and hope for Providence’s families in need.
Our mission
At Wheel of Hope, our mission is to connect Providence residents with vital resources like SNAP, RIte Care, and WIC, ensuring that no one goes without the support they deserve. Through the generosity of vehicle donations, we can offer a free benefits-research service. We believe that everyone should have access to the assistance they qualify for, and we strive to empower our community to take advantage of these life-changing programs.
What we stand for
Radical Transparency
We openly share how donations are utilized to support our mission and community initiatives.
Zero-Fee Pickup
Donating your vehicle comes at no cost to you! We handle all logistics with care.
Local-First Research
Our benefits-research service focuses exclusively on Rhode Island programs, ensuring relevant support.
Dignity in Every Interaction
Every conversation we have respects the dignity of our neighbors, fostering trust and community spirit.
Our principles
- Listen actively to the needs of our community.
- Always communicate with transparency and integrity.
- Foster collaboration between local organizations and residents.
- Prioritize long-term relationships over one-time donations.
- Continuously learn and adapt to better serve our neighbors.
Why this city
Providence is a vibrant melting pot, where neighborhoods like Olneyville and South Side struggle with benefits enrollment. Many residents, particularly in low-income areas, are eligible for programs such as LIHEAP and RIW but remain unenrolled due to lack of awareness. Our diverse demographics reveal a gap that we aim to fill. By focusing our efforts in this city, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our fellow Rhode Islanders.
If you have a vehicle you no longer need, consider donating it to Wheel of Hope. Your generosity will directly support our mission and help connect more Providence residents to essential benefits. Not ready to donate? Use our benefits finder today to see which programs you might qualify for!