Last Updated on October 6, 2026 3:51 pm
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Working Wheels has completed its Helene Replacement Car Program after distributing 46 vehicles to Western North Carolina residents across 13 counties who lost transportation in Hurricane Helene. The 46th and final car was placed on Monday, September 28.
Working Wheels launched the program after the September 2024 storm to help people replace vehicles lost in the flooding. With support from community donors, the organization purchased dependable used cars and placed them with people working to rebuild their daily lives.
One Program Participant, Amber, shared how impactful the program has been for her:
“I don’t know if words can justify how much this vehicle means to my family and me. We have struggled for so long. A vehicle has been the missing element to us being able to fully recover and rebuild. To be able to get to the doctors, to appointments, to get groceries is an incredible gift that I am truly thankful for.”
Losing a vehicle can make recovery harder long after floodwaters recede, affecting a person’s ability to get to work, medical care, school and other essential destinations. The 46 placements mark the completion of this special response to Helene.
“When Helene took people’s cars, it took their way to work, to the doctor and to their kids’ school and activities. 46 families are back on the road because people here at home and from all across the country showed up for them. We’re grateful to every donor who made this possible, proud of our team for seeing it through, and honored to have played a part in our neighbors’ recovery,” said Jamie Beasley, executive director of Working Wheels.
Working Wheels continues its regular Vehicle Purchase Program, which refurbishes donated vehicles and sells them to eligible participants, and its Vehicle Repair Program, which provides deeply discounted essential repairs. To learn more or support this ongoing work, visit workingwheelswnc.org.
