Nonprofit provides vehicles for those in need

A working vehicle is often taken for granted, but for those without one, life can come to a screeching halt.

Robert and Lacy Bradford, founders of the nonprofit Driving Hope, are fixing up donated vehicles and getting as many people as they can back into the driver’s seat.

“We wanted to help the valley, especially the hopeless, which unfortunately, is usually the impoverished. We're trying to help them get back on their feet,” Robert Bradford said. “We want to be effective in our community and bring hope to the hopeless because that's the love of Christ.”

Driving Hope operates on the foundation of generous donations from community members, whether it be new or used cars, vans or trucks. As a mechanic of several years, Bradford transforms non-functional vehicles into a promising future for those looking to change their lives.

“We're not just giving cars away, we're also repairing them. Last year we gave away 10 and we repaired 10 and this year already we've given away four and repaired three,” Bradford said.

Bradford expressed that having a car in a rural setting is especially important for getting kids to school, attending medical appointments, or simply going to the grocery store. As foster parents, the Bradfords saw firsthand the gravity of reliable transportation.

“We had to walk through a termination with some of our foster kids because the mom struggled to get places. Child and Family Services makes you jump through all these hoops to prove that you're going to be safe and responsible, but if you don't have any wheels, you can’t get anywhere,” Bradford lamented. “We saw the mom fail mostly because she was having to rely on her circle of influence to get her places, like her abusive boyfriend, which was the whole reason her kids were pulled from her in the first place.”

Driving Hope works with organizations such as the Flathead Warming Shelter, the Sparrow’s Nest of Northwest Montana and Youth Dynamics to determine need and get people into working vehicles.

One recipient, Raymona Keene, said that Driving Hope worked hard to find a specific vehicle to fit her lifestyle.

“I expressed my specific needs including medical issues to Driving Hope and they really worked hard to find a vehicle that would work best for me,” explained Keene. “One of my medical issues makes it hard for me to get in and out of a car that is really low so they found a car that would be easier for me. It took a little time, but they were very diligent to make sure that I had the right vehicle.”

While getting people back on the road is essential, Bradford expressed that the ultimate goal is to help the community as a whole. Whether someone has been homeless for several years or is just trying to move into a better housing situation, Bradford hopes that Driving Hope will fill the gap.

“If you are working at McDonald's because it's three blocks from your house and you’re miserable, sometimes a car can change your life because now you can go work at the mall or the bank or wherever because you can drive to get there,” said Bradford. “The goal is for this to be a hand up and take you to the next level.”

For those interested in applying for a vehicle or donating to Driving Hope, visit drivinghopemt.wordpress.com or email drivinghopemt@gmail.com.

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.