Fawn and her son smile as they receive the keys to their new car from SVdP Transportation Manager Bonnie Casey.
Since 2021, Fawn and her son were trapped in a cycle that felt nearly impossible to break. Hoping to secure their independence, Fawn invested in an $18,000 vehicle, only for the engine to fail shortly after purchase. That left her with a crushing reality: a monthly payment for a car that sat useless in the driveway.
Fawn and her son live with disabilities, making reliable transportation a necessity. With no car, they were forced to make grueling walks to school, work, and the grocery store. Without reliable public transport nearby, they paid $150 weekly on rideshare apps to get doctor appointments.
“It’s been a struggle to get to and from work and school. Getting groceries has just been so hard,” Fawn said. “Spending so much on Ubers made saving impossible. And it’s impossible to depend on the bus when you really need it.”
The turning point for Fawn and her son came recently. Thanks to a generous vehicle donation, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) was able to match Fawn with a fully functioning car. SVdP carefully evaluates every donated vehicle to ensure its safety, and seeing Fawn drive away was a profound milestone for everyone involved.
“I’m overwhelmed with relief. My son and I are disabled. We feel so blessed for this car,” Fawn said. “We won’t struggle getting through the day. I can breathe again. I’m grateful to whoever gave this car to SVdP and a neighbor in need.”
Fawn’s story is a powerful reminder of how a single act of generosity can alter a neighbor’s life. For those looking to retire a vehicle, a donation to SVdP does more than clear a driveway, it can be life-changing for a local family in need.
