An all-volunteer group at Crossroads Church in Indiana repairs vehicles for the elderly, single moms, and underprivileged.
A group of local mechanics in Kokomo, Ind., is making sure the vehicles of some of the community’s most vulnerable are running and safe.
In June 2018, God’s Garage opened as a ministry of Crossroads Community Church after Tom Smith, a retired mechanic, said he felt called to put his talents to good use. In the time since, Smith and a team of 28 volunteers have repaired upwards of 200 vehicles for the elderly, single mothers, veterans, and the under-resourced out of the church’s maintenance barn.
Smith said, “I knew that there was a need because, when I had my own shop, I could see it then. You could tell that people weren’t able to get their car fixed, or they would beg you to do things because they couldn’t afford it, but I had no idea there were as many in need.”
The work is done with no labor charges, and those needing repairs are asked to pay for the parts only. Smith has negotiated discounts with local part suppliers and those discounts are passed onto those in need. Smith estimated a total labor savings of $32,000 from June 2018 to July 2019.
The need has been so great that, despite not actively advertising the garage, the waitlist currently is around two weeks out.
So, Crossroads Church applied and has received a grant with Community Foundation of Howard County last year that will allow God’s Garage to expand.