Para-Single Mom New Vehicle to keep Independence

Hello! I'm Jessica Hubert, a single mom raising a middle school boy while navigating life as a paraplegic for the past decade. Over these years, I've fiercely maintained my independence, thanks in large part to the Vocational Rehabilitation program that funded the ramp and accessibility modifications for my current vehicle. This trusty van has faithfully weathered Chicago and Vermont winters, but its undercarriage is now succumbing to rust after a decade of use.

Unfortunately, Vocational Rehabilitation programs no longer cover vehicle conversions for individuals like me, and the cost of replacing such vehicles has skyrocketed to around $75,000 on the lower end. As a single mom on disability, securing a loan for this amount is nearly impossible, especially when the monthly payments would exceed my rent.

Despite diligent saving efforts, unexpected medical expenses continually deplete my finances, hindering my ability to save for a down payment on a new vehicle. The prospect of losing my independence at this juncture is daunting for both myself and my son.

Any assistance, no matter how small, towards securing a reasonable down payment would profoundly impact our lives. Your support means the world to us as we strive to maintain our independence and continue navigating life's challenges together.

The really bad news is that, Vocational Rehabilitation programs no longer cover vehicle conversions for disabled folks who need them. The really really bad news is that these vehicles are now costing around $75,000 on the lower end! Being a single mom on disability, I can't really get a loan for that much that without a payment that is more than my monthly rent.

I have been working so hard to save for a down payment so that I could actually afford a monthly payment on a new vehicle. However, life keeps getting in the way with medical expenses that end up taking the majority of my income.

The end goal is steep, but anything you can do to help me get a reasonable down payment will mean the world to me and my son! Losing my independence at this time in my life would be a drastic blow to both of us.