A new federal program designed to help low-income families buy cars kicks off today in St. Louis. It’s called “Ways to Work” – a program offered by the Department of Transportation. DOT is offering $345,000 to start the program. Provident Counseling of St. Louis will administer it. Money is given those families that can provide a dollar-for-dollar match either in cash or in-kind services. Federal officials hope the money can be stretched enough to purchase 50-to-60 cars. As clients repay the loans, the money is recirculated to buy more. The program began several years ago in Minnesota. Nationally, it has provided more than $26-Million in loans to 20,000 families.
