The road to stability looks different for everyone. For many graduates of the Mission’s programs, reliable transportation provides the freedom, opportunity and confidence to keep moving forward.
A car is something many of us rely on every day—to get to work or school, visit loved ones and go to appointments.
But for someone rebuilding after homelessness, reliable transportation can be the difference between keeping a job or losing one, reconnecting with family or remaining isolated and finding affordable housing or being limited by transportation.
Many people who receive donated vehicles through the Mission are graduates of the New Life Program, a long-term recovery program that helps men overcome addiction, rebuild relationships and establish stable, independent lives.
“I get to see it every time we give a car. I get to look at their faces—all smiling and happy—that’s why I do what I do.”
“This has a massive impact on the success of our graduates, because it takes a lot of trouble off their plate,” said Eddie Culpepper, Senior Fleet Mechanic, who inspects, repairs and preps the donated vehicles. “I get to see it every time we give a car. I get to look at their faces—all smiling and happy—that’s why I do what I do.”
The Road Home
Vince
2023 New Life Program Graduate
“Having reliable transportation made a huge difference for me. I was able to look into housing farther away than I would have considered, because I had a reliable means to get to work every day. This has saved me money on housing costs and ultimately led me to buy the house that I now own.
Having a vehicle has also helped me maintain a more active and healthier lifestyle outside of work. I’m able to go to the mountains friends. or head out of town as I want or need, to go on a hike or just visit
Since I graduated from the program, the vehicle took me to Tucson twice to visit my grandmother and family out there.
I haven’t been late to work once, which would be a much more difficult feat if I were using public transportation. I was able to use the car to help me move out of my apartment and into my house.
I have since regifted the vehicle to my fiancée’s 18-year-old nephew, who is using it to get to and from work.
All-in-all, this vehicle helped not only me, but also my family. I am incredibly grateful that someone was willing to donate their vehicle to DRM, and for all the fruit that came from it.”
The Road Back to Family
Sean
2026 New Life Program Graduate
“Before the Mission I was an off-and-on meth addict. I didn’t know where to turn, and a friend of my daughter’s gave me the Lawrence Street address. I heard about the New Life Program, and I decided to give it a chance. It was the best thing I ever did because it not only gave me my life back, it gave me healing in a different way than I ever had.
I thought I would never talk to my kids or see my grandkids again. They’ve seen me dedicate myself to being sober—I am able and fortunate enough to be back in my daughters’ lives and my grandchildren’s lives.
When I saw my family again for the first time, it made my heart melt. It was the best thing in the world.
Now, work is going great, and I rent out a basement and my landlord is amazing. Without the Rescue Mission being there, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. It gave me a different path to choose from instead of the street.
The last time I had my own vehicle was over 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to being able to go places I want to go and to the freedom.
For somebody just to give their car up for me to receive it, I can’t describe it. I wrote a thank you note for the person who donated the vehicle, but I couldn’t thank them enough.
From His Family
Sean’s daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren
“I knew him before the drugs and afterwards, and I got to say, I’m pretty proud of him. I see him really trying. I’m seeing him open up with the kids. I raised them as a single mom for a while, and I think he’s realizing how much he actually missed and that has motivated him to continue to strive to do better. It’s not too often for someone to say that about their ex, but I’m actually pretty proud of him.”
Roberta, Sean’s Ex-Wife
“He has a job that he likes, has a new place and he’s doing really well for himself. He’s actually getting to know my kids. He’s working harder for his goals. He’s trying, and that’s what really matters.”
Vanessa, Sean’s Daughter
Receive, Repair, Regift
We accept cars, trucks or other donated vehicles in any condition. We’ll fix them up and either give them directly to graduates of our recovery or transitional housing programs or sell them to support Mission programs and services.
- Fill out Get Started form at DenverRescueMission.org/Vehicle
- We pick up your vehicle!
- Receive our thanks and your tax receipt
265 Vehicles Donated
48 Vehicles Gifted
Numbers reflect the fiscal year 2025-26
Provide a New Road
Help people like Vince and Sean find a new road ahead. Donate today to change lives!
Download Full Newsletter
- The Road to Stability
- The Mission in My Words: Jason & Mandy Smith
- Letter From Our CEO
