New Orleans faces a profound homelessness crisis, with thousands of residents lacking stable housing. Crescent Wheels is committed to addressing this issue through our vehicle donation program, which directly funds local shelters, rapid rehousing initiatives, and outreach navigation services. This landing page outlines how your donation can create real change in our community.
By choosing to donate your vehicle to Crescent Wheels, you are supporting a holistic approach to homelessness in New Orleans. We understand the differences between emergency shelter and transitional housing, and we are dedicated to the housing-first model that prioritizes permanent solutions. Read on to learn about the local need, how your donation helps, and the steps to donate.
The local need in New Orleans
In New Orleans, tens of thousands of individuals and families experience homelessness each year, with certain neighborhoods bearing a heavier burden. Areas like the French Quarter and Central City see a higher concentration of those in need, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Many face barriers such as lack of affordable housing, insufficient support services, and systemic challenges that complicate their path to stability. Addressing these gaps is essential for fostering a healthier community and ensuring that every resident has a safe place to call home.
How your donation helps
Funds emergency shelter operations
Your donation helps cover the costs of emergency shelters that offer immediate refuge for homeless individuals and families. These shelters provide a safe space, meals, and essential services to those in crisis.
Supports rapid rehousing programs
Funds raised through vehicle donations support rapid rehousing initiatives, which assist families in moving quickly from homelessness to secure housing. This includes rental assistance and case management services.
Enhances outreach navigation services
Your contribution funds outreach navigation staff who connect those in need with vital resources and services. This ensures they receive support tailored to their specific circumstances.
Provides transitional housing resources
Donations help create and sustain transitional housing programs, where families can live while receiving support to transition into permanent housing, offering stability during a critical period.
Local partner organizations
New Orleans Mission
Crescent Wheels collaborates by supplying transportation for clients to job interviews and medical appointments, enhancing the Mission's outreach capabilities.
Unity of Greater New Orleans
Our vehicle donations augment their resources, ensuring that more families can access the transitional housing they desperately need.
Ozanam Inn
Crescent Wheels assists with transportation logistics, enabling Ozanam Inn to expand its reach and better serve the local homeless community.
How to donate
Visit our donation page
Start your donation process by visiting our dedicated webpage, where you'll find all the information you need to make an impact.
Choose your vehicle
Select the vehicle you wish to donate, whether it’s a car, truck, or motorcycle. Every vehicle helps fund our homeless services.
Schedule a pickup
Contact us to arrange a convenient date and time for vehicle pickup. We provide free towing anywhere in the New Orleans area.
Receive your tax receipt
Once your vehicle is picked up, we will send you an IRS 1098-C form for your records, allowing you to claim your tax deduction.
Make a difference
Your generous vehicle donation directly supports local homeless services, helping to create lasting change in our community.
Trust & accountability
- IRS 1098-C provided for tax deduction purposes
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit status ensures your donation is tax-deductible
- Local pickup service available at no cost
- Funds directly benefit named partners and their programs