Determine if you are eligible to get a donated or gifted car. Those normally eligible are families in a homeless shelter, military families, families transitioning from public assistance, natural disaster victims, non-profit organizations and the medically needy. You don't necessarily have to have children to be eligible, even though the word "family" is used a lot.
Apply for a donated or gifted car. Start with 1-800-Charity Cars and Online Car Donation. The links are in the resource box. Send in your application as directed. You will need to provide your full name, your e-mail address, your state of residence and eligibility information.
Contact your local Department of Health and Human Services, Goodwill and Salvation Army using the resources box below. They will have information specific to your locality and eligibility for a donated or gifted car. Ask for an application, and fill it out completely. When you receive a donated car, let the other charities know that you have been taken care of so other applicants can move up on the list.
Be creative and ask for help. Talk to the church you belong to and ask if they can set up a car donation or car gift for you. Other members of the church can help by donating a car to the church where they can receive a tax break.