Cruz Fresno is dedicated to uplifting the homeless community in Fresno through vital shelter and transitional housing programs. By donating your vehicle, you help fund critical resources such as overnight emergency shelter beds, transitional housing, and street outreach teams. With each vehicle you donate, you are taking a stand against homelessness and providing individuals and families with the support they need during their most challenging times.
Your car donation has a profound impact. With the proceeds, we can ensure that essential services remain available to those who need them most. For instance, the funds generated from a single vehicle sale can provide numerous shelter nights, supporting the urgent need for safe havens. Every dollar counts, and your contribution helps create pathways to permanent housing and stability for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Programs your donation funds
- Overnight emergency shelter beds
- Transitional housing (30-90 day stays)
- Rapid-rehousing vouchers
- Street-outreach teams
- Day-center services (showers, laundry, mail, phone)
- Family-homeless shelters with childcare
↗Real impact, real numbers
Your generous donation can have a far-reaching impact in our community. For instance, a vehicle sale of $1,500 can fund approximately 40-60 shelter nights at one of our partner shelters, where the cost per bed-night typically ranges from $25 to $50. Alternatively, this amount can provide a one-month transitional housing rent subsidy for a family in need or supply essential resources for our street-outreach team for six months. Each tier of your donation—whether it’s $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000—translates into direct support for those experiencing homelessness, helping them find safe shelter and, ultimately, stability.
How we vet recipient partners
At Cruz Fresno, we prioritize transparency and accountability in our partnerships. We ensure that our recipient organizations meet stringent HUD Continuum-of-Care standards, aiming for low shelter-to-housed transition rates below 20%. This means fewer individuals return to homelessness. Additionally, we review verifiable Form 990s to confirm that over 75% of their expenses directly fund programs aimed at alleviating homelessness, ensuring that your donations make a significant impact.
How proceeds flow
When you donate your vehicle, the auction sale proceeds are managed responsibly. After necessary tow and processing costs are deducted, around 70-80% of the gross proceeds are directed to our partner organizations. This funding is then allocated according to the established program-expense ratios, ensuring that the maximum amount reaches the individuals and families in need of shelter and support services.
Fresno recipient landscape
Fresno faces unique challenges related to homelessness, with high local needs for shelter and transitional programs. Community organizations work tirelessly to address these issues, often relying on state-level funding grants that may not fully meet demand. Your support through Cruz Fresno helps fill the gap, providing essential resources to local homeless shelters and services that enable families and individuals to regain their footing in a dedicated and caring environment.