Wheels for Work

For many people, a reliable vehicle can be the difference between keeping or losing a job. In Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau Counties, it's especially hard to find a good job when you don't have reliable transportation. Wheels for Work can remove the transportation barrier by providing auto repair loans up to $1,000 and down payment loans up to $1,500.

For qualified individuals, we offer:

Low-interest repair loans up to $1,000
Down-payment loans up to $1,500
Low monthly payments
Information on obtaining your credit report
A self-evaluation of current finances
Referrals to other agencies and programs

To qualify you must:

Be employed continuously at the same job for the past three months (part-time employment is sufficient).
Be a resident of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson or Trempealeau Counties.
Possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
Personally own (or share ownership with a spouse) the vehicle in need of repairs.
Currently have or be able to obtain auto liability insurance per Wisconsin legal minimums. Limited financial assistance is available. Contact us to see if you qualify.
Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. View the attached chart to see if you qualify.
Not have any outstanding fines, or have verifiable payment agreements for those fines.
Not have any current payday/auto title/cash advance loans.
Have enough monthly income to accommodate a vehicle loan payment.
Agree to participate in a rideshare program for six months.

To apply for a Wheels for Work loan, please complete the following forms:

In addition, to verify your employment and income, please:

Enclose a copy of a current pay stub and a copy of a pay stub from three months ago, OR
Please have your employer fax employment verification on company letterhead to 715-985-3239, attention: Wheels for Work. Please be sure to include: start date, hourly wage and average number of hours worked per week.

Mail the completed forms to:
Wheels for Work
Western Dairyland EOC, Inc.
418 Wisconsin Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703

For More Information or Assistance:
Phone: 1-800-782-1063 ext. 216 or 715-836-7511 ext. 108
Email: transportation@westerndairyland.org

Under contract with Eau Claire Transit, Western Dairyland is the paratransit certifier for the city and county of Eau Claire in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The program assists people who are unable to utilize the fixed route bus system due to cognitive and/or physical disabilities.

Anyone who is unable to access or navigate the fixed bus system, or those who require more assistance in using the system, may qualify for ADA Paratransit services.

Clients suffering from a multitude of illnesses and disabilities including cancer, blindness, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, terminal COPD and Alzheimer's are only a few whose lives have become limited due to their disabilities. The Paratransit Program offers them a chance to get out of their home, attend social events, visit family or go shopping with a safe and assisted transportation system at a nominal cost.

For more information or to apply for Paratransit Services, call Eau Claire Transit at 715-839-5111.