Vehicles for Change is now the proud owner of its auto garage in Waverly

Vehicles for Change, a nonprofit that awards cars to low-income families and provides job training, is announcing a new ownership move of its own.

The organization recently purchased the building where it operates a social enterprise and job training program in Waverly. The sale of Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center was completed Nov. 22.

The 15,500 square foot building has housed Vehicles for Change’s automotive training program for formerly incarcerated people and its auto repair shop since 2016, when the organization got the keys following a donation by One Stop Auto Repair owner Jerry Greeff and his wife Pam. That donation included the $2.5 million business’ forklifts, tools, scanners and office equipment. But until last month, Vehicles for Change was still leasing the building.

With contributions from the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and a private donor, the organization was able to purchase the building this year. Central Baltimore Partnership was instrumental in helping to secure the funds, according to Vehicles for Change.

“Completing the purchase of our Greenmount garage will provide significant cost savings to Vehicles for Change each month,” Vehicles for Change President Martin Schwartz said in a statement. “More important, though, is the opportunity to have a permanent home in Baltimore and expand our training opportunities for returning citizens.”

Now the organization is planning renovations that will allow the building to lease office space to other nonprofits, and offer soft skills training. Waverly Main Street is also helping to improve the facade.

The organization accepts donated cars, and repairs them. Families that are pre-qualified are then awarded the vehicles. Overall, it has awarded more than 6,300 cars since 1999.