Get support to buy and keep a car.
Drive Detroit helps skilled trades workers access reliable transportation so they can get to work, stay on the job and continue growing their careers.
What is Drive Detroit?
Drive Detroit is a collaborative program created to support Detroit-area skilled trades workers through the process of buying and maintaining a car.
The program connects participants with community lenders, financial education, resource navigation and ongoing support for up to 24 months after purchase.
Drive Detroit was launched by the Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation, powered by the Berman Foundation and the Gilbert Family Foundation, and is administered by SER Metro-Detroit.
Support before and after your car purchase
Participants receive help with the car-buying process and support after purchase.
Flexible lending access
Help connecting with community lending options.
Resource navigation
Personalized support to help remove barriers.
Financial coaching
Guidance to help prepare for the car-buying process.
24 months of support
Wrap-around support after purchase.
Barrier removal grants
Pre- and post-purchase grants for eligible needs.
Who is eligible?
Drive Detroit is designed for skilled trades workers and eligible trainees who need reliable transportation to support their career.
Start Intake Form- ✓ Are 18 years or older
- ✓ Have a valid driver’s license
- ✓ Live in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County
- ✓ Are employed in the skilled trades or enrolled in a qualified training program
- ✓ Earn less than 2.5 times the Michigan minimum wage
- ✓ Have been referred by a partner organization
Proving your eligibility is simple
You can verify your eligibility with as few as two simple items.
Your valid driver’s license
This helps confirm your identity, age and address.
Your most recent paystubs
Provide paystubs covering the last 30 days that show your name and address.
If your paystubs do not confirm skilled trades employment, you may provide a union card or a letter from your employer. If you are in training, a letter from your training program, trade school or apprenticeship may also help.
Do not have these documents? That is OK. There are other ways to verify eligibility. Let us know, we are here to help.
Ready to see if you qualify?
Complete the intake form and a member of the Drive Detroit team will follow up.
Complete intake form
Share basic information so the team can review your next steps.
Staff review
Program staff reviews your information and documents.
Receive a call
You will receive a follow-up within two business days.
Plan next steps
If eligible, Drive Detroit helps guide you through the process.
Complete the Drive Detroit intake form
Fill out the form below and a member of the Drive Detroit team will follow up within two business days.
Learn more about Drive Detroit
Watch this short video to learn how Drive Detroit supports skilled trades workers with transportation access, financial coaching and long-term support.
Have questions?
For questions about Drive Detroit eligibility or documents, contact the program team.
Learn more
Visit the official Drive Detroit website for additional program information.
Visit DriveDetroit.org
Operational Partners
Impact Curator and Steward
Launched by The Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation.
Drive Detroit is a collaborative initiative powered by:
