Coastal Wheels is dedicated to strengthening our community by supporting local homeless shelters and transitional housing programs in Melbourne, Florida. These vital programs offer overnight emergency shelter beds, transitional housing for families, and street-outreach services that provide critical support to individuals facing homelessness. With your help, we can ensure that those in need have access to safe shelter and resources that empower them to regain stability.
When you donate a vehicle to Coastal Wheels, every dollar is transformed into meaningful support for those experiencing homelessness. For instance, the sale of a single vehicle can fund up to 60 nights of shelter, helping to keep individuals safe and off the streets. Your contribution has the power to create lasting change in our community and help families find their way home.
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 donation makes a significant impact on the lives of those in need. For example, a $1,500 vehicle sale can provide approximately 40-60 shelter nights at local partner shelters, where the average cost per bed-night is between $25 and $50. Alternatively, it can cover one family's rent subsidy for a month in transitional housing or supply street-outreach teams with essential resources for six months. At higher donation levels, like $2,500 or $5,000, your generous gift translates to even more nights of shelter, extended support for families, and enhanced outreach capabilities. Every contribution counts, and together we can create a supportive network for those facing homelessness.
How we vet recipient partners
To ensure your donations are making the most significant impact, Coastal Wheels partners with nonprofits that meet rigorous vetting criteria. We prefer organizations that align with HUD Continuum-of-Care standards, demonstrating effective outcomes with shelter-to-housed transition rates below 20%. Additionally, we require partner organizations to provide verifiable Form 990 documents and maintain a program expense ratio of 75% or higher. This way, you can have confidence that your support is directed toward impactful programs that prioritize accountability and transparency.
How proceeds flow
When a vehicle is donated to Coastal Wheels, we ensure that after covering towing and processing costs, 70-80% of the proceeds from the sale directly benefit our partner organizations. The funds are then allocated based on the specific program ratio established by each partner, meaning your donation will effectively support vital homeless shelter programs and services in the community. By donating a vehicle, you’re not just clearing out a garage; you’re contributing to a sustainable solution for homelessness in Melbourne.
Melbourne recipient landscape
Melbourne, Florida, is home to a diverse community with pressing needs for effective homeless services. Regional economic challenges have led to increased numbers of individuals and families facing homelessness. State-level funding for these programs often falls short, which makes community support essential. By funding local shelters and transitional housing options, we can help bridge the gap and ensure that everyone has access to safe and secure living conditions. Coastal Wheels aims to strengthen our local response to this crisis while fostering a collaborative environment among service providers.