Ways to Work Loan Program

CONGRATULATIONS!
CEAP recently earned a national performance award and $7,000 from Ways to Work Inc. The award recognizes CEAP's exceptional performance, particularly in new loan production and successful management of a Ways to Work loan program. The awards were presented at the Ninth Annual Ways to Work Institute held in Milwaukee.Thanks goes to CEAP's Ways to Work Manager Mike McCullough, and Loan Coordinator, Lois Perkins-Huff.

[Jump to Frequently Asked Questions]

The Ways to Work Loan Program began in 1984 with a grant through The McKnight Foundation in response to insufficient public transportation networks, coupled with ineffective resources found in many single-parent households. In essence, as jobs began to require greater commuting distances, many families struggled to find reliable transportation because of limited household finances. In addition, obtainable and affordable childcare often failed to meet the convenience of a bus route or bus schedule. Thus, families already experiencing financial hardship faced additional stress and difficulty in maintaining work and adequate childcare.

The Ways to Work program is now national in scope. In keeping with the mandate of the original McKnight program, CEAP's loan program offers 0% interest vehicle loans for the purpose of purchasing a vehicle (up to $4,000.00) or repairing a vehicle (up to $800.00), both repaid in monthly installments.

Read a clients success story.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Be an involved parent of a dependent child.
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Possess a valid Minnesota driver's license.
4. Be a resident in CEAP's service area for at least 3 months.
5. Be employed at least 20 hours per week for the past 6 months.
6. Must not be in default on any CEAP financial service.
7. Individuals who have filed bankruptcy are only eligible after the bankruptcy has been discharged for a minimum of 12 months.
8. Must be current on rent or mortgage.
9. Must be unable to borrow from a conventional lending institution at a reasonable rate of interest.
10. Must be a legal resident of the United States.
11. Must not have had a vehicle repossessed in the past 12 months.
12. Must attend a CEAP approved Financial Literacy/Credit Seminar prior to loan closing.
13. Household income cannot exceed 80% of area median income.

* Other criteria may be listed on application forms.

The Communities We Serve

Families living in the following communities may apply for a Ways to Work loan with CEAP (if your community is not listed below, call us and we will direct you to the community that would serve your family):
All communities in Anoka County; and,

Albertville Big Lake Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Park Buffalo Champlin Corcoran Dayton Elk River Greenfield Hamel Hanover Hassan Hopkins Independence Lorreto Maple Grove

Maple Plain Medina Minneapolis Zip 55430 Monticello Mounds View Navarre New Brighton Osseo Otsego Princeton Rockford Rogers St. Louis Park St. Michael Zimmerman

Download an Application:

• Purchase/Repair Application (If link doesn't work, get Adobe Reader)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Download and complete the application form and return it together with all requested materials to the address listed on the application or, call (763) 566-9600 and ask to apply for the Ways to Work Loan Program.

I don't live in the service area. Do you ever make exceptions?

No. However, we may be able to refer you to an agency that offers the loan in your community.

I have been employed for over two years, but I just switched jobs three months ago. Am I still eligible to apply?

If there is not a significant gap in employment from one job to another and you have been at your current job at least three months, you would be eligible to apply.

I have been employed with the same company for over six months, but I am just coming off of maternity leave. Am I eligible?

Yes. However, you will need to wait until you have accumulated at least 1 month of pay before CEAP will review your application.

What kind of documentation do you require for the Ways to Work Loan Program?

A complete checklist of required documentation is listed on each application.

I am self-employed. What do you want for verification in my case?

You probably filled out form 1040 for taxes, so we would want your previous two years' of tax returns along with evidence of current year-to-date income.

I am paid in tips/commissions only. What kind of verification do you want?

We can only count that income which you report on your tax returns.

Do you look at a credit report?

CEAP does review a credit report. However, our review guidelines may differ from a bank or a credit union in terms of how we evaluate credit information.

Do you choose a car for me?

No, but we do have resources available to help you.

I want to buy a car at an auction. How does financing work for this option?

This is not an option. We only finance cars purchased through dealerships or private sellers.

I own my car and it needs repairs. Are there special requirements for a repair loan?

Yes. We offer repair loans to a maximum of $800.00. If the repair cost is greater than that, you will be asked for proof that you can pay the balance. We do not offer repair loans on trucks or SUVs or on vehicles more than 10 years old. Vehicles that have a lien on them are not eligible.

Can I reapply if I have already received a loan in the past?

Yes; it is not uncommon for families to use this program more than once, assuming of course that payment history on a previous loan is satisfactory. Keep in mind, however, that the ultimate goal in this program is to situate you in a better position to obtain a bank loan.

For more information, call CEAP at (763) 566-9600