Cars for Homes is Habitat NYC and Westchester’s car donation program. We accept cars, trucks, RV’s, vans, SUV’s, boats and motorcycles, whether or not they are running, and your donation may qualify for a tax deduction. It’s fast and easy. Learn more about how vehicle donations work.
FAQ
What type of vehicle can I donate?
- Car
- Truck
- Boat
- RV
- ATV’s and UTV’s
- Motorcycle
- Construction or farm equipment
- Any other vehicle ― running or not!
All submissions are subject to evaluation. Due to donation location and condition, some vehicles may not be accepted.
Can I donate a vehicle that does not run?
Absolutely. Your vehicle does not need to be running to donate it. It does need to have all tires inflated so we can tow it away (towing is free!).
All submissions are subject to evaluation. Due to donation location and condition, some vehicles may not be accepted.
What happens to my vehicle after my vehicle donation is accepted?
About half of donated vehicles are sold to licensed dealers through wholesale auctions, giving them a second chance as transportation. The other half goes to auto salvage yards, where usable parts—like batteries, tires, and fluids—are carefully removed. What’s left is crushed, shredded, and recycled into new steel. Donated vehicles are not given or sold to the public.
After your vehicle is sold, we’ll send you a letter with the sale details for your records.
How much of a tax write-off do I get for donating my car?
When your vehicle is sold, that will determine the value. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may be eligible to deduct the full selling price. If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can deduct the “fair market value” of your vehicle, up to $500. We recommend that you talk to your tax advisor to determine your personal tax deduction situation.
What are the environmental benefits of donating my vehicle to Habitat?
Many donated vehicles are sold directly to licensed auto recyclers who play a key role in processing end-of-life vehicles safely and in eco-friendly ways. Recycling vehicles keeps tons of steel out of landfills. According to a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey Summary report on mineral commodities, “More than 15 million tons per year of steel is recycled from automobiles, the equivalent of approximately 12 million cars, from more than 7,000 vehicle dismantlers and 350 car shredders in North America.”
Properly recycled cars also help reduce carbon emissions by cutting down the need to refine new materials. In fact, recycling steel saves enough energy to power about 18 million homes for a year.
What if I have more questions?
We are happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please email your questions to carsforhomes@habitat.org or call 1-877-277-4344.
