Great Plains Autos is dedicated to transforming lives in Nebraska through the power of vehicle donations. Your contribution goes directly to support community homeless shelters and transitional housing programs, addressing the urgent needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. By donating your vehicle, you leverage every dollar to provide essential services and emergency shelter beds to those in need.
In a state where the need for shelter and housing stability is critical, your donation acts as a lifeline. Every vehicle sold helps fund vital programs such as overnight emergency shelters, rapid-rehousing initiatives, and day-center services. Together, we can empower individuals to regain their footing and rebuild their lives.
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
Every vehicle donation has a profound impact on our community. For instance, a sale generating $1,500 can fund approximately 40-60 shelter nights at local partner shelters, where the cost per bed-night typically ranges from $25 to $50. Additionally, it could also cover a full month's rent subsidy for a family in transitional housing or supply a street-outreach team with essentials for six months. These outcomes illustrate how your generosity translates directly into shelter and support for those experiencing homelessness in Nebraska.
How we vet recipient partners
To ensure your contributions are making a real difference, we carefully vet our partner organizations. We prioritize those meeting HUD Continuum-of-Care standards, which ensures they maintain low shelter-to-housed transition rates below 20%. This means fewer individuals return to homelessness. Additionally, we require a verifiable Form 990 that demonstrates a 75% or greater program-expense ratio, ensuring your donations are effectively utilized for direct services.
How proceeds flow
When you donate your vehicle, after necessary towing and processing costs, approximately 70-80% of the gross sale proceeds are directed to our partner shelters. These funds are then allocated according to a program-expense ratio, ensuring that a significant portion of your donation goes directly into the programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Nebraska recipient landscape
Nebraska faces unique challenges regarding homelessness and housing instability, with many communities lacking sufficient resources to support those in need. Local programs strive to provide comprehensive services, yet face funding hurdles. Your vehicle donation can help fill this gap, supporting vital services that cater to the diverse needs of Nebraska's homeless population, from families to individuals.