Mercer County residents who have kids and a job but not a car now have another way to get a ride to work.

Transportation to Work is a new program funded through PennDOT and the state Department of Welfare. It is being run through the Shenango Valley Urban League, Mercer County Regional Council of Government, and the Mercer County Commissioners.

The program provides the money to buy or repair a vehicle to working people who meet certain income guidelines and support children.

"A bus cannot meet everybody's needs," said Bill Jones of the Mercer County Community Transit. He said the county is looking for creative ways to give people more choices in transportation to work.

The Prince of Peace Center in Farrell had a similar program called Wheels to Work but it ended due to a lack of money, Jones said. Sister Clare Marie Beichner of Prince of Peace said 83 cars were given to people, but there was a waiting list of nearly 50 people when the program ended.

Jim Long, executive director of the Urban League, said a person can receive up to $950 to buy a car and $450 for repairs. In each case a $50 co-payment is required, he said. The program also offers temporary transportation help.

The program was started with a $75,000 grant from the Department of Welfare. The money must be spent by the end of June when the fiscal year ends, but program leaders plan to reapply for a new grant next year, Jones said.

People who apply for a vehicle grant must be residents of Mercer County, have been employed for the last 30 days with the same employer and work at least 20 hours a week.

Applicants must also fulfill other obligations to qualify for a car.

Income guidelines start at $20,821 for a family of one, $28,059 for a family of two and increases with each family member.

The Urban League will be working with other local job partnership organizations to get referrals for the program.

Angela Lenzi of the Mercer County Career Link said transportation is a key issue for many people looking for work.

"I see this as a wonderful and positive step forward," she said. She said she plans on referring a lot of people and asked Mary Lou Washington, program coordinator, to explain the program to the staff at Career Link.

Applicants must first explore eligibility for vehicle assistance through the county assistance office or the West Central Workforce Investment Board because both programs have similar programs that are funded by the welfare department.

Sister Clare said this kind of a program is another step to help people achieve self-sufficiency. "Most people want to work," she said.

Long stressed that the program is for residents of Mercer County and not just the Shenango Valley. He said they're working to find auto repair vendors in the Greenville and Grove City areas to participate in the program.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharonherald.com