The Lift
Website: https://www.theliftgarage.org/about/
About
The Mission of The Lift is Simple
Repair Cars. But, It’s Much More Than That
The Lift Garage is an affordable, non-profit auto repair service for all Minnesotans who meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline. When faced with an unexpected car repair, The Lift customers simply cannot afford market-rate repairs. Customers at The Lift pay $15/hour for labor and receive the parts at cost.
Our Mission Statement
The Lift Garage offers people a vehicle out of poverty by:
- Providing low-cost quality car repair,
- Connecting with community partners to strengthen the support network; and
- Linking customers with needed resources.
Our Vision
As a thriving not-for-profit business, The Lift Garage offers quality, affordable auto repair for people who are on a path to a better future.
Services
Inspection & Repair
We provide free inspections (by appointment only). We focus on safety and drivability issues with the car. After the inspection, we will write an estimate for the low-cost car repairs that we can offer. Beginning in 2025, our repairs cost $25/hour for labor with a 7.5% fee on parts. Customers are eligible for inspection appointments every 3 months.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Searching for a used car isn’t easy – so we offer free pre-purchase inspections. We will alert you of any repairs that are needed so you can make the best possible choice with your resources. We won’t write an estimate or offer any repairs from this appointment, it’s simply to help inform your purchase. Appointments can be made at anytime and we typically get you in within a day or two.
Express Services
Every Friday from 10:00am to 12:00pm, The Lift provides walk-in Express Services (first come, first served). During these hours we can check and top off fluids, check and replace bulbs/headlights, check and replace wiper blades, and even test and replace your battery.
Express Services are low-cost and walk-in!
No appointment needed, just stop by on Fridays between 10:00 am -12:00 pm!
Eligibility of Services
The Lift Garage works with customers who have a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (see chart for income limits). The Lift Garage will verify income at each inspection appointment. Documents that can be used to verify your income include: pay stubs, Social Security or SSI income statements, proof of WIC benefits, proof of Medical Assistance eligibility, or an Income Verification Form completed by a caseworker.
Click here for a link to our Income Verification Form – and return the form to incomeverification@theliftgarage.org
Click here for a FAQ guide for caseworkers and other service providers.
Schedule an Appointment
Car Appointments for Low-Income Minnesotans
Our appointment calendar opens periodically, typically for a month at a time. These appointments go quickly, sometimes filling up within an hour after the appointments opening. Occasionally, we will have cancellations and a sooner appointment will open up on the calendar below. If you do not see an opening, there is not one. Please do not call for a sooner appointment. For occasional appointment alerts, follow The Lift Garage on Instagram or Facebook and turn on post notifications.
Beginning January 1, 2025, The Lift Garage’s rates will be $25 per hour for labor with a 7.5% fee on parts. These rates are significantly below the Twin Cities market rate prices for labor and parts.
Since opening the shop in 2013, The Lift Garage has never increased the rates that customers pay. However, the costs and expenses of operating the shop have increased significantly. This decision by The Lift Garage Board of Directors is grounded in our values and mission of providing low-cost quality car repair by serving customers who cannot afford market-rate repairs. We understand how important safe and reliable transportation is to maintain independence. We offer several added support services and financial services to assist with the cost burden. Customers don’t have to ask for them, our staff review every invoice and apply any discounts or offer services that are available based on the work being performed. If you have any questions about the rate change, staff will be happy to answer those questions at your shop appointment.
Things To Know
- Customer must provide proof of income at inspection appointment. Customers without proof of income will not receive services.
- Customers must confirm their inspection appointment or appointments will be cancelled. Staff will contact you one week before your appointment and you must confirm with us via phone or e-mail that you will be at your appointment. If we do not hear from you within 3 business days from our call, your appointment will be cancelled with no exceptions. The Lift Garage does not reschedule missed appointments.
- Customers may only schedule one appointment at a time. The Lift Garage will cancel appointments if a customer has more than one scheduled at a time.
- Appointments are available for customers every 3 months. Please do not schedule an appointment before you are eligible to come back into the shop. The Lift Garage will temporarily restrict customers who disregard this policy and schedule appointments sooner than allowed.
Link: https://www.theliftgarage.org/schedule-an-appointment/