Central Florida nonprofit provides essential car repairs for those living paycheck to paycheck

 

​

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – At the West Volusia Dream Center, a parking lot was transformed into a “pit road” of hope.

But this wasn’t NASCAR’s finest—it was a team of volunteers from the nonprofit Fix It Forward, led by “crew chief” Ed Rosa.

The mobile mechanic held an event at the center performing light mechanical work and basic maintenance on about a dozen cars outside the homeless outreach center.

One of the cars getting attention was Zamara Stalter’s 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible, a vehicle she bought at a pawn shop.

Salter, who lives in her car, has been struggling with a dead battery that forced her to jump-start it multiple times a day.

“I bought it at a pawn shop and it’s had a multitude of problems,” Salter said with a resigning laugh. “It’s only 10 o’clock and I’ve had to jump start it three times this morning.”

Salter relies on her car as her only transportation. She carries a jumper cables with her, but it’s been a constant challenge.

“I’ve had it for a couple of years,” she said. “It’s been costing me more than five cars probably would, just keeping it going.”

Thanks to Fix It Forward, Salter is getting a new battery, brakes checked, and an oil change. Rosa also checked her belts and hoses to ensure the car is safe to drive.

The Dream Center serves people in transition — those between jobs, homes, or life situations. It offers services like laundry, meals, clothing, and today car repairs, which are critical for many who live in their vehicles.

Rosa started Fix It Forward a few years ago and says the need far exceeds the nonprofit’s capacity. He has an application form on his website for his mobile repairs. He prioritizes helping the homeless, veterans, and low-income families with small children.

“There are so many homeless people living in their cars in Central Florida,” Rosa said. “They’re driving on tires that are unsafe, cars with no brakes — because they cannot afford basic maintenance.”

For many, the choice is heartbreaking: pay for food or medication, or maintain their car.

“They live in the car, they don’t have the money, so they have to make a choice,” Rosa said. “It’s a hard decision to make.”

For Rosa, working on cars is more than a hobby; it’s a calling. A combat veteran with PTSD, he finds healing in helping others.

“God put it in my heart to do it,” Rosa said. “It helps me as much as I help them deal with my own mental health issues.”

Despite the demand, Fix It Forward faces challenges. Donations have slowed this year, though a recent grant from Simply Healthcare has helped keep the work going.

Rosa receives about 30 applications a month for help, far more than the nonprofit can serve.

After a short pit stop at the Dream Center, Salter will be back on the road, safe and in pole position.

“I’m so glad that we’re able to help them out,” Rosa said. “At least we give them a little bit of hope, let them know that hey, you’re not discarded in society. There are people out there that look after you and are willing to help you. You’re part of all of us. We’re just a big family. We have to help each other.”

Fix It Forward is a 501c3 nonprofit. Donations can be made through their website.