Snohomish County Donates Surplus Vehicles to Local Nonprofits

Snohomish County has initiated a significant community support program by donating three surplus vehicles to local nonprofits, marking the first application of an updated policy. The organizations receiving the vehicles include the Washington West African Center, Holman Recovery Center, and North Counties’ Family Services, all of which focus on helping low-income individuals and those with disabilities. The new ordinance, passed by the Snohomish County Council in October 2023, allows for the donation of surplus vehicles, a shift from the previous policy that restricted disposal options to auction or recycling. Council Vice Chair Megan Dunn emphasized the importance of this program in overcoming transportation barriers faced by nonprofits and their clients. Each vehicle, including a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu and two 2017 Ford Fusions, is in good working order and has less than 60,000 miles.

The county’s Facilities and Fleet Department, in collaboration with the Human Services Department, carefully reviewed applications to determine the recipients. County Executive Dave Somers praised the initiative as a sustainable option for surplus vehicles, reinforcing the county's commitment to supporting community partners. Nonprofits interested in this program can apply anytime through the county's dedicated website.