A Milwaukee man working to rebuild his life after experiencing homelessness was presented with a fully refurbished 2022 Toyota 4Runner before the first pitch of the Milwaukee Brewers-Los Angeles Dodgers game on July 8. The donation was made through the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, with American Family providing the vehicle and Gerber Collision & Glass handling the repairs.
Dontae Exford, who was homeless for nearly two years following the pandemic, was nominated by Community Advocates of Milwaukee for the program. Despite challenges including depression, Exford secured a job, found stable housing, and now hopes to launch his own trucking business to employ others facing similar struggles. The vehicle is expected to ease his commute, support job opportunities, and allow him to visit his daughter out of state.
Since its founding in 2007, the NABC Recycled Rides program has donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at more than $51 million. The initiative brings together collision repair professionals, insurers, suppliers and community advocates to provide reliable transportation for those in need.
American Family is a frequent vehicle donor to the program. Gerber Collision & Glass, which refurbished the SUV, operates I-CAR Gold Class-certified facilities across North America and has supported numerous Recycled Rides efforts.
Additional partners for this donation included Agero, Glass America, Mobile Auto Solutions, Zeigler Toyota, Hi-Tech PDR, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Copart and Enterprise.
