Matt Freed, Post-Gazette Randy J. Murchak has turned his love of cars and tinkering into a nonprofit dealership that rehabs donated cars then sells them at low prices to qualifying low-income people. Click photo for larger image.

Randy J. Murchak has a degree in civil engineering, a work history in nonprofit organizations and a love of cars.

Two years ago he engineered what's believed to be Pennsylvania's only nonprofit used car dealership. Now through Community Auto in Richland, he provides refurbished cars to low-income families.

Although Mr. Murchak got his nonprofit business off the ground in June 2003, he sold just 10 cars in the first two years. Since getting the required used car dealer license, he has been able to provide more than 50 cars, trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles to families mainly in Allegheny County but also in Butler, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Cars are sold for as much as 50 percent below book price.

Recently, Community Auto gave free cars to 12 victims of Hurricane Katrina who moved to Pittsburgh in the wake of the 2005 storm.

"I know that people have a hard time with transportation in Allegheny County," said Mr. Murchak, 51, of Richland. "This concept helps everyone. It helps the donor, who knows the car is going to help someone.

"It helps the local mechanics who are being paid to fix the cars. And it helps the family who gets the car."

Patty and Scott Fuchs' 1985 Chevy Celebrity station wagon always managed to pass its annual inspection. But it was rusted, the interior was shredded and with more than 100,000 miles on it, breakdowns occurred at the worst times.

Two years ago, with their daughter's driver education looming, the Fuchses knew they'd need a new car ... and knew they needed help getting one.

They enrolled in the Family Savings Account Program at North Hills Community Outreach, with the goal of raising $2,000 in two years, which the nonprofit business would match.

Mr. Fuchs, who works two jobs, gave up vacations, and the Shaler family saved the money in 18 months. Six months ago, they bought a 1997 Buick Skylark from Community Auto for $4,000.

"It was a sacrifice for us because we were on such a tight budget," Patty Fuchs said. "But it was definitely worth it."

Each car from Community Auto comes with a three-month or 4,500-mile warranty, a year's membership with AAA and a full tank of gas. The new owners pay their insurance premiums.

North Hills Community Outreach, which provides the financial work, marketing and fund raising for Community Auto, works with a volunteer case manager to determine applicants' eligibility for cars.

Potential buyers are recommended by the state Department of Public Welfare, North Hills Community Outreach and churches. Families must earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That puts the income level for a family of four at $40,000.

This year, Mr. Murchak hopes to provide a new car each week. There is a waiting list of 70 families, and that could grow if proposed Port Authority of Allegheny County route cuts are enacted.

A recent $100,000 grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation for operational expenses will be a big help to Community Auto. Mr. Murchak hopes his nonprofit dealership will soon be able to move into a space large enough for a car lift.

Until then, he said, he'll keep indulging his lifelong love of cars and tinkering.

"It's something I enjoy," he said, "and people are benefiting."