HOUSTON -- Those in need are finding help with car payments through a special loan program, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Erica Perry's vehicle was repossessed after she fell behind on car payments following a messy divorce.

Four car dealerships turned her away because of a low credit score.

She felt lost without a way to work and a way to care for her 8-year-old daughter with spina bifida.

"I felt extremely desperate. I felt very burdened," Perry said

Then she heard about Ways to Work, a program that provides low-interest loans for cars to parents in need.

The program has helped low-income families in nearly 30 states. It's celebrating its one-year anniversary in Houston by giving parents the freedom of their own transportation.

Drivers can receive a loan of up to $6,000 with 8 percent interest toward buying a new car or up to $750 for repairing a car, if they qualify.

Qualifications include the following.

Worked for at least six months
Child or dependent in your care
Imperfect or no credit history
Household income of up to $44,000 for a family of three (varies by household size)
Commitment to repaying the loan
Resident of Harris County

"They also have to demonstrate a commitment to actually improving," Perry said.

Participants have two years to pay back the loan.

For more information, visit www.familyservices.org/programs/car_loans.asp or call the loan coordinator with the Family Services of Greater Houston at 713-867-7774.