SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) – The Shift Garage is a place where those who can’t afford car repairs can get help.
It started 12 years ago in Rapid City before adding a location in Sioux Falls. Customers pay for parts, but labor is free. It was created by a former minister of the church who now serves in another way.
Fixing the brakes on this old Ford, just another night for these volunteers at the Shift Garage in Sioux Falls. Each week these hobby mechanics donate their time and expertise.
“So the main thing Shift does is fix cars for people who can’t afford to have them fixed at a traditional garage. Repairs are expensive and we have volunteer labor, we get a good price on the parts for be able to do a lot of it. That’s kind of half of what we do.
And then half of it is the dealership side of Shift where we take donated cars to fix them up and take them to people who need a car just from the ground up,” said Joe Smith. Joe Smith is the driving force behind Shift Garage in both sides of the state.
“Everybody in my family is a pastor and I actually took a church out of college and pastored it solo for a few years, but I’ve always been a car guy,” Smith said.
The two passions, wanting to minister to people and working on cars came together, and this idea was born. As Joe said, they are not just resurrecting cars that can be saved from the scrapyard. They are fixing and giving donated vehicles to people. In the past two years, Josh and Vanessa Hoff grew their family by four.
“They’re our only nieces and nephews and they’re our family and you know the options if they don’t come with us, they go to a foster home,” Vanessa said.
“We felt called to take on the responsibility of giving them a stable environment,” Josh said. Josh and Vanessa are the proud owners of this Nissan van and are thankful that the days of cramming six people into a truck are over.
“The more space the better, so the kids get along better when they’re not so close together,” Josh said. The Hoffs came to Shift Garage through an angel at their church. Angel Metzger, the director of compassion at Ransom Church.
“It’s a big deal to bring four kids into your home,” Metzger said.
Ransom is one of several churches that help fund the Shift Garage. According to Metzger, his ministry has found transportation to be among the highest needs in Sioux Falls. “Let’s say their brakes go out, if they can’t buy those brakes, now how does that change their jobs, how does that affect them getting their kids to school, how does that affect them getting to medical appointments Metzger said. Mechanics don’t tackle major projects like engine or transmission repairs.
“We only repair those that affect safety, legality and reliability. So if your radio doesn’t work or your 4-wheel drive doesn’t work, we don’t care. We’re just trying to get it done so you can go to work safely and get your kids to school safely because we’re not here to compete with the regular shops here in town, I’m not here to compete with good quality automotive shops, we’re just trying to get people step up to the next level and have a tough time,” Smith said.
“I think the community needs to know that if they want to make an impact, they can make a financial donation. They can come and serve here. We need car donations, so bring your car and give it to Joe, he’ll turn around and it will help another family like Josh and Vanessa, for those families that need assistance, go to the website and apply for a fix if you need it,” Metzger said.
Shift Garage also has a new show called “Up Shift”. Joe works with Black Hills Federal Credit Union to secure lower interest loans for people looking to get a nicer car and build their credit.
