Charity gives away 13 cars in Raleigh's Moore Square

John Bush, executive director of Wheels 4 Hope, said cars are about more than transportation – they give people freedom, responsibility and adventure.

"A car in this environment is everything," Bush said. "If you don't have a car, you're nobody. A car gives you hope."

Tuesday's event was a celebration of the charity's 13 years of repairing hundreds of donated cars and giving them to people who need a jump start. 

"For the last five years, my life has been riddled with drugs and alcohol," said car recipient Mike Edge, who hasn't owned a vehicle in half a decade.

Edge made a U-turn away from substance abuse, earning himself a red 1997 Toyota Camry from Wheels 4 Hope.

"To be able to open a car door, put my family in it and drive away safe, that's amazing," he said.

Bush said owning a car can be life-changing.

"It really changes your life and your attitude," he said.

For Edge, the car keys start more than a V6 engine, they are a start to a new life.

"We've gone from a homeless shelter to a garage to an apartment to having this vehicle. It's an amazing experience," he said. "Now I'm just like any other American. We just needed a little boost and hope."