Access to reliable transportation can open the door to greater economic opportunity. This month, we’re spotlighting DCAP’s partnership with MAAC and the upcoming Application Clinic, where eligible community members can receive one-on-one application support and learn about clean transportation incentives.
Read on to learn how this collaboration is helping San Diego families move toward a cleaner, more affordable future.
1. Can you tell us about MAAC’s mission and the communities you serve?
At MAAC, we believe every person and family deserves the chance to build a stable, healthy, and hopeful future. Our mission is to maximize self-sufficiency through high quality programs and advocacy in our communities. We work across San Diego County to connect people with programs, resources, and support that help them move forward. Our work focuses on five core pathways of service: Economic Development, Education, Health & Well-being, Housing, and Leadership Development & Advocacy. We are especially committed to supporting low- and moderate-income families, working households, seniors, immigrants, and others who may face barriers to long-term stability. By supporting both children and adults with a multi-generational approach, MAAC helps families grow stronger today and build new opportunities for tomorrow.
2. What transportation challenges do your clients commonly face?
Many of the individuals and families MAAC supports face transportation challenges that make daily life more difficult. These can include high gas and repair costs, unreliable or aging vehicles, limited access to public transit, long commutes, and difficulty qualifying for affordable financing. Some families are spending a large portion of their income to keep an older vehicle running. Others may desire to own a safer and more reliable, clean energy vehicle but believe it is out of reach because of cost, credit barriers, or high-interest financing. MAAC meets families and individuals where they are and helps them find a solution that works for their needs.
3. How does the upcoming DCAP Application Clinic align with MAAC’s efforts to help families achieve economic stability and mobility?
The upcoming, in-person, Application Clinic will take place on Saturday, August 29, with the location and time still to be determined. It supports MAAC’s work to help families build stability by making important resources easier to access. It is designed for individuals with pending DCAP applications, as well as community members who meet income eligibility requirements, live in a low-income or disadvantaged community, and are interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle through state-funded incentives. By helping participants better understand DCAP and take the next step in the application process, the clinic supports families on their path toward greater economic mobility, stability, and opportunity.
4. What made MAAC interested in partnering with the Driving Clean Assistance Program?
MAAC partnered with the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) because it aligns closely with our work in economic mobility, financial education, and community resource navigation. DCAP gives income-qualified households a practical way to explore clean transportation options along with guidance through the application process. For MAAC, this partnership is a natural fit because it connects environmental benefits with real financial relief for families.
5. How does the upcoming DCAP Application Clinic align with MAAC’s efforts to help families achieve economic stability and mobility?
The upcoming, in-person, DCAP Application Clinic will take place on Saturday, August 29, with the location and time still to be determined. It supports MAAC’s work to help families build stability by making important resources easier to access. It is designed for individuals with pending DCAP applications, as well as community members who meet income eligibility requirements, live in a low-income or disadvantaged community, and are interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle through state-funded incentives. By helping participants better understand DCAP and take the next step in the application process, the clinic supports families on their path toward greater economic mobility, stability, and opportunity.
6. What benefits do you believe participants can gain by attending the Application Clinic?
Participants can learn more about this state-funded program that helps eligible households explore cleaner, more reliable vehicle options through financial incentives and application support. At the clinic, participants can find out whether the program may be a good fit for their household and get hands-on help with the application in a supportive setting. They can also learn about cleaner vehicle options, available incentives, and the steps needed to move forward. Most importantly, the clinic gives participants a chance to ask questions and get guidance so they do not have to navigate the process alone. The clinic is also helpful for current DCAP applicants with pending or incomplete applications. Attendees can ask about their application status, understand what documents may still be needed, and get support submitting materials to move their application forward.
7. Why is hands-on application assistance important when connecting community members to programs like DCAP?
Hands-on support is important because applications can feel overwhelming, especially when they include eligibility rules, income documents, transportation choices, and financial information. An in-person clinic gives attendees the chance to ask questions, get help completing the application accurately, and feel more confident about the process. Often, the biggest barrier is not whether someone qualifies – it is simply not knowing how or where to begin.
8. What would you say to someone who thinks owning a cleaner vehicle may be out of reach financially?
We encourage community members to come learn about options before counting themselves out. Many families assume a cleaner or more reliable vehicle is not financially possible, but programs like MAAC’s Electric Vehicle Access Program and DCAP are designed to help make owning a cleaner vehicle more accessible for eligible households. If you’re interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle, come talk to our staff and our EV Ambassadors—these are people who have taken the steps to learn about electric vehicles and ultimately decided to lease or purchase their own EV. The in-person application Clinic is a chance to ask questions, learn about available incentives, and understand the steps to apply.
9. Who should consider attending the DCAP Application Clinic?
Community members who want to learn about cleaner vehicle options, transportation assistance, or DCAP eligibility should consider attending the DCAP Application Clinic. The clinic may be especially helpful for working families, commuters, households with older or unreliable vehicles, people facing high fuel or repair costs, and anyone who needs dependable transportation to get to work, school, appointments, or care for their family. Participants should plan to spend enough time to review their options and get application support (~1 hour). While we will accept walk-ins, we highly encourage community members to register for a time slot to minimize wait times. You can register here.
10. What documents or information should attendees bring to make the most of their visit?
To make the most of their visit, attendees should bring their California driver’s license or AB60 license. If the address on their license is not current, they should also bring two documents that show their current address, such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, voter registration, W-2, 1099, or DMV correspondence. Attendees should also bring income verification documents, including current tax transcripts. If they do not have their tax transcripts, staff will be available to help them access these during the clinic.
11. What are you most excited about regarding this event and partnership?
We are especially excited to have DCAP staff on site for the first time to answer community questions directly. Having knowledgeable staff available in the community helps make the experience more personal, accessible, and supportive for people who may not know where to begin or whom to ask. This partnership brings a practical resource directly to the community in an approachable way, helping MAAC and DCAP answer questions, meet families where they are, and support their next step toward reliable, cleaner transportation. It is meaningful because it connects environmental goals with the everyday needs of families.
12. Can you share a story or example of how transportation access has helped a client improve their quality of life?
Peter came to MAAC’s EV Access Program in May 2025, eager to begin his clean-vehicle journey. At first, the paperwork felt overwhelming, but MAAC staff helped him gather what he needed to submit his DCAP application. When the federal Clean Vehicle Credit deadline was moved up to September 30, 2025, Peter and the MAAC team worked quickly to keep his application moving. On November 5, 2025, he was approved for a $10,000 DCAP grant. Peter had missed the federal tax credit deadline, but he didn’t give up. The next day, he bought a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, confident in the support he received and incentives still available to him. Shortly after his purchase, EV Access staff helped him apply additional benefits, including an SDG&E rebate, adding another $4,000 in savings. Peter later became an EV Ambassador so he could share his experience with others. At a Ride & Drive event in San Marcos, he spoke with community members about how MAAC, DCAP, and available incentives helped him secure $14,000 toward his clean-vehicle purchase. His story shows how the right support can help make cleaner, more dependable transportation feel within reach.
13. What message would you like to share with community members who may be considering attending the DCAP Application Clinic?
If you have questions about cleaner transportation or want to know what support may be available, this clinic is a good place to start. You can speak with staff, learn what steps may apply to you, and get help moving forward at your own pace. Whether you are ready to apply or simply exploring your options, we welcome you to attend!
14. Where can readers learn more about MAAC’s services and upcoming community events?
Readers can learn more at MAACproject.org, by emailing info@MAACproject.org, or by calling 619.426.3595. They can also follow MAAC on Facebook and Instagram at @MAAC1965, on X at @MAAC_1965, and on LinkedIn through Company: @MAAC-Project for updates on services, events, and community resources.