SAN DIEGO -- The unrest in Congo has taken many lives.

Thousands have fled the African nation with nothing but what could be carried on their backs.

"The only one way was to escape and go across the border," said Didier Kasasa-Banze.

Didier is a doctor of veterinary medicine and is fluent in four languages. He fled Congo in fear of his life because of his work to improve human rights in the country.

He lived in a refugee camp in Namibia, where he met his wife and started a family.

In 2006, the family came to San Diego as part of the U.S. Refugee Program

"Coming from a refugee camp to a big city is very confusing. I would never believe that I would stand on my two feet again, but by the grace of God …," said Didier.

It's not easy starting a new life in a new world. But for the Kasasa-Banze family, good news came in the form of a gift from Brian and Kari Johansen, now of Spokane, Washington.

"I thought this car will make such a huge difference to what kind of job they can have and what kind of experience they can have in San Diego," said Kari Johansen.

The couple used to volunteer with the Alliance for African Assistance in San Diego, but when they moved to Washington state, they gifted their Toyota Camry to the Alliance in hopes that it would help the Kasasa-Banze family. The couple was aware of Didier riding his bike home from work at 3 a.m.

Didier said, "Praise God… He put you in my way, you are my angel."

The problems for the Kasasa-Banze family began when the Camry was allegedly towed illegally from where it had been since it was parked there in August.

Armando Rodriguez, owner of City Wide Towing, said someone called for the Toyota Camry to be towed from the parking lot and one of the employees signed for it.

However, Walter Lam, CEO of the Alliance, said no way, and that the car was parked there until Didier could get his drivers license.

"I never called them… and I know this is our vehicle which was donated to the refugees. There's no way I could make a phone call and say, 'Come and tow this vehicle.' What would be the reason?" said Lam.

In late November, Rodriguez served the Alliance with a notification that the car would be sold to cover the nearly $3,000 in towing, storage and daily rate charges.

Lam tried to persuade Rodriguez to change his mind, but no chance.

Lam said, "I just went… I said, 'My vehicle has been stolen. You stole my vehicle from my parking lot. He told me I should get out and the only way I would get that vehicle is if I pay the fee and if I don't pay they will sell the vehicle. If they sell the vehicle for less than the fee I owe, I will have to pay them the difference as well."

As the deadline approached for the sale of the Toyota, the impasse continued, and that's when the 10News Investigates team tried to help out.

10News visited Rodriguez and laid out the circumstances, the reason the car was so important to the Kasasa-Banze family, and the allegations made by the Alliance that the car was towed illegally.

Rodriguez maintains that he was authorized to tow the car and it is costing him money.

After an afternoon of discussion, Rodriguez agreed to release the car to the African Alliance.

"That's why I didn't sell the car. The car is still here. I knew you would be calling me back and we could get the right info going. It would be fine," said Rodriguez.

10News was there as it was determined that the car would be returned -- at no charge -- to Lam and the Alliance.

"I truly want to thank you so much for this special gift to the refugees. It means a lot to me. I praise God for this," Lam said to Rodriguez.

The Alliance and City Wide Towing agreed to overlook their disagreements and work together to help a family in need.

The Johansen family is relieved the car they donated is finally going to its intended family.

"I think it would be great for him (Didier) and his family," said Kari Johansen.

Rodriguez said, "I'm happy. I'll be honest with you, I'm happy with what happened because somebody else is going to have a good New Year's, I hope."

Lam drives away knowing the difference a car could make for a refugee family, remembering his struggles when he arrived in San Diego 25 years ago.