Opening

This is the first of many posts in regards to my next big adventure-- biking across the nation with Bike and Build (Summer 2010). While my paperwork has yet to fully go through, I'm feeling pretty good about this as my next big project.

I feel the need to give the newcomer, or perhaps the long-time reader of my former AmeriCorps NCCC blog, an idea of what Bike and Build is all about. Bike and Build is a nonprofit organization that works as a fund raising sponsor, an advocate for attention, and direct workers for affordable housing nonprofits. These nonprofits include, but are not limited to, Habitat for Humanity.

The mission of the program is is carried out most visibly through a biking tour of the United States from east coast to west coast, stopping in cities to volunteer at different affordable housing affiliates. In eight different routes across the country, young volunteers (18-25 years old) in groups of about thirty trek through amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesty alike and visit almost every state in the contiguous United States (as well as one Canadian province). The trips average about 70 miles a day and stop weekly for days in which to volunteer at build sites.

The many of the goals of the program are performed off the saddle. Before the trips begin (throughout May and June, btw) the cyclists are obligated to have raised a minimum of $4000. This money goes to grants for different affordable housing affiliates and to equip the subsequent rides. The equipment of these rides, however, is planned thriftily. Bikes for the trip are bought at a discount, and almost all of the nightly stays are hosted by volunteers-- churches, schools, community centers.

While raising the money in the prior year, the cyclists also perform the dual mission of informing the public on the subject of affordable housing. This includes town-hall style meetings during stops on the trip or the presentation of individual cyclists in the prior year at churches, clubs, and other organizations. This not only increases the base of donors for affordable housing organizations, it inspires others to go out and volunteer and become a part of the effort themselves.

Well with that said, I will explain myself a bit. I am a 2008 graduate of DePauw University and have currently just finished a year with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (Class 15) in the Pacific Region. I am currently living back home in Indianapolis and am working with the goals of participating in Bike and Build as well as attending graduate school in Biochemistry next year.

My year in AmeriCorps has given me an increased appreciation for service-- especially the mission of the Habitat affiliate I worked with this May: eliminating substandard housing. This spring I spent 6 weeks working full time with Habitat of Lafayette, LA. The project was one of the highlights of the year. My team and I lived in the Habitat-built neighborhood of 14 houses in Lafayette; this presented a unique environment to view the organization. The neighborhood was a beacon of safety and friendliness in a surrounding area of gang-related crime. The residents had all helped build each others houses as part of the program and thus appreciated and watched out for each other. Hearing their stories and being invited into their homes was a treat, and working alongside the to-be homeowners gave me a sense of the hope and relief that comes from Habitat's mission.

Where I stand now is an area of limbo. I am still waiting to hear back from Bike and Build for approval of my status on the Providence, RI to Seattle, WA route (my first choice). In the mean time I am planning out my means of fund-raising and creating a network of groups to visit to spread the message. Where I could use help at the present is any ideas for fund raising as well as any churches, clubs, or organizations that would be willing to hear me speak. Any suggestions and pledges for donations are appreciated. Wish me luck, and stay tuned for more posts! Cheers!