This summer I am traveling cross-country with Bike and Build. Bike and Build is a non-profit that raises money for and spreads awareness of affordable housing efforts through cross-country cycling trips. From June 11 to August 24, I will be biking with 30 other riders from New Haven, Connecticut to Half Moon Bay, California for a total of 4,072 biking miles. Every morning, we will wake up ***flawless at 6 am. Chores, breakfast, a route meeting and time to tune our bikes follow. Then we will set off for the day in groups of three and four. Two of our leaders will drive a van, available to provide #support to anyone in need. In each town, we will meet with local residents about housing issues and ways they can become involved. On select days, we will work on affordable housing construction projects alongside organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
WHY I RIDE
In 1966, my great uncle won a legal battle to drastically improve access to home ownership for African Americans. My relatives continue to work to ensure fair prices and processes for those in the Bay Area. I have contributed to our legacy in the past by working on construction projects, catering to the homeless, and improving the efficiency of homes. Now I am addressing affordability through Bike and Build as the first Black woman to do this route!
THE CAUSE
Affordable housing is a major concern in the United States. With a handful of exceptions, there is no county where even a one-bedroom unit at fair market rent is affordable to a full-time minimum wage worker. In 2012, 40.9 million households, totaling more than a third of families and individuals, paid excessive shares of income for housing. Not to mention that 636,000 Americans are homeless. Brooklyn and San Francisco currently have the least affordable housing. For more information, check out “Bike & Build: Why We Ride.”
#SUPPORT
I was awarded a scholarship which covers all of my expenses—bike, gear, etc., but it is my responsibility to raise at least $4500 in order to participate. The money will support affordable housing organizations in the US. I have about two months to reach my goal. This is much more than I have ever fundraised so I am enlisting the help of everyone I know. I donated $50 towards my trip and you can choose to sponsor me by mile, day or state (see donation guide). Please spread the word to avid bicyclists you may know or people who may be inspired by my journey. You can follow my journey here. Please comment with any questions! I hope to be in touch soon!
