Bicycling the US for Affordable Housing

Through service oriented cycling trips, Bike & Build benefits affordable housing and empowers young adults for a lifetime of service. As the group engages young adults as active agents and ambassadors for affordable housing efforts, Bike & Build enables them to test their limits, become engaged and active citizens, and impact the housing landscape. 

Over 8 seasons, Bike & Build has contributed $3,387,200 to housing groups to fund projects planned and executed by young adults. 

How it Works:

The team (roughly 30 people total, riding in packs of 3 or 4) will start bicycling in Providence, RI on June 9th, 2012 and ultimately finish in San Francisco (Half Moon Bay), CA on August 18th, 2012. The trip will take a total of 73 days as we "bike and build" our way 4,003 miles across the country. Our team will trade their bikes for hammers on 10 dedicated build days to make a tangible impact by building homes with a local affordable housing groups along the route.

To participate in the ride, members must raise a total of $4,500 for building and riding supplies, and grants to local organizations. As of April 21st, I have already raised $2,000. I'm hoping those who follow GoFundMe can help me in spreading the word to raise the remaining funds.

Build Days:

Throughout the trip, the team will have several scheduled en-route Build Days. Instead of cycling on these days, the group will spend ~10 hours working on the construction of affordable homes and making a difference for families in need.

Bike Days:

While B & B's Build Days are important, we would never make it across the US without actually bicycling. The team's Bike Days will range in distance from 37 to 117 miles for the their ~3 months on the road.

Be sure to follow us on our blog (www.2boys2bikes1country.wordpress.com) as well as follow our Providence to CA trip and learn more about B & B on www.bikeandbuild.org

FAQs:

1. Why affordable housing?

Because it's a noble cause. Most of all - because it's needed.

Since I'm currently working in New York - the median monthly rent for unsubsidized housing in New York City increased from $1,000 in 2006 to $1,220 in 2010. Using the 30% rule (spend 30% of your income on housing): a person would have to make ~$48,000 per year to afford a home. Minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in New York Cit, which translates to $15,000 per year. 

2. How do I learn more about and follow your trip?

My best friend Kyle and I have a blog we will continue to update throughout the trip: www.2boys2bikes1country.wordpress.com

You can also follow our trip and learn more about our cause on Bike & Build's site: www.bikeandbuild.org

3. How do I make a donation?

Feel free to make a donation through GoFundMe, or follow this link to my Bike & Build rider page and click "Donate": http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/5767

4. What will my donation fund?

Your donation will fund our team's building supplies, affordable housing projects (disbursed through local organizations) and affordable housing awareness marketing.