Biking and Building!

A group of 32 individuals has been biking from South Carolina across the country and stopped in Provo, Utah this past week to help Habitat for Humanity of Utah County. The individuals are part of a non-profit that mixes cycling with building homes and advocacy called Bike and Build.

This marks the 6th year Bike and Build has helped Habitat build in Utah County. The cyclists worked with Habitat on Wednesday July 22 at the historic George Taylor Jr. home and installed a fence around the home. They also helped a local resident to landscape their property.

“We are deeply proud of riders who are so committed to the affordable housing cause that is willing to raise much-needed funds and spend over two months biking across the country,” said Justin Villere, Bike & Build’s Director of Operations and Outreach. “Bike & Build provides the opportunity, but it is the riders who make the lasting impact in so many communities.”

The bikers will continue their journey on to their final stop in Santa Cruz, California. They will average 71 miles a day. Along the way, the riders will participate in 16 volunteer build days with different affordable housing organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and small local housing nonprofits to help build affordable homes for families in need.

The South Carolina to Santa Cruz route is one of eight cross-country trips Bike & Build offers each summer. In total, roughly 300 18-to-28 year old riders will see and experience first-hand the affordable housing need in this country. In addition to volunteering with construction efforts at affordable housing sites, riders also meet with local officials and community members to discuss affordable housing issues. The riders sleep in local churches, community centers, and schools, and rely on the generosity of hundreds of community members for food, showers, and other necessities. After completing the trip, many Bike & Builders have gone on to continue their commitment to service through their career choices or further volunteering.