National Biking Group Takes Homebuilding Tour to Bloomington
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: July 10, 2012
BLOOMINGTON--In just one day, the efforts of more than 30 people have turned what was once a concrete foundation into the beginning of a new home."
This group of young adults known as the Bike and Build Riders travel together creating homes on the go.
"Affordable housing just isn't there, so it's something that affects the country as a whole which is why it's really important to us that we do these cross country cycling trips," said Bike and Build Rider Rachel Debaun.
This time, Bloomington, Illinois is on their route.
The not for profit organization began their building blitz in Rhode Island, and will continue creating homes, until they reach Washington State.
"Every single rider is putting in almost 4,000 miles on their bicycle," said Debaun.
But sometimes, the long trips can take a physical toll.
Rider Kera Murphy recently broke her hand while biking.
"Maybe after a day or so of rest I can keep riding with the cast on," said Murphy.
Murphy says she's determined to overcome the pain, in order to change people's lives.
It's a choice that hits home for Twin Cities resident Rose Sandoval.
"They're volunteering their time, they're working in the heat, they're sweating, they're getting splinters, and they're doing it because they want to help somebody."
The single mom will be moving into this property located in the 1400 block of Graham Street this fall, a second family will move into this house, kitty corner to hers next year.
"I have a special needs son with autism and for him to be able to have a home that I don't have to keep transition him into was really important to me."
Sandoval, along with habitat for Humanity McLean County, is helping the Bike and Build Riders complete the project.
As the walls of each home continue to be formed, she says she's thankful for the riders and the kindness they're spreading throughout the country.
The Bike and Build Riders are heading to Iowa for their next project.
Over nine seasons, the program has donated more than three million dollars to housing groups across the nation.
This group of young adults known as the Bike and Build Riders travel together creating homes on the go.
"Affordable housing just isn't there, so it's something that affects the country as a whole which is why it's really important to us that we do these cross country cycling trips," said Bike and Build Rider Rachel Debaun.
This time, Bloomington, Illinois is on their route.
The not for profit organization began their building blitz in Rhode Island, and will continue creating homes, until they reach Washington State.
"Every single rider is putting in almost 4,000 miles on their bicycle," said Debaun.
But sometimes, the long trips can take a physical toll.
Rider Kera Murphy recently broke her hand while biking.
"Maybe after a day or so of rest I can keep riding with the cast on," said Murphy.
Murphy says she's determined to overcome the pain, in order to change people's lives.
It's a choice that hits home for Twin Cities resident Rose Sandoval.
"They're volunteering their time, they're working in the heat, they're sweating, they're getting splinters, and they're doing it because they want to help somebody."
The single mom will be moving into this property located in the 1400 block of Graham Street this fall, a second family will move into this house, kitty corner to hers next year.
"I have a special needs son with autism and for him to be able to have a home that I don't have to keep transition him into was really important to me."
Sandoval, along with habitat for Humanity McLean County, is helping the Bike and Build Riders complete the project.
As the walls of each home continue to be formed, she says she's thankful for the riders and the kindness they're spreading throughout the country.
The Bike and Build Riders are heading to Iowa for their next project.
Over nine seasons, the program has donated more than three million dollars to housing groups across the nation.
