REPAIRING BIKES IS AN ACT OF FAITH
Carl Kittelson, retired Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church member, repaired thirty bikes last year for the outreach programs of the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness for people without housing. He discovered this opportunity while reading an Ad in the Inspire church newsletter. The Repaired bikes are given to those who are served through the outreach programs.
Carl, an avid bike-touring fan, repaired his family’s bikes for years. He carefully takes apart each bike, cleans all parts then reassembles it. He gets extra parts from Mr. Michael’s Recycled Bicycles in St. Paul. Because of Carl’s volunteerism, 30 impoverished people have received bikes to provide transportation to get to jobs, school or other appointments.
The DCEH needs more people with bike repair skills to donate a few hours each week to repair donated bikes to give to needy people.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone in the congregations or community who has an interest and knowledge to repair bikes or an interest and willingness to take a class at Sibley Bike Depot.
What are the skills a person needs in order to repair bikes?
- Able to diagnose repairs that need to be made on a bike.
- Able to change the brakes and shifter cables on various types of bikes..
- Able to adjust brakes and derailleur.
- Able to change tubes and tires.
- Able to repack a wheel and bottom bracket
- Able to install accessories
- Able to perform tasks with minimum assistance.
- ( Optional skill) Ability to true a wheel .( Those who can true a wheel usually have the skills to do the above listed tasks)
When can I volunteer?
Mr. Michael’s Recycled Bicycles is partnering with the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness helping us to repair bicycles. Benita Warns schedules volunteer times. Their volunteer times are Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9pm and Sunday from 12-4pm.
Where is the bike shop?
Mr. Michael’s Recycled Bicycles is at 520 North Prior in St. Paul just south of University Avenue. If you have the skills and are interested, Contact Benita at 651-641-1037 or email warns@pclink.com.
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Create a Welcome Basket for the Currie Avenue Partnership!
The DCEH is sponsoring a drive to collect “welcome baskets” full of cleaning supplies to those that are newly housed through the Currie Avenue Partnership. Cleaning supplies are a great need as they can be financially out of reach for many and will allow people to take care of their new apartments. This is a fun and easy opportunity for everyone, especially families with kids, to support the work of the Currie Avenue Partnership and those that are moving into housing.
Please fill a laundry basket with the following new items.
2 pack of paper towels, 4 pack of toilet paper, 1 bottle of liquid dish soap, 2 sponges, 1 dish towel, 2 hot pads, box of garbage bags, broom and dustpan, mop, 1 bottle of non-toxic all purpose cleaner,1 container of laundry detergent
Contact Annie, annie@dceh.org or 612-767-9219, with questions and to arrange to drop-off completed baskets.
Do you know how to fix a bike? Become a Bike Volunteer!
The DCEH Bike Program is in need of volunteers with bike repair skills to fix donated bikes that will be given out at our outreach centers.
Bike Repair Volunteer Position Description
Please contact Benita Warns, warns@pclink.com or 651-641-1037 for more information and to sign up to volunteer. We are also accepting bike donations, contact Benita to arrange to drop them off.
Volunteer at the New Opportunity Center
Be a change agent in the life of someone experiencing homelessness.
System Navigator
Volunteers needed to assist in improving the lives of homeless men and women at a daytime resource center in Minneapolis (Branch III Opportunity Center). Volunteers will engage and direct clients, help with applications, and encourage overall growth and stabilization. Volunteer must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop expertise in resource referral, must be able to comprehend complex challenges of homelessness, must be comfortable using internet and Microsoft Office.
Volunteers with Project Homeless Connect experience encouraged to apply.
One or more day each week (Monday – Friday, 8-11:30am). Six-month commitment required, starting October 1, 2010.
Greeter
Volunteers will welcome and direct visitors and make sure that clients feel welcome, actively engage in services, and are able to find support when they need it. The Greeter will quickly and easily connect all visitors with their intended resources. Volunteers should be comfortable working with a diverse population and have excellent listening and customer service skills.
One or more day each week (Monday-Saturday, 7am-3pm). Six-month commitment required
Inquire for both positions via Catholic Charities’ website, or call 612.204.8435.
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The Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness (DCEH) is an interfaith collaboration of 15 downtown Minneapolis churches, synagogues and mosques working together to end homelessness and poverty. DCEH focuses on shifting from an immediate needs approach to long term solutions through a combination of education, advocacy and action. Through learning and volunteer opportunities for congregants, community partnerships, and development of effective strategies and programs, the DCEH is committed to impacting the community around us to decrease homelessness.
