Happy Monday

Bike Gears in a New Light

Happy Monday folks!  In the months years which followed my first Bike and Build trip, my eye has been keenly tuned to cool bike facts, tours and every day items made out of bicycle parts.  While the Drift West tour is mainly about raising money and awareness about the affordable housing cause, it is just as important to celebrate the wild and crazy times we have on the road.  In that spirit, I will start to share some of the more creative bike creations I come across like this chandelier made from bike gears. 

Friday Facts and Stats: US Veterans

First, let's take a quick look at the homeless US Veteran population:

• HUD esimates on any night between 130,000 and 200,000 veterans are homeless
• 92% of homeless vets are male;  there are an additional 1/4 million vets who are at risk of homelessness
• The majority suffer from alcohol/substance abuse/mental illness
• Homeless veterans are on average younger than the overall veteran population; nine percent are between the ages of 18 and 30, and 41% are between the ages of 31 and 50
• Nearly half of homeless vets served during the Vietnam War era

And here are a couple of numbers (because that is the point of statistics):

• 23% of homeless population are veterans 
• 67% served three or more years 
• 33% stationed in war zone 
• 25% have used VA Homeless Services 8
• 5% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans 
• 89% received Honorable Discharge 
• 79% reside in central cities 
• 76% experience alcohol, drug, or mental health problems

Why are Veterans homeless?

• There is a shortage of affordable housing and livable incomes
• It is hard for individuals to access health care; many need services to help with PTSD and substance abuse
• Military training and jobs do not necessarily prepare vets for civilian jobs 

Programs to help Veterans get affordable housing:

• HUD-VASH Vouchers: These vouchers are based on geography, need and how well the public housing agency is performing.  Some vets can learn about these services at VA medical centers and community based clinics
• Veteran run affordable housing programs
• Rental assistance programs 

Want to learn more?  Check out the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Coalition for the Homeless (that's where I got all of the above information).

Facts and Stats: Spent

I would assume that most people reading this have a roof over their heads, a few bucks in the bank and some kind of stable employment.  That's what might make it so hard to put ourselves in the shoes of someone who is unemployed or trying to survive on a minimum wage budget.

In 2011, the Urban Ministries of Durham paired with McKinney to create an online game revolving around homelessness and poverty.  During the ten minute game, players are forced to make "real world" decisions and frequently have to choose between doing what is right and making sure you have enough money at the end of the day to survive. 

Since its creation, the game has been played more than 4 million times.  Do you think you can  survive in this virtual world, live on $1000 and save a little for those unexpected costs?  Head over to their webpage and try it out for yourself. 

Friday Facts and Stats: Affordable Housing Infographics

They say a picture paints a thousand words.  Pair a picture with some written statistics you have an infographic.  I first fell in love with them during grad school and the obsession has taken off from there.  Unfortunately, the graphics are a little small after I have copied and pasted them here so I included the original links for your viewing pleasure. 

The first two come from Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation.

North Carolina Housing Coalition

Friday Facts and Stats: Habitat Myths and Facts

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people. 
• Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers home ownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area’s median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.      

• Myth: Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood’s property values. Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.  Myth: Only African Americans get Habitat for Humanity homes. 
• Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat.  

• Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare. Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.  Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner. 
• Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization. 
• Fact: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government. 
• Fact:  Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government.  Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funds.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. 
• Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

This page was straight up copied and pasted from Habitat for Humanity's website and of course sprinkled with some SUS '12 photos.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Who wouldn't love to get one of these bike related Valentine's Day cards?

(wink wink nod nod)