United for Homeless cyclists riding 1 million miles to raise $100K for Cross Road

PORTSMOUTH — United for the Homeless members, Cross Roads House staff and cyclists from the community gathered at Cross Roads House at 600 Lafayette Road on Saturday, July 27, for a Cycling for Cross Roads House program.

The event included Mayor Deaglan McEachern's reading of a proclamation, and remarks from Cross Roads House Executive Director Will Arvelo and United for the Homeless director Bob Bear.

United for the Homeless, a group of local cyclists, have come together to raise money through pledges for their miles cycled and bring awareness to the crisis of homelessness and its impact on the Seacoast community. Their goal is to collectively log 1,000,000 miles and raise $100,000 for Cross Roads House to help meet the immediate needs of the hundreds of unhoused individuals and families they serve every year. So far, 328 cyclists are participating and through their corporate sponsors and grassroots donations, they have raised more than $55,000.

McEachern said, “This milestone serves to inspire the community and Portsmouth’s municipal government to provide the critical funding needed to support housing and services provided by Cross Roads House. I call upon the citizens of Portsmouth to recognize the accomplishments of United for the Homeless and encourage them to join this effort by participating as cyclists and /or donors for Cross Roads House.”

"We are so delighted that the City of Portsmouth is joining us on Saturday, July 27 at Cross Roads House to read a proclamation in celebration of our partnership and collaboration with Seacoast-based United for the Homeless, a formidable and fabulous group of cyclists that has formed to support the work of Cross Roads House. We are thrilled and excited to join with them in this unique way and look forward to many rides in support of our mission," Arvelo said.

The mayor is offering this official designation to demonstrate the city's commitment to support all efforts in working on this challenge: "Shelter is a basic human right, and together, as a community, we can help move the needle towards breaking the cycle of homelessness.”

Information about United for the Homeless and how to get involved: crossroadshouse.org/donate-united-million-miles

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: United for Homeless cyclists riding 1 million miles to raise $100K for Cross Road