Newsletter readers have asked for more info about some of the organizations with whom BikeX partners. These organizations work within their communities to provide qualified recipients with bicycles and bike-related equipment. This month, we feature the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP), our #1 recipient of bicycles in 2022.
EHP is a social service agency located in East Palo Alto. As one could guess from their name, their primary focus is providing food resources to families and individuals in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. However, their mission includes providing clothing, household essentials, and other safety-net resources, as well as case management services.
Founded in 1975, EHP has been a partner of BikeX since 2016. In 2022, they received a total of 187 bikes from us, a whopping 75% increase over 2021. This number included 45 kid's bikes, which we only started providing in 2021. In addition, we supplied them with 105 bike locks, 45 helmets, and 35 light sets. [Editor's note: you can sponsor the donation of a lock/helmet/light to one of our partners here.]
In 2022, EHP distributed bikes to adults, teens, and children. LaKesha Roberts, Associate Director of EHP, states "Many low-income individuals rely on bicycles as their main mode of transportation to get to work/school. Demand for bicycles is increasing as folks continue to search for ways to cut costs. In addition, bikes promote physical activity which helps combat weight-related illnesses found more often among the disadvantaged."
BikeX is pleased to partner with the Ecumenical Hunger Program to assist our local community members in need. With a North Bayshore location just a few miles up the road, they've been known to make multiple trips back and forth in their white vans when we have an extra-large batch of bikes for them. For more information about EHP, please visit ehpcares.org.