Residents of A Place Called Home’s emergency shelter in Lindsay now have access to a free bike share program thanks to a grant from the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Since 1995, A Place Called Home has been supporting unhoused men, women, and families with children in the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton. Last summer, the charitable non-profit organization completed construction on a new emergency shelter at 64 Lindsay Street South.
Last September, the organization was awarded a $4,987.14 community capacity grant from the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes to establish a bike share program for emergency shelter residents.
“Having access to transportation is necessary to carry out some of the day-to-day tasks of everyday life,” says United Way co-executive director Shantal Ingram in a media release. “We are pleased to support the bike share program.”
After receiving advice from Sandra Patrick, owner of the Down to Earth full-service bike shop and outdoor store in downtown Lindsay, A Place Called Home purchased four Electra Townie bicycles, equipped with front baskets and locks, along with a bike rack.
“Our agency has always dreamed of providing our clients with access to free transportation to help them get to important appointments such as a doctor’s appointment or a job interview,” says Jen Lopinski, fund development coordinator at A Place Called Home. “Thanks to the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes Community Capacity Grant, that dream has come true.”
“Having access to free transportation will increase our client’s independence and self efficiency, bolstering self esteem and positives outcomes,” Lopinski adds.
For more information about A Place Called Home, visit www.apch.ca.
