Before Catholic Charities Team Samaritan rides nearly 3,000 miles across the country for neighbors experiencing homelessness, three cyclists took time to serve close to home.
Tom Schwein, Paul Doherty and Tom Dea — three of the 12 cyclists preparing for Team Samaritan’s Ride Across America — recently volunteered at Hope’s Provision Food Bank in the Denver metro area, helping provide groceries and other essentials to families in need.
The experience offered another reminder of the people at the heart of their upcoming ride.
Beginning October 4, Team Samaritan will cycle from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida, over six weeks, climbing approximately 79,000 vertical feet along the way. Their goal is to raise $2 million and bring greater awareness to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, with funds supporting Catholic Charities Samaritan House in Colorado and organizations serving people in need along the route.
For the riders, that mission begins at Samaritan House, where Catholic Charities provides far more than a safe place to stay. At locations in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley, Samaritan House helps women, families, veterans and individuals move toward stability through nutritious meals, case management, employment support and other resources — always grounded in the dignity of each person.
That same commitment to dignity was evident during the riders’ volunteer experience.
“We just love the people that come in our door,” said Linda Cingoranelli, who founded Hope’s Provision with her husband, Sim. “We pray for them and we try to be Jesus with skin on to them so that we can truly make a difference in their hearts and in their lives.”
For Tom, Paul and Tom, those words reflect the spirit they will carry with them across the country.
“You guys are a blessing to the homeless and it’s like the Good Samaritan,” Tom Dea said. “We’re proud to ride and help others.”
Soon, the riders will trade volunteer shifts for long days in the saddle. But whether serving a meal, offering encouragement or pedaling thousands of miles, the purpose remains the same: to recognize the dignity of every neighbor and help provide the support and hope people need to move forward.
Follow Team Samaritan’s Ride Across America and support Samaritan House at samaritancyclingusa.org.