John, a Plymouth resident, recently received a much-needed bike from Bike Works to go to and from work.

Plymouth resident John recently received a donated bike from Bike Works, a local non-profit that encourages bicycling as a healthy transportation alternative.

John is a veteran who came to Plymouth Housing Group after being on our wait list for two years. He lost his job due to lack of work and things spiraled down from there. He was going from shelter to shelter and occasionally sleeping on friends’ sofas.

Upon John’s residency in February, 2012 he immediately checked in with the VA to assist him with rent, union dues, and clothing necessary to get him ready to work. He sold Real Change when he could. He also signed up with the electricians’ union and was called to work a short two and a half months from his time in residence with Plymouth.

John continues to sell Real Change but also works a more steady job in Ballard. His job requires early shifts, so a bike is absolutely necessary for him. After receiving his first paycheck he was able to procure a used bike, and this served him well for a while. Unfortunately John’s bike was stolen so this opportunity for a free bike from Bike Works has been such a help to John in this time of need.

It is with great gratitude Plymouth thanks those at Bike Works who worked on building him a bike. He loves the bike!