Houston Habitat for Humanity is hosting Bike to Build, an event that allows local residents the opportunity to support the organization’s green efforts. Those efforts will provide significant energy savings to recipients of Habitat for Humanity homes.
The family-friendly ride takes place Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8:30 a.m. at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney in Downtown Houston. It is sponsored by BG Group.
Bike to Build is co-chaired by State Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Rep. Carol Alvarado, and is expected to bring together more than 800 teams, cyclists and supporters excited about raising funds for affordable housing.
For homeowner Abdimalik Abu, the generosity of the organization is paying long-term benefits well beyond the initial gift of a home. Abu lives in a Houston Habitat home built by sponsors and volunteers and purchased by the Abu family in 2010.
His house features the same green building materials used in all habitat homes – energy efficient windows, insulation, air conditioning units, water heaters, appliances, roofing materials and paint – and also includes a 10-panel solar array for electricity and a solar-powered water heater.
As a result, Abu’s monthly electricity bill provides him an average savings of $150 per bill compared to the energy costs of his friends.
“Every day we see the transformation made possible by affordable housing,” said Algenita Scott Davis, Houston Habitat executive director. “Green building allows us to increase affordability for our hard working family partners, and also provides a benefit to the community as a whole.”
Houston Habitat has been able to increase its community impact due to a commitment to energy efficiency and green living made possible by individual donors and sponsors such as Green Mountain Energy.
“Green Mountain is proud to partner with a fine organization like Houston Habitat for Humanity that helps provide housing to low-income people,” said Mark Lamping, company vice president of sales.
“Donating solar hot water heaters like this one for the Abu family through the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club helps us give back to the communities where our customers live, work, shop and play.”
Abu, a father of four, appreciates the savings made even more critical during these challenging economic times. Bike to Build will add to the organization’s environmentally friendly impact so that other Houston Habitat clients can enjoy the same savings as Abu.
“We are truly looking forward to uniting the community for a fun event and a great cause,” said Davis. “Bike to Build is a chance for corporations, families and teams to join together and directly impact the lives of hard-working Houston families.”
There will be a post-ride party at Discovery Green featuring live entertainment, games and activities for kids and adults. Other event sponsors include Sysco Corporation, Sun& Ski, REI, Primeway Federal Credit Union, BikeHouston and Bayou City Outdoors.
Onsite registration the day of the race will cost $35.
Participants are encouraged to register in teams. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All riders are required to wear helmets, and encouraged to carry I.D.s, emergency contact information and a cell phone. SAG support will be available along the route.
Houston Habitat is also offering sponsorships for the ride, including tent setups and goodie bag inserts. For information visit www.houstonhabitat.org/bike or call Kathryn Smith at 713-627-8777 (email, stourtellot@aol.com). For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Holly Myers at 713-671-9993, x241 (email, hmyers@houstonhabitat.org).
Aswad Walker
DEFENDER
