Submitted by Lopez Community Land Trust

The Lopez Community Land Trust is the fortunate recipient of a $4,000 grant from Bike and Build. LCLT submitted an application into a highly competitive applicant pool. They will use the funds to help build three more energy efficient homes in Lopez Village. The homes will be completed in late spring 2015.

Based in Pennsylvania, Bike and Build is an organization that literally pedals for affordable housing. For the last 10 years their cross-country cycling trips have raised money to build an awareness of affordable housing needs, as well as raise funds for construction of affordable homes, in 47 states and hundreds of communities.

Each summer, Bike and Build sponsors eight different USA cross-country bike trips. Each trip is comprised of 30 young adults, aged18-24. The cyclists spend 11 weeks biking from coast to coast, with an average of one day a week interning at affordable housing projects.  In addition to its focus on promoting affordable housing, these trips foster a spirit of service and empower young adults. Any young person can apply to be a part of the annual ride.

Coincidentally, Blythe Carter, a Bike and Build 2014 alum, is currently an intern with LCLT. She rode the route from Virginia Beach, Va., to Cannon Beach, Ore., – 3830 miles. At the conclusion of their trips, participants are asked to select any affordable housing project of their choice for an additional $500 allocation.

Originally from North Carolina, Blythe decided to further check out the Northwest at the conclusion of her trip. She did a Google search for sustainable construction internships and found LCLT. She applied online, was accepted and began work in September. Blythe was not aware at the time that LCLT had applied for a Bike and Build grant. Upon hearing about LCLT’s grant, she dedicated her $500 to LCLT.

Blythe says the skill set she’s learning on the LCLT building site is a perfect continuation of her education from her University of North Carolina undergraduate college studies in environmental science and course work in the UNC Sustainability Office.

She’s passionate about finding meaningful affordable housing development work that will also improve the environment. LCLT is fortunate to have her as a part of our construction team.