Biking to build homes

OAK HARBOR — A local Habitat for Humanity group is using funds generated from a nearly 3,500-mile bike ride to construct affordable housing. Pastor Becky Bolander of St. John's Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, who serves as board president for Ottawa County's Habitat for Humanity, is traveling across eight states and about 3,500 miles to help the local agency construct 10-20 homes in a new subdivision and to raise awareness to the nation's housing crisis. "As we are fond of saying, Habitat is a Hand-Up, not a handout," said Bolander, 71. "Our families work hard — putting in 'sweat equity' hours, paying an affordable mortgage, and often helping others build homes. Many do this while working, raising children, and attending school. I look forward to supporting and working with families for as long as I am able." Bolander, under the agency's Biking For Builds initiative, will see her travel from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida, over a period of about three months. The agency hopes to raise $500,000 to construct the homes over a period of about eight years. The subdivision will be located in Port Clinton close to Ohio 2's exit near the city's Kroger supermarket. "The land was donated to us from an estate, but we have to raise the funds to put in roads, sewer, utilities, etc.," Valerie Winterfield, the agency's community engagement director, said. An inspiring background of perseverance For Bolander, a biking injury was merely a speed bump in the pursuit of the ambitious trip. The journey was originally supposed to begin last September but was delayed after she was struck by a car while she was riding her bicycle. After months of rehabilitation, Bolander finally set out on the journey with her lifelong friend, Donna Minter, earlier this month, "(proving) that age and adversity are no match for a passionate heart," the release states. Keep tabs People can follow the women's journey as it progresses by following the Biking For Builds page on Facebook. The duo's most recent update was on Sunday, when Bolander and Minter posed for a photo stating they were heading toward Tonto Basin in Arizona. "Keep cheering them on," a post on the Biking For Builds page states. Want to donate? People can donate to Biking For Builds by visiting habitatottawacounty.org/biking-for-builds and clicking a link or scanning a QR code on the page to send their donation.