Cycling Team Commenced Cross-Country Homelessness Ride

A 12-member team is cycling 3,000 miles to raise funds for Samaritan House shelters.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Philanthropy

Cycling Team Commenced Cross-Country Homelessness Ride

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Do you believe charity-led awareness campaigns are an effective way to address the homelessness crisis?

Twelve cyclists began a 45-day journey across the United States to generate national awareness for the homelessness crisis. The team has already secured $350,000 in donations for Catholic Charities Samaritan House locations.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address the needs of the estimated 1 million people experiencing homelessness nationwide. Funds raised provide essential support for five specific facilities across Colorado.

The team has raised $350,000 toward its goal, building on $2.2 million in total funds contributed to Northern Colorado Samaritan House shelters since 2011. The current ride covers 3,000 miles over 45 days.

The players

Tom Schwein

He is the founder of Samaritan Cycling USA and has logged 38,000 miles on his bicycle since 2015.

Catholic Charities

This organization operates five Samaritan House shelter locations throughout Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley.

The details

Team members facilitate donations through per-mile pledges and one-time gifts while volunteering at Catholic Charities locations along their route. The journey traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida before reaching its final destination in St. Augustine.

Samaritan Cycling USA began its ministry in 2011.
Founder Tom Schwein sustained a near-fatal cycling accident in 2015.
The 12-member team began their cross-country ride on October 4, 2026.

Market Landscape

This effort operates within the nonprofit sector, where organizations rely on high-visibility campaigns to compete for donor attention against larger institutional charities. The move highlights a shift toward personal, mission-driven fundraising that engages donors through direct physical participation.

Supporters can contribute via per-mile donations starting at one cent or provide one-time gifts to assist the five Samaritan House locations. These donations directly fund shelter operations for individuals experiencing homelessness in Northern Colorado.

The takeaway

Large-scale charitable endeavors can effectively leverage physical endurance to highlight critical social issues. Potential donors should verify the specific impact of their contributions on local shelter resources before committing to long-term giving plans.