Bradenton, Fla. – Turning Points, the Manatee County nonprofit that serves as a one‑stop hub for preventing and reducing homelessness, is calling on community members to donate bicycles. Rising food and gas costs have increased demand for affordable transportation, and the organization hopes donated bikes will keep more residents moving toward stable housing.
How the bike program works
Each year the volunteer‑run bike shop repairs roughly 800 bicycles for people facing financial challenges. Over the past 15 years Turning Points has handed out more than 10,000 bicycles directly to those in need. A team of ten volunteers salvages every usable part—tires, brakes, handlebars—to assemble fully functional bikes from donated components.
Clients can also bring in their own bicycles for free repairs when they experience a flat tire or other mechanical issue. “It’s kind of feast or famine. Right now, we have about 16 bikes that are available,” said Rich Visnov, a volunteer board member. “Two weeks ago, we had zero and we just go in cycles. We are in a constant mode of trying to get the community to support us. We can’t do it without them.”
Why transportation matters
Turning Points CEO Kathleen Cramer emphasized that reliable transportation is essential for maintaining independence. “Sometimes we might use the brakes, tires and bits and pieces of one bike and build a whole new bike,” she explained. “Bring us your good bikes, your not‑so‑good bikes, your bikes that aren’t working anymore. Bring them in and let us try to make them a real opportunity for somebody in need.”
Having a bike can mean the difference between reaching a job interview, getting to a medical appointment, or simply traveling to a grocery store. For many of the organization’s clients, a bicycle is a lifeline that helps them avoid the slide into homelessness.
How to donate
Residents who wish to contribute can drop off bicycles—new or used—at Turning Points’ headquarters at 701 17th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. For questions, call 941‑747‑1509 or click the donation link provided by the nonprofit.
The nonprofit asks that donors bring bikes in any condition; volunteers will assess each donation and repurpose parts as needed. By turning discarded or broken bicycles into functional transportation, the community can directly support neighbors who are struggling to stay housed.
Looking ahead
Turning Points hopes the current call for donations will reverse the recent slowdown in bike contributions. With continued community support, the organization aims to expand its bike‑repair capacity and keep more residents on the road toward self‑sufficiency.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
