WHY WE DO IT

 I grew up in
Southern California doing what kids do. I thought little about others,
indulged in pleasing me, flunked out of school, and formed unhealthy
addictions. I got busted a bunch and then finally grew tired of the
feeling of failure. In 1996, I started reading the Bible and realized
that there was so much more to life than I was seeing. I cleaned up my
act, sold everything I owned, got on a bike, and traveled for fourteen
years learning about myself.  But more importantly, I learned about
others. I saw a part of this country few ever get to see and am thankful
 for every step of the way. This is where the the freebox bike project
started to grow. At times, we would go out giving things away, helping
out at bike co-ops around the country, etc. All the while being homeless
 myself. It was a great life of simplicity and peace. In 2009, I married
 my touring partner. We traveled for about four years from city to city
with our bikes and camper van. I did odd jobs to provide while work
trading and care taking. Now we have three small children and are
getting more settled in Oregon.  I got a great job driving a wheelchair
van and am renting 5 acres in the country. We have a small, hobby farm
and are very thankful! 
We wanted to start up something good so we bought a Surly Big Dummy used
 off of Craigslist to involve the community with a homeless outreach. We
 want to do this all with our bikes to be among the homeless and their
camps......more of a real feel environment. We have a great love for
people and bikes and we think the two together is a great combo. I think
 our past experience being homeless adds a the ingredient of empathy the
 "system" lacks.   

Homeless Work Shop Idea

The Freebox bike (Eugene)

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Hello,
My name is Timothy. I'm looking for people who would be willing to hire homeless people for small, odd jobs, etc. We have started a mobile Homeless Ministry in Eugene called The Freebox bike. (www.thefreeboxbike.blogspot.com).

We are small and hope to stay more ground floor with this project in hopes of keeping things real and a blessing. An idea I had was to find people who are willing to help out (the homeless) by giving them some work. I'm sure it could do a host of good for their dignity.

Now, I understand there can be a number of issues with this. I am charging forward in good faith because....... to be honest, there is a great need in this city for more reaching out. This is all in a small, root-like stage, but brainstorm here for a moment. I will be interacting with individuals on the street. I know there are rivers and valleys galore but every so often there is someone who is in a transition and really could appreciate some hard work. Earning some honest cash can really be a blessing when you feel like everyone's against you!

The Freebox bike can be a sort of go between for these special individuals who are willing to work. Keep in mind, it can be very hard getting back up with no home, address, and a petty criminal record.

Please take some time to think about it. And yes, I would love to have some constructive criticism. The picture above is not my bike. I actually have a Surly cargo bike but I am hoping to raise the money to build a trailer like this one.

Thank you.