HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Saturday, motorcyclists took to the streets for the 7th Annual Spring Fling Charity Ride. The event helps raise money for Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit that works to support veterans struggling with homelessness.
“Without our veterans, none of us would enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have here today," said Patrick Connaghan, the owner of 717 Armory and organizer of the charity event.
Around 200 people rode their bikes from the 717 Armory to the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in to support veterans in need.
It's an issue that weighs on the minds of many in South Central PA, as an estimated 35 veterans are homeless in Harrisburg in a given night.
"Statistically as veterans we become homeless, unfortunately, more often than not," said Connaghan, who is also a Marine vet. “Everybody I’ve known or associate with have always said, in hindsight, that we were a bad decision away from ending up like that.”
Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania is currently working to establish a 15 tiny home community along the Susquehanna River. The facility would provide health and wellness services, job training, meals, and additional therapeutic services to veterans looking to get back on their feet.
“If you are a veteran willing to sacrifice your life for our freedom, you deserve more," said Tom Zimmerman, a co-founder of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania. “We’re getting very close to being operational, and it’s because of organizations like this.”
With each mile driven, riders are working to assist the men and women who served our country.
“As we’ve raised money for them, we’re watching our dollars go to work," said Connaghan. "When you bring a family or group of people around a common issue, such as helping veterans, and then you see the dollars being used, there is no greater satisfaction."
Veterans Outreach is hoping to welcome its first veterans into the tiny home community by June.