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San Diego bike program equipping homeless with mechanic skills

Bike program equipping homeless with skills
Posted at 5:29 PM, May 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-15 20:45:26-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A new Father Joe's Villages bike program is giving homeless clients a hand-up, teaching them valuable skills in demand throughout the community.

It's the latest addition to their STEPs program which stands for Skills and Training Enhancement Programs.

After several weeks of hands-on training, homeless individuals receive a certificate as well as resume help and other workforce skills.

RELATED: This is San Diego's plan to become more bike-friendly

The program doesn't technically launch for several more weeks but caught the attention of a former music manager who is currently biking across the country for a good cause.

Through his Dream Machine Tour, Charlie Jabaley is on a mission to change a million lives through giving to people in need.

During his stop in San Diego, Jabaley learned the bike program was in need of more supplies. He visited local bike shops and collected thousands of dollars in donations.

The bike program officially kicks off in June and you can also follow Jabaley's cross-country journey on his Instagram handle @charlie.

Several businesses donated and are helping the bike program get off the ground:

  • Bicycle Warehouse
  • MJ's Cyclery
  • Pedal Pushing Bicycle Shop
  • Anywhere Bicycle Repair
  • WD40
  • ABS Associated Business Services
  • Any Budget Printing and Mailing