by John Reid

Carried To Full Term, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women and families, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Heroes for Housing Bike Ride Fundraiser. This inspiring event aims to raise awareness and funds for affordable housing initiatives that directly impact the lives of women and children. The bike ride will take place on August 19th, 2023, starting at 7 a.m. at Prince William Forest Park, located at 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.

The Heroes for Housing Bike Ride Fundraiser is a one-day, 10-mile bike ride designed to help support and shed light on the profound effects of homelessness on families and children. Bicyclists from across the state of Virginia are warmly invited to participate and contribute to the success of Carried To Full Term’s vital mission.

Founded in 2012 by Frances Robin, the nonprofit organization Carried To Full Term (CTFT) provides long-term housing to pregnant and homeless women. “Our goal is to invest in stabilizing women and their families. We provide the tools, support, and resources to help women become independent and self-sufficient.”

Since 2013, Carried To Full Term has opened their doors to many expectant mothers fleeing from homelessness for reasons such as: loss of income, abuse, relocation, aging out of the foster care system, divorce, and abandonment. 

“Homelessness during pregnancy and in the early years is harmful to infant development. 1 in 5 women who experienced homelessness in the year prior to giving birth had an infant with a low birthweight, a nearly 50 percent increase in risk compared to consistently housed people with otherwise similar characteristics.”(National Partnership for Women and Families, 2021)

Homelessness poses significant challenges for pregnant women, intensifying their stress and concerns about finding safe accommodations each night. Such circumstances can lead to adverse effects on fetal growth and development. By sponsoring, supporting, or participating in this event, you directly assist mothers who rely on the stability that long-term housing provides for their children and families.

The bike ride route will be thoughtfully planned and fully supported, with periodic rest stops, snack provisions, and water stations strategically positioned along the way to ensure participants’ comfort and safety.

Registration for the Heroes for Housing Bike Ride Fundraiser is available at the affordable fee of $55 when completed in advance. On-site registration on the day of the event will be possible at a rate of $75. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at https://www.carriedtofullterm.org/events-1/heroes-for-housing-1. Alternatively, registration can be completed by mail, including the participant’s name, address, phone number, email, and a check for $55, addressed to Carried To Full Term at 6740 Fayette Street, Haymarket, VA 20169. For any inquiries, please contact Carried To Full Term at 571-261-2838.

We are so excited for the Heroes for Housing Bike Ride Fundraiser, which not only provides a fun and engaging experience for our participants but also makes a tangible impact in the lives of women and children facing homelessness,” said Frances Robin, director of Carried To Full Term. “Through the collective efforts of our generous sponsors, dedicated supporters, and passionate cyclists, we can make a meaningful difference and create a brighter future for those in need.”

For more information about Heroes for Housing and the transformative work of Carried To Full Term, please visit https://www.carriedtofullterm.org/Home.

ABOUT CARRIED TO FULL TERM
“The mission of Carried To Full Term is to provide comprehensive long-term residential support for women who are pregnant and homeless. We invest in and empower vulnerable women and her family for lives of dignity, hope, independence and self-sufficiency. We envision a community where families have safe, secure, and stable housing with sufficient resources and space to plan for their futures, and pursue happiness. Carried To Full Term assists women to live independently and self-sufficiently. We envision a life of hope for the future. We believe in new beginnings. We invest in, inspire and affirm residents to actively participate in creating and pursuit of their goals. Carried To Full Term respects individuals at all stages of life and fosters loving, and family-centered values. We believe all life has value. We strive to embody our values in everything we do and in all of our relationships with clients, team members, partners, and the broader community.”