The Wheelhouse is a missional/service designed as a “refurbish a bike” program for those in need. Upon completion, the recipient will receive the bike, a helmet and lock. Christian volunteers will use the shared project time to build relationships, share their faith and encourage clients to connect with a church.
How it works
- The public donates bicycles to The Wheelhouse.
This occurs through Churches holding bike drives, the Lima police department unclaimed bikes,
and the public donating used bikes. (Left: Dupont Church of the Brethren collects 48 bikes)
2. Local social agencies and local church leaders determine financial need of individuals needing bicycle transportation. They complete an online form which comes to Wheelhouse management.
| Relief services such as Our Daily Bread, Salvation Army, Lima Rescue Mission, etc. |
| Mental Health Services such as Colemen Health |
| Recovery Houses such as Ohio Link Alvis House, UMADOP, Full Circle, Retoration House etc. |
| Local Church Pastors |
| Government support services such as Allen County Probation, Allen County Senior Citizens etc. |
| Local Employers such as Lima Pallet Company, Temporary Job Placement services |
3. Referred clients are scheduled for an appointment at The Wheelhouse. A volunteer helps them refurbish a bike to meet their needs. This time provides an opportunity for the clients and volunteers to build a relationship.
4. The clients leaves with the bike, a helmet and a lock. The Wheelhouse continues to provide support for the bike and cyclist as part of a continuing relationship.
Financing
The Wheelhouse is financed in three ways.
- The Wheel of Churches is local congregations who support The Wheelhouse through donations, bike drives or communication of need to their members
- Pedal Partners are individuals make donations to support a bicycle transportation to those in need. Approximately $30 provides a bike, helmet lock and lights to a new Wheelhouse cyclist.
- Business Partners are local businesses who support The Wheelhouse through donations
Side notes
The Wheelhouse refurbishes or repairs over 300 bikes per year. Our work includes:
150+ bikes to new clients
140+ bikes repaired for returning clients
80+ Youth Bikes sent to restore to support Habitat
50+ Youth bikes are donated to special projects for schools or churches
25+ Youth bikes are repaired for Safety City, Lima Police Department, and Noon Optimist.
wheelhouselima.com 