Charles “Chuck” Reeves was a bit misplaced after serving within the Navy for a number of years.
The transition into turning into a civilian once more proved extra daunting than he anticipated, and floating from job to job, Reeves struggled to seek out employment. He grew to become homeless, dwelling out of his automobile.
“I’d deliberate to remain in San Diego,” Reeves informed ABC 15 News in Arizona. “However I got here again to Phoenix and tried working in aviation and building. It was laborious discovering a distinct segment, and as jobs modified, so did my stability.”
A proud veteran, Reeves didn’t actually need to ask for assist, however he determined to name an area Veterans Affairs workplace. Lower than 24 hours later, Reeves obtained assist from U.S. VETS and MANA Home, which offers transitional housing for veterans. Throughout his keep at MANA Home, Reeves realized different veterans need assistance getting round Phoenix, and an concept was hatched – he would restore donated bikes for veterans.
“You continue to want one thing round right here,” Reeves mentioned. “A motorcycle means independence. When you miss the bus, you may nonetheless get the place you have to go.”
How Restore Gig Began
The Navy veteran’s bike restoration work began with him repairing bikes for fellow veterans staying at MANA Home. Mechanically inclined, Reeves possessed a knack for fixing gear at a younger age. On the homeless veterans shelter, his work started small, fixing a couple of bikes at a time, to turning into his No. 1 ardour.
Bikers Edge Cycle & Health in Peoria, Arizona, caught wind of Reeve’s mission and commenced donating bikes for him to restore. When he finishes a motorcycle, Reeves sends it to MANA Home for a veteran to make use of.
“I’m not out to get wealthy,” Reeves mentioned. “So long as I can maintain going and simply assist others, that’s what issues.”
Rachel Perez, group engagement coordinator for MANA Home, informed ABC 15 that Reeve’s work is significant as a result of just below 30 p.c of veterans who use transitional housing there have dependable transportation.
Many wouldn’t have autos, so utilizing a motorcycle might help restore their independence. On a motorcycle, they’ll get to a job interview or make an appointment on time.
“Numerous them battle with how am I in a position to decide up my very own prescription, attend to my very own medical appointments, if I haven’t got my very own technique of transportation,” Perez mentioned.
For Reeves, who graduated from the MANA Home transitional program, his work is a means of giving again. Perez believes Reeves resides as much as the navy credo “no soldier left behind.”
“A lot of our veterans who’ve been in our program and have graduated actually strive their greatest to return again in any means,” Perez mentioned. “Some, like Chuck, are giving again by offering important transportation.”
MANA Home Helps Veterans
The MANA Home in Phoenix has room for 76 veterans and was housing 62 as of Dec. 5.
The group helps veterans get again on their toes by discovering everlasting housing and assigning case managers to each veteran. In addition to Reeves’s repaired bikes, this system additionally presents resume help and job coaching, together with donated computer systems and clothes.
With many individuals beneath housing and financial stress, Perez mentioned the necessity for locations like MANA Home retains rising. The ability used to offer shelter for most of the people however shifted in recent times to particularly help veterans.
“In the event that they need assistance accessing VA advantages or discovering a job, we assist with that,” Perez mentioned. “We need to be sure that they’ve all of the instruments to succeed, not simply briefly, however as soon as they go away right here.”
MANA Home works with different native organizations and volunteers to assist with donations, assemble resumes, and supply peer assist from different veterans. Not too long ago, this system helped a veteran craft his first resume, and he’s at present taking courses to be taught HVAC.
For Reeves, realizing that each bike he repairs and offers to MANA Home may assist a veteran regain confidence and independence, makes all of the hours spent with wrenches, screws, and hammers price it.
“If everyone felt that very same means,” he mentioned, “we wouldn’t have the issues we’ve got these days.”
To attach with Reeves and obtain details about donating a motorcycle, ship an electronic mail to outreachbikerepair@gmail.com.
