Cove House Classic raises funds for homeless shelter

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

With the sun just starting to rise, 50 riding enthusiasts made their way from the 1st Baptist Church pedaling their way down Avenue B with some participants riding more than 60 miles before completing their journey.

The race was part of the annual Cove House Classic Bike Tour which offered races ranging from 26 miles to 66.3 miles. Some racers opted to ride to Topsey and back for a shorter, unofficial version of the race. The bike tour featured seven rest stops along the way.

Jesus Rivera and husband and wife duo, Priscilla and Erick Rendon, drove all the way from San Antonio to participate in the Cove House Classic. The three planned to complete the 62-mile ride.

“We like the hill country,” said Erick Rendon. “When you’re out here it’s a different experience.”

“We don’t have a lot of bike races in our area, so we try to explore Texas, and we haven’t been to this side here,” said Priscilla Rendon. “We’re like caged birds in the city. Out here, we’re free.”

The group said that they hoped to meet and make new like-minded friends.

Mayor Dan Yancey spoke prior to the race, complimenting Cove House, calling it a “fantastic organization” and praising the race.

“This race is unique to Cove, and I think it’s a great fundraising event,” said Mayor Dan Yancey about the bike tour. “The money goes to Cove House which is a great outreach program for people that need it. I’m glad that we have that and we’re able to support it.”

This year marks Cove House’s 22nd year hosting the bike race which raises money to help the group with its charitable causes. Entry into the race this year was $50.

“This is a pretty staple event for us,” said Joelle Carter, marketing and events coordinator for Cove House. “So far, this is our best fundraiser.”

Cove House is starting work on getting a six-plex available for housing for those the organization helps. They are currently able to help house four men, four women, and one family. 

After the completion of the six-plex, they plan to use it to house six families. After the completion of the six-plex they plan to build a men’s dormitory, and the duplexes will then be for women only, allowing them to house eight men and eight women in addition to the families housed in the six-plex.

“There is a huge struggle for homeless people in general,” said Carter.

She said that there are not as many resources available for men, noting that aside from Cove House, Friends in Crisis and Compassion Ministries in Waco are the only other two groups in this area who offer resources for men.

Carter said that the goal of Cove House is to “be a launchpad, not a crash pad” to help people to rebuild their lives. 

She said that there are requirements including making sure the houses remain clean, the tenants must be alcohol and drug-free, and they must work to make progress towards getting their lives together. Cove House offers support with finances and helping them succeed in their career.

“Some people just need a little help,” said Carter.