Man rides across the country to raise awareness on veteran homelessness

Rick Hart is not a veteran, but he is bicycling more than 3,000 miles to help bring awareness to veteran homelessness.

The self-proclaimed ‘Rroad Warrior Cyclist’ is also hoping to raise $25,000 for Operation Stand Down, a non-profit organization that provides social services and helps veterans transition into civilian life.

Hart’s journey started in Rhode Island and is making his way to San Diego, his final destination.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that 47,725 veterans are homeless on any given night.

An estimated 11% of the adult homeless population are veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Along his journey, Hart said he has talked to many homeless veterans and is documenting every stop on social media.

“We live in great country because of the men and women who serve it,” he said.

While Hart was in El Paso, he met up with hundreds of motorcyclists during a fundraiser for the Clint Fallen Heroes organization.

On his Facebook page, Hart wrote, “…meeting so many kind hearted individuals in one place makes me want to move out to West Texas. It’s very patriotic out here!”

To follow Hart’s journey, click here.