The number of veterans served by the Veterans Transition Center currently stands at 175, with a wait list of more than 20, said Chief Operations Officer Michael Stull, during a ceremony on Monday, Jan. 12 outside of the VTC.
Many have difficulty getting around, including to work and to important appointments, with an average age of 65 years. The VTC provides housing and other services for veterans that may have a history of homelessness or incarceration.
With a shopping center and health clinics within a mile of the VTC’s spot in Marina, it’s so close, yet so far away for people lacking mobility or transportation options.
On Monday, Jan. 12, the Sea Otter Classic Foundation donated four new e-bikes to the VTC, bringing its total to 17 since the E-Bikes for Veterans program launched in 2021.
“While modest in scale, this represents a long-term commitment to sustained impact as we continue to grow our community support efforts,” Sea Otter Classic Foundation Executive Director Melanie Stackpole says.
The Mokwheel e-bikes were sourced from Cycle House Bike Co. in Marina.
The growing fleet of e-bikes will be lent out to the veterans who need them to get around.
Stackpole adds that cycling can “truly be life-changing” for many, especially for those who don’t have their own transportation.
The goal is to grow the program as the VTC’s 71-unit Lightfighter Village that recently opened is expected to increase the need for transportation.
The Sea Otter Classic Foundation was presented with a certificate from Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s office acknowledging the E-Bikes for Veterans program.
