PORTLAND, Maine — One Mainer is biking across America in hopes of raising $10,000 for homelessness services in Portland.
Bill Gallant, 67, of Windham said that after he started working in Portland, he couldn't help but notice his neighbors in need.
"Watching at the food pantries, people lined up. And that's what I kept telling people when I started, I said I didn't like that," Gallant said, who knew he wanted to do something to help even just a little bit.
Beginning in May, Gallant took off from Maine and headed west through a route called the Northern Tier with his bike and very few belongings to raise money for Preble Street along the way.
"I started in Bar Harbor, right on Main Street, and so I dipped my bicycle tires in the ocean before we started, and off we went," Gallant said. "We'd ridden in rain, thunderstorms ... you name it."
While just Gallant is riding to fundraise, he met up with some company along the way and is now riding with a partner for safety reasons.
So far, Gallant has ridden just over 2,400 miles and is about 60 percent finished with his trip. He said he hopes to arrive in the state of Washington in early August.
"I've gotten some people to donate out this way too, so I spread the word," Gallant said. "People are so friendly, across America, too."
"This is something I've always wanted to do," Gallant said. "[I] can't just do nothing ... so here I go!"
According to a report by the Maine State Housing Authority, there are fewer unhoused people being counted at emergency shelters around Maine so far this year than over the past couple of years.
But that doesn't mean there are fewer Mainers experiencing homelessness. They say it's more likely that fewer people are accessing services because the end of pandemic-era funding brought many of those services to an end.
In a statement sent to NEWS CENTER Maine, a spokesperson for Preble Street said the following:
"Preble Street is deeply heartened and grateful for the dedication and support of Bill Gallant. Preble Street is a community-based and community-powered organization, as our mission and work depend on the contributions and dedication of donors, volunteers, and community members. We thank Bill for going above and beyond in his support of Preble Street and our most vulnerable community members."