Colorado Catholics Prepare to Ride Across America for Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities)

In just a few short months, a group of Colorado Catholics will set out on a remarkable journey of faith, endurance and service.

On October 4, 2026, twelve cyclists from Samaritan Cycling USA will dip their bicycle tires into the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, before beginning a nearly 3,000-mile ride across the United States. Forty-five days later, they will arrive in St. Augustine, Florida, having crossed the country one mile at a time to raise awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness.

The effort will benefit the five Samaritan House shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley.

The ride comes during a historic season for Catholic Charities. In 2026, Samaritan House in downtown Denver is celebrating its 40th anniversary. When it opened in 1986, it became the first building in the nation designed specifically to shelter people experiencing homelessness. Four decades later, Samaritan House continues to provide emergency shelter, meals, case management and pathways to stability for thousands of men, women, children and veterans each year.

The cross-country ride also serves as a bridge to another significant milestone. In 2027, Catholic Charities of Denver will celebrate 100 years of serving Northern Colorado. For a century, the organization has answered Christ's call to care for neighbors in need by providing shelter, food, housing, counseling, early childhood education, immigration legal services, healthcare for women and families, and dozens of other life-changing programs. The ride reflects that century-long commitment to serving others with faith, compassion and hope.

For Samaritan Cycling founder Tom Schwein, the cross-country journey is about much more than covering miles.

"What began in 2011 as a small step of faith through Samaritan Cycling has become a lifelong commitment to serve," Schwein said. "Through cycling, we put faith into action, transforming physical endurance into meaningful impact and heartfelt passion into real provision. We ride because we are called to be bearers of hope, and every mile is a testament to that calling."

Since its founding, Samaritan Cycling has raised more than $2.2 million to support individuals working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.

As they travel from California to Florida, the riders will not only pedal across the country but also stop to volunteer with Catholic Charities agencies in communities along the route, highlighting the Church's nationwide commitment to serving neighbors in need.

"The Samaritan Cycling team embodies the Gospel call to serve our neighbors through sacrifice, compassion and action," said Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver. "Their willingness to undertake this extraordinary journey will not only raise critical support for Samaritan House programs but also help communities across the country recognize the dignity and potential of every person we serve."

The cyclists are expected to arrive in St. Augustine on November 16 after traveling nearly 3,000 miles across the country. Along the way, they hope every mile serves as a visible reminder that homelessness is not an issue confined to one city or one state, but a challenge that calls people of faith to respond with compassion, generosity and hope.

Samaritan Cycling USA is part of Team Samaritan, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver. To follow the team's journey or support Samaritan Cycling USA, visit the organization’s website. Donations benefit Catholic Charities' five Samaritan House locations in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley, serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Northern Colorado.