"People have a right to exist... You, really, as a homeless person are not allowed to exist." – says Michael Holden, a chronically homeless man in his 50’s, who has recently found success and healing in the Bicycle Collective. Through their helpful programs that offer individuals and families to earn bikes through donating time at the Collective, refurbishing bikes and helping people work on their own bikes. After so many years battling homelessness, Mike has made huge strides toward a better, happier life.
This short film is currently playing at The Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the No Fixed Address: The Face of America's Homeless exhibit: theleonardo.org/exhibits/discover/nfa/

From the Bicycle Collective Blog:
"Michael Holden has been involved with the Collective as a volunteer for the last several years, last year we were lucky to hire him on as a mechanic. In the past season we've seen him grow to be the core of both our Goodwill Program and coordinate our daytime volunteers. Mike helps hundreds of people a year through his role at the Bicycle Collective and by sharing his pragmatic approach to cycling.

It wasn't too long ago, however, that Mike himself was chronically homeless volunteer. We're honored that he'd tell his story, and feel it is a testament to what we do. Mike sees the Bicycle Collective as pivotal in his ascension from one of the darker periods of his life, and hopes to offer the same chance to others."
bicyclecollective.org/locations-a-hours/salt-lake-city/item/413-from-homelessness-to-changing-lives-michael-holden

The mission of the Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.
For more information: bicyclecollective.org