Congressman Sherman Congratulates HOPE The Mission on U.S. Capitol Steps After Completion of Historic Cross-Country Cycle Tour
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) met with “Hope the Mission” Founder Ken Craftand President Rowan Vansleve on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to help commemorate their 3,500-mile ride from Los Angeles to Washington DC that aimed to raise awareness, mobilize support, and engage communities in the fight against homelessness. Congressman Sherman also presented Hope leadership with $850,000 in federal funding that he secured to assist Hope’s efforts toward the development of permanent housing for people who have experienced homelessness.
“Over the past eight weeks, Ken and Rowan have peddled over 3,500 miles, raising awareness for what is truly a national homeless crisis, and more importantly, raising the funds necessary to help bring our homeless indoors,” said Congressman Sherman. “The dedication of Rowan, Ken, and everyone at Hope the Mission to ending homelessness in our community never ceases to amaze me, and that’s why I have repeatedly supported Hope’s efforts through federal Community Project funding, securing $2 million in 2022 for homeless services, $2 million in 2023 for mental health services, and $850k that I was pleased to present them with today for property acquisition and for the construction of 30 modular affordable housing units.”
“I’m so grateful to Congressman Sherman for again prioritizing caring for the unhoused in his district,” said Hope President Rowan Vansleve. “This funding will allow Hope permission to open permanent supportive housing for seniors.”
Founded just 15 years ago in the San Fernando Valley, Hope has grown to become the largest Rescue Mission in the country, operating 23 interim-housing shelters with over 2,700 beds, and serving over 3-million meals annually.
Throughout their 3,500-mile ride from Los Angeles to the Capitol, Ken and Rowan traveled through dozens of cities, met with community leaders committed to fighting homelessness locally and raised over $300,000 from generous donations alone – funds that will go supporting the mission and their new Residential Women’s Recovery Project.
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