Back in the early days we did not know about Donny’s history living on the streets or his battles with poverty.  We only knew of his kindness, his empathy, and his respect for people sharing tents and cardboard boxes while struggling to survive under concrete bridges and among bushes along our expressways.  Donny was simply a guy who gave meals to people living on the street and occasionally came to us at Pedal Power for the bicycles he would give them too.  His rusty white van could hold ten adult bikes when jammed tightly among bottles of water and loaves of bread.

Donny Greene, and a small group of helpers formed Feed Louisville, in collaboration with Rhona Kamar.  She prepared meals in a small kitchen next to Douglas Blvd Christian Church while he made deliveries.  Without funding of any kind, the two of them worked seven days a week, relying on gifts of expired donated food.  That was in 2018 and 2019.  Within three years their project had blossomed.  Today, Feed Louisville occupies a 100+ room hotel converted to temporary housing for those fighting to end drug addiction and mental illness… and willing to come off the streets for help. 

Donny is realistic about the fact that people are illegal drug users with degrees of mental illness.  Change is difficult, often impossible for these people.  But drug addiction and mental illness does not define who they are.  The homeless are often stigmatized or demonized by things beyond their control.  They did not choose to be poor.  Whether we are volunteers, interested church members, bicycle mechanics, or just curious observers, this is a community problem (our problem).  We will resolve it together.  Food and water are basic human rights, and housing is too!  

About Pedal Power Ministry:

This Ministry Team empowers folks in Louisville by providing refurbished/rebuilt bikes. Our volunteer team delivers on average 850 bikes a year to those in need in our community. Since its beginning in 2013, Pedal Power has delivered close to 8,500 bikes to individuals in need of reliable transportation. We have several strong partnerships with nonprofits and for-profit companies in Louisville such as Community Ministries, Homeless Ministries, Prison Resettlement Services, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Greater Louisville YMCA. We have a repair team that requires an understanding of bicycle components along with most repair skills and an interest to learn more about bicycle maintenance and a willingness to serve. We also have a social media team that spreads the Pedal Power message in our community with an understanding of social media sources and the ability to communicate and navigate within and through these sources. Please contact Pedal Power to get involved by serving or donating.