Every Thursday morning in downtown San Diego, Deacon John Roberts leads a cycling club through Father Joe’s Villages, a homeless shelter and nonprofit.

The program has been operational for the last 10 years, and Roberts credits it with helping unhoused community members improve their mental and physical health — while gaining crucial independence.

Once a week, riders embark on a 20-mile ride through San Diego. Participants don’t need a bike of their own, as cycles are donated through the nonprofit. When a rider completes their first 100 miles, they are gifted a new or gently used bike to keep.

If they continue to ride for 100 more miles, they get a one-month transit pass.

“With a bicycle and a transit pass one has all of San Diego County to explore,” Roberts told Good Good Good.