Mercy Pedalers believe that by welcoming and reaching out to men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets with a sense of dignity, respect and love that God’s mercy will be present. The philosophy of “Welcoming the Stranger” is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy which has evolved over thousands of years deriving from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-40—
For I was hungry and you gave me food
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you welcomed me
I was naked and you clothed me
I was sick and you cared for me
I was in prison and you visited me
When we “Welcome the Stranger” we bring our openness to be and grow in relationship with the other. We approach someone’s space, or allow someone to enter our space, in a non-judgmental, warm and hospitable manner. We become present to each other, share our thoughts and concerns, and enjoy a comfortable cup of coffee or a cool glass of water. By our presence together, God’s mercy will be revealed.
Directory Board
Sister Libby Fernandez, RSM
“My passion is to serve those who are experiencing homelessness with a sense of dignity, respect and God’s presence between us”
A Sister of Mercy since 1990, Sister Libby founded Mercy Pedalers in 2017 after over 20 years of working directly with people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. She previously served as Executive Director of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes from 2006–2017 and holds a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento. Through Mercy Pedalers, she is committed to welcoming every person with dignity and respect, believing that simply being present, sharing a cup of coffee, and calling someone by name can make a meaningful difference.
Dennis Luther
Retired
“When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me”
Gale Filter
Retired EnvironmentalProsecutor/Street Photographer & Journalist/ San Diego U. School of Law
“Photography is a powerful means to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; and, a catalyst for altering public perception by evidencing social and environmental conditions”
Dorothy R. Smith
Real Estate Broker
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me”
Virginia Varela
Banking/Financial Services
“I serve because I believe each person deserves moments of mercy and tenderness no matter what the circumstances”
Tony and Barbara Rego
(Tony) BA University of Hawaii/ Owner of an Insurance Agency
(Barbara) BA, Education, BYU/Retired School Teacher
“We are following the words of the Savior, to help those in need”
Kristen Stuass
Project Manager, Community Builder, Advocate with Uptown Studios
“Doing what I can to be a better human today than I was yesterday, and help to make life better for other humans in the process”
Anthony Fernandez
Board Member – Social Services/BA Child Development
“I aspire to learn more about homelessness so that I can educate the youth on how to avoid this path”
Deanna Drake
Dave Mott
Jennifer Bell
Sister Luz Eugenia Alvarez
