About Mercy Pedalers

Mission:

Mercy Pedalers are bicyclers and tricyclers reaching out to men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets. It is a ministry of presence and action based on the “Works of Mercy” and emphasizing “Welcoming the Stranger”.

Philosophy:

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

Executive Director

A Sister of Mercy since 1990/ Masters in Social Work

“My passion is to serve those who are experiencing homelessness with a sense of dignity, respect and God’s presence between us”

Dennis Luther

President – Retired

“When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me”

Gale Filter

Vice President – 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

Board Treasurer – 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

Board Member – 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

Board Members – (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

Board Member – 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

Secretary

Dave Mott

Board Member

Jennifer Bell

Board Member

Sister Luz Eugenia Alvarez

RSM Board Member

Siah Gaye

Board Member