A Winnipeg man and his brother are using their cycling skills to give back to the same organization that helped house them as children.
Jose and Carlos Castro, along with their parents, moved into a Habitat Manitoba home on Angus Street in Point Douglas in 1991, just shortly after arriving in Canada from El Salvador. They say this home not only sheltered them, but also hope, community and the opportunity to thrive.
"My parents worked tirelessly to build a better future for us. They made countless sacrifices, working long hours and doing everything they could to give us opportunities they never had. Owning a home always felt just out of reach," said Jose. "Habitat Manitoba gave us that chance. They gave us more than just a roof over our heads—they gave us stability, dignity and a foundation to grow from. It gave us a home, and that changed everything. It changed the way we saw our future."
It was also at this home that Jose received his first bike, which created a lifelong passion for cycling.
Last year, more than three decades after moving into a Habitat for Humanity Manitoba home, Jose took part in the 2024 Cycle of Hope, a multi-day fundraising cycling event that helps raise funds for future Habitat Manitoba homes. He, along with 40 other cyclists, managed to raise over $126,000.
Inspired by last year's event, Jose asked his older brother Carlos to participate in this year's fundraiser, which will take place from Aug. 5 to 8 in Kenora, Ontario.
"Cycling makes me happy and gives me a sense of peace," said Jose Castro, "Participating in Cycle of Hope is about giving back. It's about honouring the journey my family has taken and helping others find that same sense of home and belonging."
Funds raised at the 2025 Cycle of Hope will of towards future Habitat Manitoba homes, including a 55-home development in Transcona.
"Affordable housing doesn’t just benefit one family," Jose Castro says. "It creates a ripple effect across entire communities. That’s why Carlos and I are proud to ride. We’re proof of what a Habitat home can do."
To donate towards the 2025 Cycle of Hope, visit habitat.mb.ca.