The Coffee bike making a difference across Exeter  

Meet Jeremy – a University of Exeter graduate with a heart for the homeless.  

In 2019, while he was just a teenager, Jeremy tragically lost both of his parents within six months of each other. He faced the sudden, terrifying possibility of homelessness at a young age.  

Thanks to a supportive network around him, that fear was never realised. But after starting university, Jeremy was troubled by the amount of homelessness and suffering visible on the streets in Exeter. He felt God call him to action.  

“My family have always been passionate about helping the homeless. At Christmas we’d have people at the table who didn’t have places to go. When I came to Exeter I got involved with homeless outreach and I was very impressed with YMCA Exeter, and how they focused on treating the causes of homelessness rather than just the symptoms, really empowering people and helping people live a fulfilling life. I thought it was amazing. Being a Christian myself, YMCA Exeter having the love of Jesus as their motivation was important. 

“I’ve always had a love of coffee and bikes, so I thought why not make a coffee bike that helps raise funds for YMCA Exeter through selling coffee, but also raise awareness of homelessness by having conversations with people at different pitches and events.”  

And now Jeremy’s dream has become a reality!  

“Building the bike was a real labour of love, I thought it would take two months – but it turned into 18 months!  

“It was great when I could pour my first coffee. Loads of amazing people helped me put together the steel frame, the stained wood, the plumbing. Now it’s up and running – we use coffee from Triple Co Roast, an amazing company that buys their beans straight from the farmer. It’s also from the Southwest and tastes really good!”  

Jeremy can be found at different pitches across Exeter, events and weddings with his beautiful DIY coffee trike, serving delicious coffee (and branded T-shirts!) to raise money for YMCA Exeter’s work with young homeless people in the local area.  

We are so thankful to Jeremy for generously using his time and resources to fundraise for YMCA Exeter and to spark important conversations around homelessness in our city.  

Jeremy’s story was also included in the Stewardship 40acts campaign earlier this year: Act 11/40 #BREW

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