DC Wheels to Skate 45 Miles to Support the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

This Labor Day weekend, DC Wheels is putting 45 miles behind the mission to end veteran homelessness.

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, DC Wheels Skate Crusaders and friends will take on a 45-mile skate through Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to raise funds in support of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).

The nine- to 10-hour Skate-A-Thon will begin in Bethesda and travel throughout the region before finishing at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The ride will take place rain or shine, bringing skateboarders and community members together in support of veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

A Community Coming Together

Founded by Jimmy Pelletier, DC Wheels is a DMV-based charity organization and skateboard team that has been using skateboarding as a way to support people experiencing hardship in the community for nearly 20 years.

This year, DC Wheels selected NCHV as the beneficiary of its Skate-A-Thon, bringing two organizations together around a shared belief in community and helping others.

Skateboarders frequently share public spaces with people experiencing homelessness, including veterans. That proximity creates an opportunity to respond as neighbors and community members, with compassion, dignity, and support.

NCHV is grateful to DC Wheels for choosing to put its time, energy, and miles behind the mission to end veteran homelessness.

45 Miles Through the DMV

The Skate-A-Thon will begin with stretching, board repairs, and opening remarks before riders take off from Bethesda Boards at noon.

Saturday, September 5, 2026

11:00 a.m.
Stretching, board repairs and opening remarks

12:00 p.m.
Skate-A-Thon begins at Bethesda Boards
7900 Woodmont Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814

Planned Checkpoints

  • 1:00 p.m. Georgetown Waterfront
  • 1:30 p.m. Lincoln Memorial
  • 2:30 p.m. Gravelly Point
  • 3:00 p.m. Lunch at Sweetgreen, 823 King Street, Alexandria, VA
  • 5:30 p.m. Mount Vernon
  • 7:00 p.m. Old Town Torpedo Factory
  • 8:00 p.m. Gravelly Point
  • 9:00 p.m. Finish at Theodore Roosevelt Island
  • 10:00 p.m. Celebration at Breadsoda, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C.

The ride is open to community support along the route, and volunteers are welcome to help at checkpoints. DC Wheels is also welcoming sponsors who want to support the effort.

Supporting Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Veteran homelessness has declined significantly in recent years, demonstrating what is possible when communities, service providers, government partners, and advocates work together. But veterans continue to experience homelessness across the country, and continued community support remains essential.

Funds raised through the DC Wheels Skate-A-Thon will support NCHV’s mission to prevent and end veteran homelessness.

Whether you’re joining the ride, volunteering at a checkpoint, cheering on the skaters, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation, there are many ways to be part of this community effort.

Ride on, DC Wheels!

Support the DC Wheels Skate-A-Thon – Donate here

Learn more about the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at NCHV.org.

Learn more about DC Wheels here