Hundreds of people will run, walk or bike Saturday in support of low-income families in Story County.

The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is hosting the Fourth Annual Habitour fund-raiser in Ames.

The proceeds will be used to finance building houses in Story County.

“I think it’s one of the only ways we’re going to eliminate poverty in the area,” said Janet Lott, a Habitour 4 committee member.

“It’s a grassroots movement that doesn’t depend on government funds.”

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization with the goal of eliminating poverty housing through the building and selling of low- cost, no-interest homes.

Lott was on the steering committee that helped get Habitat for Humanity started in Story County. She said the concept for Habitour stemmed from wanting to raise money by doing something she enjoys — biking.

Habitour 4 has a three-mile walk, a 16-mile bike ride or a 41-mile bike ride. Each of the bike rides has a 9-mile loop optional extension.

All the events start at Moore Memorial Park, with the walk leading to Brookside Park and back.

The 16-mile bike ride travels to Gilbert and back, and the 41-mile bike ride travels to Boone and back.

Elin Herrmann, a Habitour 4 committee member, said the potential for eliminating poverty in Story County is present through events such as Habitour.

“If everyone in Story County gave $10 per house, we’d never stop building,” Herrmann said.

Herrmann said poverty in Story County isn’t something residents think about every day.

“You hear about poverty across the country, but it surprises people to realize that it’s here,” she said.

The check-in time for the 41-mile bike ride is at 8 a.m.; the 16-mile check-in is at 9:30 a.m. and the check-in for the walk is at 10 a.m.

There is a registration fee of $15 for all participants, the majority of whom get sponsored by local businesses.

Lott said organizers hope for about 200 participants and to raise between $15,000 to $20,000 this year.

Last year, the event had around 150 people.

Walk-ups are accepted on the day of the event.