Running Against Homelessness

Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of people experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running, launched its Atlanta chapter Nov. 11. Thirty men and women experiencing homelessness began their journey with BoMF by participating in the group’s inaugural Atlanta run at 5:30 a.m. Atlanta is the eighth city to gain a BoMF chapter, joining Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Back on My Feet into the Southeast,” said Anne Mahlum, founder and CEO of BoMF. “It’s rare for a nonprofit to expand during tough economic times, and we’re so excited that Back on My Feet continues to add new chapters. Our growth demonstrates the tremendous need for this program. We feel very fortunate to have the support of Atlanta’s professional, running and service communities as we work to move the city’s homeless population toward self-sufficiency.”

BoMF is a comprehensive six to nine month program that works with individuals living in homeless facilities. Teams are formed at BoMF partner facilities where the foundation of the program is laid through dedication to running. After 30 days in the program, each member who maintains 90 percent attendance at three weekly 5:30 a.m. runs moves to the Next Steps phase. Next Steps enables Members to move toward self-sufficiency through earned financial aid, as well as educational, housing and job training opportunities. Since 2008, more than 330 BoMF Members have enrolled in job training or re-education programs.