Back on My Feet (BoMF) is taking a unique and groundbreaking approach to tackling homelessness. Its strategy begins with fitness and community support.
The organization changes lives by combining running and walking with access to essential resources.
Every night, an estimated 580,000 people in the United States face homelessness. For them, the path to stability often feels insurmountable. Back on My Feet offers a fresh perspective.
Participants join morning walks or runs multiple times each week. They connect with volunteers, staff, and corporate partners, forming a supportive network.
Fitness is only the beginning. Through this routine, members build confidence and structure, which allows them to take on more significant challenges.
As members progress, they attend workshops on financial literacy and workforce development, where they learn practical skills for securing and maintaining jobs.
Volunteers and staff offer ongoing encouragement, creating an environment where members thrive.
The results speak for themselves. Eighty-three percent of participants secure jobs and keep them for over 15 months. Nearly half receive wage increases within their first six months of employment, and one in five is promoted.
Beyond employment, health improvements play a crucial role. After 60 days, members see a 48% drop in high blood pressure. Nicotine usage decreases by 58%. These changes improve quality of life dramatically.
Mental health benefits also emerge quickly. Members report higher self-esteem and a more positive outlook. Group activities foster connections that reduce feelings of isolation.
By 90 days, members express even more significant gains. Ninety-seven percent say they have a more positive view of themselves. Seventy-two percent find their lives more meaningful. Eighty-six percent feel more satisfied overall.
These achievements don’t just happen. Morning runs and walks create structure and discipline. They offer members a consistent routine, which builds a sense of purpose.
Participants also experience something more profound. They become part of a team. It breaks down barriers between volunteers and members, creating a community without labels.
Nathan, a board member and volunteer, shares his experience.
“At Circle Ups, you can’t tell who is homeless or not,” he explains. “We’re all teammates. The labels disappear.”
This sense of belonging motivates members to keep going. It also inspires volunteers who witness the resilience and potential of their teammates. This mutual respect strengthens the entire community.
Volunteers play an essential role. They join morning activities, teach workshops, and provide mentorship. Their support helps members feel valued and connected.
The holistic approach ensures that progress lasts. BoMF doesn’t stop at fitness or employment. Members gain tools for long-term independence and self-sufficiency.
These include financial literacy and goal-setting skills. Members learn to budget, save, and plan for the future. The confidence gained from running translates to other areas of life.
For example, running their first mile shows members they can overcome challenges. This belief carries over into job interviews and workplace success. Small victories lead to significant transformations.
BoMF’s model also improves physical health, which supports long-term success. Studies show group activities improve mental and physical well-being, and BoMF’s results confirm this.
Many members share their success stories. Some return as volunteers, eager to give back; others inspire new participants to believe in themselves.
The program also benefits volunteers. By engaging directly with members, they gain a deeper understanding of homelessness. This perspective fosters empathy and compassion.
BoMF’s work challenges common misconceptions. Homelessness isn’t just about lacking housing. It involves barriers like poor health, unemployment, and a loss of self-worth.
By addressing these issues holistically, the organization creates lasting change. It doesn’t just provide temporary solutions. Instead, it builds pathways to independence and stability.
The impact extends beyond individuals. Communities grow stronger when members overcome barriers. Volunteers carry lessons of understanding into their lives and workplaces.
BoMF believes in the power of people-first solutions. When members achieve what once seemed impossible, they gain confidence, which fuels their journey toward self-sufficiency.
The program’s ripple effects are evident. Participants become more than individuals reclaiming their lives. They become examples of resilience and hope.
Back on My Feet also partners with companies to expand its impact. Corporate sponsors provide funding and employment opportunities. Their involvement connects members to real-world solutions.
The organization continues to revolutionize our approach to homelessness. Its innovative model combines compassion, fitness, and actionable resources, changing lives and transforming communities.
Getting involved is easy. Volunteers can join morning runs, teach workshops, or mentor members. Corporate partners can sponsor events or create job opportunities.
Every contribution makes a difference. Whether running alongside members or offering financial support, each action helps end homelessness. BoMF’s mission is one that everyone can support.
The results show what’s possible when communities come together. Fitness and teamwork build confidence and resilience, and resources provide the tools for lasting change.
Back on My Feet demonstrates that tackling homelessness requires more than housing. It takes empathy, support, and a belief in people’s potential. With these, true transformation becomes achievable.
Homelessness remains a challenge, but Back on My Feet proves solutions exist. By starting with small steps, they create lasting change. And through their work, hope spreads one mile at a time.