Fit Philanthropy: Running From Homeless to Hopeful

Three years ago, on the streets of Philadelphia, local resident and marathon runner, Anne Mahlum, would pass by a city shelter every morning on her daily workout. Day after day, run after run, she began to develop a rapport with the homeless men sitting outside on the corner. What started out as waves and smiles from a distance led to conversations and eventually an idea: Get these people running with her.

With a call to the shelter and positive support from the community, Philadelphia's first homeless running club -- Back on My Feet -- was well, up and running.

The first group run took place on July 3, 2007 at 6 a.m. Since then, Back on My Feet has grown to serve over 850 people (men and women) with chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Boston, with plans to expand to Chicago this fall and Dallas, Atlanta and Minneapolis next year.

"Every major city has a homeless problem and while providing food and shelter are very important basic needs, something is missing," said Mahlum, 29. "At Back on My Feet, we work to rebuild, revive and re-energize individuals. It is only when we have self-respect and self-confidence that we are truly able to move forward."

With group runs three mornings a week, this program teaches much more than endurance. Individuals learn critical work and life skills, including discipline, respect, leadership, team work and goal-setting. Through their commitment, members progress to advanced stages in the program that offer connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance. "Back on My Feet focuses on helping our members find a road of happiness, hope and opportunity," said Mahlum.

Growing up, Mahlum watched her dad struggle with an addiction, and running became her way to cope. It also became her way of helping her father when she came across the group of men on the street. "There are so many differences between all of us, but running reminds us just how similar we are. When we run, there is no separation between race, gender, age or socio-economic status."

Members start the program by signing a "dedication contract," then they run one mile. From there, goals are set and the groups compete in a 5K or 10K race each month. In exchange for showing up every day, individuals are given a group coach, a new pair of sneakers, race entry fees and an opportunity to get their lives back on track. Above all, Back on My Feet is helping these individuals earn respect, and it's changing the community's perception of the homeless.

"Like anyone, these men and women need a positive approach where they are valued and appreciated, not criticized or judged," said Mahlum.

Back on My Feet is her way of making that positive change. And as any runner knows, this sport is one of the most empowering activities there is. "It has taught me so much about life, especially the simple notion that to get anywhere, you have to take it one step at a time," added Mahlum.

Mahlum also said people learn to like themselves more. One of the many examples is a member, Kevin, who was in a crack house just 10 months ago. Since getting into a shelter and becoming involved with Back on My Feet, he has not missed a day of running -- or an opportunity to connect with himself and others. He has learned the importance of making a commitment and is now working and living in his own apartment. "As with anything," Mahlum said, "the first 30 days are the hardest. But through this program, people learn that when you make a commitment, you stick with it."

For anyone looking to help others with running or any other favorite sport, Mahlum said, "Just go do it." She advised making it a priority and not letting excuses about time or money get in the way. "What are you waiting for?" she asked.

To get involved with Back on My Feet, visit their Web site. To get inspired by what someone else is doing with her running, take a look at this story!