National Nonprofit Using Running to Combat Homelessness Opens Doors on November 18
Press Release – San Francisco, CA (November 1, 2016) – Back on My Feet, the national nonprofit that seeks to revolutionize the way society approaches homelessness, will open its doors in San Francisco on November 18 to its newest chapter. The expansion will take place during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 12 – 20) and will combat homelessness in San Francisco through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources. The new chapter will debut with an inaugural run at Parisoma (169 11th Street) with Back on My Feet participants from partner shelters across the city from 7:00 am – 8:30 am PST on Friday, November 18.
Back on My Feet’s newest chapter aims to help San Francisco’s homeless community, which has grown to more than 7,500 individuals, the city’s highest homeless population in a decade. Expanding to San Francisco is the beginning of a growth phase for Back on My Feet and part of the organization’s strategic plan to expand to five additional U.S. cities and internationally by 2020.
“Homelessness is a critical societal issue that is alarmingly prevalent in San Francisco,” says Back on My Feet CEO Katy Sherratt. “Our goal is to enable positive change in the community and have a major impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. We are eager to join the San Francisco community in helping to tackle one of the city’s most pressing challenges.”
Back on My Feet recruits members at homeless and residential facilities and begins with a commitment to run three days a week. Through the help of more than 100,000 volunteers, donors and community supporters, the organization’s unique, running-based, restorative model demonstrates that if you first build confidence, strength and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead and move toward jobs, homes and new lives. Through the organization’s ‘Next Steps’ program more than 4000 Back on My Feet members have obtained jobs and homes.
Back on My Feet San Francisco is currently seeking seed funding to support the launch, individuals to join the local Board and corporate sponsorships for the organization’s first annual gala scheduled for May 2017.
Back on My Feet thanks Accenture, Ace Cash Express, AT&T, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Cigna, Ernst & Young, Marriott International, Morgan Lewis, and White Lodging for their continued national support.
Get involved and visit www.sanfrancisco.backonmyfeet.org to learn more.
About Back on My Feet
Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources. Operating in 12 major cities coast-to-coast, Back on My Feet recruits members at homeless and residential facilities and begins with a commitment to run three days a week. The second phase of the program, Next Steps, provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources. Since 2007, Back on My Feet has served more than 6,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and engaged more than 100,000 volunteers and supporters. Our members have run a collective 500,000 miles and obtained more than 4,000 jobs and homes. Every $1 invested in Back on My Feet returns nearly $2.50 to the local community through increased economic output and cost savings. Through our innovative program, Back on My Feet proves that there is hope, that individuals can achieve things they never thought possible and that there are people who will support them along the way. Visit http://www.backonmyfeet.org/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
