Back on My Feet helps homeless regain their stride

Running has proven to have many positive impacts on mind, body and overall well-being. Knowing the positive impacts, Anne Malhum looked to running for stress release. On one of her runs, she ran past a homeless shelter and realized that this impact could also apply to homeless individuals. Back on My Feet was born.

Since 2007, the organization expanded to 12 cities across the country, including Atlanta. The Atlanta chapter was founded in 2011, after Back on My Feet saw an opportunity to revolutionize the way the city addresses homelessness.

“Back on My Feet com- bats homelessness through the power of running, com- munity support and essential employment and housing resources,” said Chrissy Vasquez, VP of Operations for Back on My Feet.

The program offers a sense of community to its members who were previously isolated by homelessness or addiction and allows members to have a support system as they take on independent housing and employment.

“When work i ng a nd talking with individuals who live or have lived in homeless facilities, we found there was something missing that was hindering these individuals from feeling motivated and supported to get back on their feet. Back on My Feet aims to serve as that missing link in facilities that might not have the capacity to provide the community support and guidance that the homeless need on their journey to independence,” added Vasquez.

Eliyah Hamner was supported by Back on My Feet and sits on the associate board to continue giving back.

“It’s hard to explain to you what the Back on My Feet community and resources can mean to a person com- ing out of homelessness or addiction. The organization believed in me from the moment I joined the program. They were with me every step of the way, from going on the first morn- ing run, to connecting me with Marriott and guiding me through the interview and employment process,” said Hamner, who now works with the JW Marriot.

Over 35 percent of the program’s members are veterans and some have college education, while others are working on their GED. Most of the members have families and over 60 percent of the individuals have children.

Raising awareness and funds for the organization is important to its mission. Back on My Feet will host a Treadmill Challenge on July 2-3 at the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo. The twoday run-a-thon will allow participants compete by logging miles on treadmills to raise money for the Back on My Feet program in Atlanta.

Community volunteers can also help the organization with its mission. The organization is always look- ing for volunteers to get out and run with its members three days a week, early in the morning or to serve on event planning committees.

“It’s inspiring to see the power that running and com- munity support can have on turning an individual’s life around. The program is also so much more than just run- ning. We want to make sure each individual is provided with the necessary tools to help them regain their independence,” added Vasquez.

Since its founding, Back on My Feet has helped individ- uals obtain more than 5,500 jobs and/or homes.

CONTRIBUTED Back on My Feet, founded by Anne Malhum in 2007, uses running as a tool to combat homelessness through community support and resources for employment and housing.