One of the biggest underlying causes of homelessness is mental health challenges. Since physical activity is proven to improve mental health, we are thrilled to partner with Mile in My Shoes, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that builds community and connection through running! Mile in My Shoes uses the power of running to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to build connections, boost wellness, spark social change, and center people traditionally excluded from running spaces. A group from the organization comes to the Mission on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Volunteer Run Mentors jog side-by-side with anyone from UGMTC who would like to run. At the end, everyone celebrates together. These men are given new running gear and incentives along the way as they commit to their physical health.

    

On Saturday, June 10, several of our residents participated in the Mile in My Shoes 7th Annual Downtown Run Around. Their training paid off as they ran a 5k through the University of Minnesota campus.

“Coming from an environment where you look around and everybody is getting beat up or stabbed, it’s motivation. I am happy that I have a second chance to live my life. To run today.” —Adam