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2025 Grants Challenge

Strides to Stability: Running Toward Change

This grant will fuel Back on My Feet’s transformative approach to homelessness, helping individuals access existing services while building a strong support network. Through movement, mentorship, and community, we empower participants to rebuild their lives with accountability, healthy habits, and personalized guidance. By fostering connections and providing pathways to employment and housing, we create lasting change—one step at a time.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Affordable housing and homelessness

In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Homelessness affects tens of thousands in Los Angeles County. While services exist, they are often fragmented, operating in isolation and making it difficult for individuals to navigate their path forward. One of the most significant barriers to resolving homelessness is the pervasive NIMBYism—the "Not In My Backyard" mentality—that perpetuates stigma and disengagement. Simultaneously, systemic barriers like racism, incarceration, and poverty further disadvantage those most at risk. True progress requires an individualized approach that empowers affected individuals to take ownership of their goals, make informed choices, and drive their own journey—not one dictated by broken systems. By connecting resources, fostering community engagement, and providing tools for self-sufficiency, we can create lasting change led by those striving for stability.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

Back on My Feet is transforming how society addresses homelessness by focusing on empowerment through movement, community, and opportunity. We work with individuals experiencing homelessness or addiction who currently reside in shelters and recovery facilities, providing a structured, a broadened network of support, and a pathway to stability.
Our program fosters accountability and connection through running and walking together 2-3 times a week, building confidence, community, strength, and self-esteem—critical foundations for long-term success. Beyond physical activity, we integrate workforce development, offering practical training and employment resources to help members achieve sustainable independence. We don't duplicate what's already being provided but instead, augment and support existing services to bolster overall support to participants!
We also help participants navigate the overwhelming maze of existing services—housing programs, recovery centers, employment assistance, and healthcare—ensuring they can access the right resources and make informed decisions. With this funding, we will expand our impact in Los Angeles County, helping more individuals achieve employment and long-term stability with existing facility partners while also working to broaden our reach to new partners, and thus more individuals- across the country.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

Our impact extends beyond individual participants. By fostering connections between shelters, recovery centers, and employment services, we help streamline access to critical resources, making systems more effective. We also engage volunteers to challenge NIMBYism, promoting a more compassionate and informed community that actively participates in solutions rather than distancing itself from the crisis.
With continued expansion, we will reach more individuals, helping them secure employment, stable housing, and long-term self-sufficiency. As more people transition out of homelessness, Los Angeles County benefits from reduced strain on social services, stronger communities, and a workforce enriched by those who have overcome adversity.
Over the one-year grant period we aim to increase our impact by a minimum of +10% YOY with the larger goal of building the foundation, during that year, to increase partnerships and build the path toward 25%+ growth in impact!

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 100

Indirect Impact: 300