By Rachel Lampert
The state of California is no stranger when it comes to homelessness. Unfortunately, many individuals are not kept off the streets. An Army Veteran by the name of Robert Brown was experiencing homelessness that spanned decades. His condition involved a damaged disk within his spine and nerve pain through to his thigh. Instead what helped Brown feel cured was a twenty-mile bike ride. This would involve those who are either once unhoused or still are.
According to LAist| CalMatters– Marisa Kendall, she writes. “Brown rides nearly every Thursday morning with a cycling program started by homeless services provider Father Joe’s Villages. It’s part of a handful of programs run by a variety of different organizations, all aimed at getting unhoused Californians — who are statistically more likely to have health problems — to exercise with a community.” This concept of bringing a variety of individuals from all over regarding taking care of physical health demonstrates the importance of exercise. Another example is running clubs such as “The Skid Row Running Club” which is organized in Los Angeles and helps those to conquer homelessness and addiction too. There are more organizations such as this that provide a warm and welcoming space for these individuals.
If you are interested in participating or finding out more information about these organizations visit contact@skidrowrunningclub.com and info@backonmyfeet.org.
References:
Back on My Feet. (2024, July 16). Contact us. https://backonmyfeet.org/contact-us/
Kendall, M. (2025, March 12). How California homeless programs are helping people get fit and off the streets: “It’s the bike.” LAist. https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/how-california-homeless-programs-are-helping-people-get-fit-and-off-the-streets-its-the-bike
Skid Row Running Club. (n.d.). About us. https://www.skidrowrunningclub.com/about-us#judge-mitchell