Back on My Feet: The Philly-Born Charity Using Running to End Homelessness

Some of the best causes start with a simple idea: show up, lace up, and run. Back on My Feet — founded right here in Philadelphia in 2007 — turned morning miles into a nationally proven path out of homelessness, and it's one of the causes we feature in Pit Stops for a Purpose.

How Back on My Feet Works

Members experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction commit to running three days a week with their team. That consistency builds confidence, community, and momentum — which the organization then pairs with job training, employment partnerships, and housing resources to help members reach true self-sufficiency.

The Impact

The numbers run deep: 15,000+ individuals served, 10,000+ jobs and homes secured, an 83% employment retention rate, and more than 950,000 collective member miles since 2007. What started in Philly now operates in 14 cities nationwide. Back on My Feet is a registered 501(c)(3) (EIN 26-2109809).

Why Sniff and Shift Backs Them

We're a Pennsylvania brand, and this is hometown pride: a movement born on Philadelphia streets proving that showing up every morning — rain or shine, like every dog walk you've ever done — changes lives. That grit is exactly what our Shift Gears for Good garage celebrates.

How to Donate to Back on My Feet

Donate directly on their secure site: backonmyfeet.org/donate. Your donation goes straight to the organization — Sniff and Shift never collects or handles any portion of it. You can also join a morning run in Philadelphia as a volunteer.

Disclosure: Sniff and Shift is a for-profit business and is not affiliated with Back on My Feet. Details above come from the organization's public materials. See our Giving Disclosures.