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Running Towards Change: Mile in My Shoes

By Laura Ledray & Kate Makowski

Homelessness is an issue that is typically frowned upon, or viewed with a lack of understanding. For Mishka Vertin and Mike Jurasits, the disadvantages that people experiencing homelessness endure can’t

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Photo Courtesy of Mile in My Shoes



be overlooked. The two set out to enrich the lives of the community by offering an activity that strengthens the mind and body: running. Vertin and Jurasits are the founders of Mile in My Shoes, an innovative nonprofit organization that provides shoes, running gear, support, and training for runners who are experiencing homelessness.

After relocating to the Twin Cities from New York City, they decided to share their love of running and start their own organization. “We value getting to spend time with people who are not exactly like us. Running had really influenced us and made a huge difference in our lives,” said Vertin.

Mile in My Shoes, or MiMS, has runners from two shelters in Minneapolis: Higher Ground Shelter and YouthLink. MiMS hosts three morning runs a week throughout the year, and takes a break during the winter months. Resident members of the shelters who are part of the program run alongside run mentors, community members who volunteer with Mile in My Shoes.

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According to Vertin, the early morning runs allow community members and individuals experiencing homelessness to get to know each other by “becoming a part of the group and part of a community.” Vertin expanded, “To be able to bring folks together and help them make friendships with people for the rest of their lives has an impact on our runners.” After all, MiMS mission statement is “Running

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Photo Courtesy of Mile in My Shoes



Together to Change Lives & Change Perceptions.”

Vertin and Jurasits’ organization is making meaningful connections in the community, and influencing its resident members on a larger scale. Lifetime Runs’ Torchlight 5k is partnering with Mile in My Shoes for this year’s Torchlight 5k race. This alliance created FundRacers, a fundraising campaign to provide MiMS residents with quality running gear and the means to participate in the race. According to the Torchlight 5k website, the campaign raised about $5000 for the runners of MiMS.

MiMs gives new running shoes and other running gear to the resident members when they join the group. "We hope to bring MiMS teams to more shelters in the future, "said Vertin. To do that, Mile in My Shoes encourages financial donations. MiMS volunteers at running events across the Twin Cities to provide support to the general running community and to encourage more people to join their organization.

Though runners may come and go from the Mile in My Shoes community, the skills MiMS teaches stay with people for life. “Running is a great habit to pick up. You can take it with you wherever you go,” said Vertin. Wherever you may live, you can always go on a run.

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