Nonprofit Group Helps Homeless Get 'Back On Their Feet' Through Running

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More than 20,000 runners will take to the streets on Manhattan for the United Airlines Half Marathon on Sunday.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond spoke with one group who is helping the homeless get 'back on their feet' through running and marathon training.

Back On My Feet recruits its members at homeless and transitional facilities.

"The philosophy was that running creates confidence, it creates motivation, and it creates a mindset that says 'I can do anything.' Development Coordinator Deb Brown said.

The charity provides financial assistance, but there's a a catch. Brown says recipients must run with them for one month with 90 percent attendance. 

"It is a high bar, but it's a bar that you will be held to in any job as well."

The group of people has 20 people running in Sunday's United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. Some are former addicts. others like Christina are transitioning out of prison and into a stable job. Christina joined the group after overcoming her addiction and spending two years in prison.

"I joined six months ago, back on my feet and one of my goals was to run one mile, and now I'm running like, six miles, ten miles," she said.

Christina never runs alone. The group has volunteers that encourage members going through a rough patch.

The half marathon is just one of her many accomplishments. She's also weeks away from getting her hair dresser's license.

"If I can do it you definitely can do it, you know," Christina said. "People look up to me. It's really, really a good feeling."