Homeless but Hopeful
Donation protected
Under a highway overpass lives Ronnie Goodman, a 54-year old runner and artist who helped raise $10K for the homeless by running the SF Marathon last year.
He wanted to give back to the organization that helped the homeless, including himself. But he still needs a home.
Ronnie’s youth was lost to substance abuse and he spent time in San Quentin prison. There he discovered running through the San Quentin 1,000 Mile Club as a way to keep him focused and on track.
You may have seen Ronnie running in San Francisco and assumed he’s just another runner logging miles during lunch. Ronnie enjoys his runs, partly because he blends in – people don’t look at him as homeless.
Ronnie is on the list for subsidized housing and had an offer to live in the Tenderloin, but prefers to stay under Highway 101 where he won’t be exposed to bad influences.
In September of last year, Ronnie’s son, a student at the Community College of San Francisco, was murdered in the Mission.
Despite the hardships of Ronnie’s life, he says, "I feel like I found my purpose in life — to keep running, stay positive, and show all the love I can to the people in my situation."
Frank Ruona, Ronnie’s friend, mentor, and running coach of San Quentin San Quentin 1,000 Mile Club, inspired me to create this page when he said he'd like to ensure Ronnie found a good, safe home to call his own by his 55th birthday in July 2015. Right now, it looks like the Ronnie will be eligible for senior housing after his birthday through the San Francisco Department of Health but will still need to pay about $450-$750 a month.
For my birthday this year, my wish is to help out Ronnie. Instead of a birthday card, maybe you could donate $5 to Ronnie's fund. Or more if you'd like. Please don't feel pressured. I just wanted to provide an option to help out a fellow runner, artist, and good person. Thanks.
He wanted to give back to the organization that helped the homeless, including himself. But he still needs a home.
Ronnie’s youth was lost to substance abuse and he spent time in San Quentin prison. There he discovered running through the San Quentin 1,000 Mile Club as a way to keep him focused and on track.
You may have seen Ronnie running in San Francisco and assumed he’s just another runner logging miles during lunch. Ronnie enjoys his runs, partly because he blends in – people don’t look at him as homeless.
Ronnie is on the list for subsidized housing and had an offer to live in the Tenderloin, but prefers to stay under Highway 101 where he won’t be exposed to bad influences.
In September of last year, Ronnie’s son, a student at the Community College of San Francisco, was murdered in the Mission.
Despite the hardships of Ronnie’s life, he says, "I feel like I found my purpose in life — to keep running, stay positive, and show all the love I can to the people in my situation."
Frank Ruona, Ronnie’s friend, mentor, and running coach of San Quentin San Quentin 1,000 Mile Club, inspired me to create this page when he said he'd like to ensure Ronnie found a good, safe home to call his own by his 55th birthday in July 2015. Right now, it looks like the Ronnie will be eligible for senior housing after his birthday through the San Francisco Department of Health but will still need to pay about $450-$750 a month.
For my birthday this year, my wish is to help out Ronnie. Instead of a birthday card, maybe you could donate $5 to Ronnie's fund. Or more if you'd like. Please don't feel pressured. I just wanted to provide an option to help out a fellow runner, artist, and good person. Thanks.
Organizer
Kathy Johnson
Organizer
San Francisco, CA