As we know, there’s a lot of poverty in the U.S. And while we have government and nonprofits helping those in need, unfortunately, sometimes it seems that it’s not enough. Still, not too long ago, we came across a story of inspiration. It’s a small window homelessness in America, running, and hope.
Francesca Weems made a lot of a deck stacked against her. Francesca was born in L.A., and in her first year, her family moved to Oahu. All they had were suitcases and a couple of bucks. Unfortunately, homelessness followed. It included shelters, sleeping in trucks, and begging restaurants for food. From the tender age of 8, Francesca went into the foster care system permanently. As she explains it, she could have ended up continuing the cycle of poverty. But, Francesca found support from tutors and people who cared for her. Ultimately, it propelled her to the top of her class when she graduated from high school.
Moreover, Francesca found solace in a sport that so many others find meditative—running. As she explains in the article, “Running was freedom for me. On runs, I would let my mind wander to a life that wasn’t filled with the amount of angst, disappointment, and abandonment that embodied my reality. When I felt doubted, I would run, and I always felt so much better afterward—I was able to show up as my best self.” Ultimately, she turned homelessness, foster care, and a hard life around. In the process, she found Jacqueline “Jacque” Woods, a social worker she met during foster care.
The Reality of Homelessness in America
According to End Homelessness, 171,670 people in families in the U.S. experienced one night of homelessness in America. 396,045 single individuals, 96,141 individuals, and 37,085 veterans experienced homelessness in 2019. Unfortunately, that means 567,715 people across the country. And, it represents every area of the nation, family type, gender, and racial or ethnic group.
Moreover, homelessness in America does have over-representation by specific segments of the population. For instance, between males and females, males make up 60% of the total homeless population. Individuals without any families represent 70% of homeless people. Families with children make up the remaining 30% of homeless people. Further, 37% of people who are homeless sleep out in the elements. And of individuals, 50% do not live within any sheltered environment.
How Sports Made a Difference in Francesca’s Life
We know that the national community of sports enthusiasts and runners care about our communities. As an example, not too long ago, we shared a fantastic story about a CrossFit gym that collected athletic shoes during the pandemic to raise funds for The Prosthetic Foundation. Even during a time of mass uncertainty for their gym, they found it within themselves to support a cause outside of themselves.
So too, did Francesca find solace in running and sports. As she tells it, she leaned into sports because her teammates growing up didn’t look at her as a kid who had been homeless or in foster care. They also didn’t care about her biological mother. Her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia before Francesca was born. Instead, her teammates cared about was being a team and winning. And did they do it well! Francesca was a five-time state champion in Hawaii.
Ultimately, that led to her getting noticed by the University of California, Berkeley. Francesca was so good that she was offered a full academic scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to attend UC, Berkeley. At Berkeley, Francesca competed in track and field as well as cross-country running.
What Happened to the Kid Who Turned Homelessness into Hope?
Francesca’s story is one of determination, discipline, and channeling the tough start, including homelessness and foster care. In short, she got in her childhood redirected. Running and sports were an essential part of her ability to channel that energy. Also, the love, encouragement, and support from people such as Jacque helped. Francesca now calls Jacque her mom. When Francesca was 14, and after challenging years in foster care, Jacque gave up her social worker career. That selfless action allowed Francesca to live with her as one of her children.
Francesca has made the most of her life from homelessness, foster care to becoming a sports broadcaster, and then a communications career. Today, she’s a managing supervisor at a global communications firm. Francesca oversees thought leadership platforms for C-suite executives from multi-nationals. She also serves on the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. As a young Black child, she found her foster care experience particularly difficult and is now an advocate and activist.
Although for many, it’s felt like the world has seemed dark, there’s light. You just have to look. Through sheer force and determination, many people, such as Francesca, have turned things around for themselves and others. Yes, that includes escaping homelessness in America. One of Francesca’s favorite quotes is from William Arthur Ward, “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” What are you doing to do today to be a better version of yourself and help others?
Want to do some good with your running sneakers and athletic shoes? Check out our Sneakers for Good program.
© 2021 Sneakers4Good. All Rights Reserved.