Dear Family and Friends,

Since I last wrote you, I’ve learned that when I tell people that I’m running the Boston Marathon, a common reaction is “why would you ever want to run 26 miles?” Here’s why:

I am raising money for the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership(MBHP), a nonprofit organization that helps lower-income individuals and families find affordable housing, avoid homelessness and achieve economic independence.

My goal is to raise at least $5,000. With race day fast approaching, I’m getting closer. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. If you haven’t given yet, please do so. Your donation will support job training and other programs that help individuals and families stabilize their lives.

A woman named Fatme symbolizes what MBHP does every day. A single mother with an infant son, she stayed with her family for awhile but ended up homeless. Eventually, she found her way to MBHP, where she worked with a housing specialist on a housing search plan that included job and skills training, such as how to keep a budget. After four months in a shelter, Fatme qualified for state housing assistance and moved into her own apartment. MBHP helped connect her with emergency funds for clothes, furniture and household items. With a roof over her head, Fatme and her son are safe, and now she can take steps toward pursuing a career.  There are more success stories like this on the MBHP web site

In order to continue this work, MBHP needs your support. I can attest to this because I work at MBHP. Since joining the organization in Aug. 2011, I have been impressed with MBHP’s ability to help hundreds of lower-income families and staggered by how large the problem of poverty is. There were more than 15,000 people who experienced homelessness in Massachusetts last year – an increase of more than six percent from the previous year.  This is why I’m running. MBHP needs your support.

To donate, go to www.crowdrise.com/2012TeamMBHP/fundraiser/HannahLodi. Or send a check, payable to Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership or MBHP. On the check, note: Team MBHP, Boston Marathon, Hannah Lodi. Mail your donation to: MBHP, 125 Lincoln St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111, Attn: Development Office.

My training has being going well. I’ve been blessed by great weather and the encouragement of family and friends. My mother, father and friend Anna have run with me. I’ve made the 12-mile run from work to home several times. I have trained on Heartbreak Hill and have run 15 miles along the ocean in Jamestown, Rhode Island with my Aunt Paula, who is running the marathon too. In March, my dad, aunt and I ran Stu’s 30K – a traditional marathon tune-up.  Before race day, I will have done a 20-mile run.   

I’d be lying if I said running long distance is fun. When you have to run up a hill at 18 miles, it’s painful. What keeps me going is thinking about who I’m running for – people like Fatme who are trying to build a better life. Please help me raise money to fight homelessness. Thank you for your support. I will be thinking of you all on race day.

--- Hannah Lodi