Partnering to improve health

People who are homeless are at a disadvantage when it comes to staying healthy.

"Access to health education, healthy food and fitness activities is limited, so it's difficult to learn about and establish a healthy lifestyle," said Crystal Frank, director of Our Saviour's Housing, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis that provides shelter and housing services for people who are homeless.

Our Saviour's Housing is teaming up with Allina Health to address some of these concerns. An Allina Health grant is helping to fund Our Savior's Housing's Lifestyle Lift-up, a health improvement program.

Allina Health is committed to helping neighborhoods and communities improve health by supporting local health and wellness activities, said Alison Pence, director of community engagement for the west metro area.

Activities include:

• closing a smoking lounge to create a fitness center
• limiting high-sugar beverages in vending machines
• providing bathroom scales for clients
• starting a walking program
• offering instruction on health and fitness topics
• encouraging staff to model healthy behavior

"We're working to create a culture centered on health and wellness," said Frank.

Donate

Donate new or used fitness gear, or volunteer as a health or fitness instructor at Our Saviour's Housing. Call 612-872-4193612-872-4193, ext 15.