Rachel Richardson has been  training hard to run the Boston Marathon on April 16. Rachel’s goal is even bigger than completing 26.2 miles, though — Rachel is raising funds in support FamilyAid Boston, a local nonprofit that provides families facing homelessness with shelter, housing, and hope.

2018 will be Rachel’s first Boston Marathon. Of her experience training for the marathon all while raising funds for FamilyAid Boston, she states: “This is also my very first marathon and I’m giving my all to help ensure I can cross that finish line. While there are so many great causes to raise money for, I chose to run for FamilyAid because I’ve seen homelessness impact my community and I’ve witnessed someone I love teeter on the edge of it, who had it not been for the generosity of friends and family would have experienced it first-hand while also dealing with a terminal illness. I’ve also seen the impact generosity can have and because I believe so much in the work FamilyAid Boston does, I am doing everything I can to not only cross the finish line on April 16 but to spread awareness about this important cause.”

Family homelessness is a growing crisis in our community. Due to stagnant wages and rising rents, family homelessness in Boston has increased 34% in the past four years alone. FamilyAid Boston provides shelter, housing, and support services to 280 families each day. Their goal is for families to remain housed and financially stable long after they graduate from FamilyAid Boston’s programs.

Through the John Hancock Marathon Nonprofit Program, and the dedication and support of FamilyAid Boston’s Marathon team, FamilyAid Boston hopes to raise more than $100,000 to create lasting solutions to the family homelessness crisis in our community. To learn more about FamilyAid Boston please visitwww.familyaidboston.org.

To make a donation to Rachel’s fundraiser please visit her fundraising page:

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/familyaidbostonboston2018/rachelrichardson7