VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – A local foundation is getting ready to host its 6th Annual White House to White House relay to bring awareness to the homeless and hunger crisis.

The relay, which starts in Washington D.C. and ends in Virginia Beach, is inspired by Jim White who operates the LIFT Fitness Foundation. White’s goal is to bring attention to homelessness so that it is not swept under the rug.

Students help the underserved get healthy through LIFT program

Whether an avid walker or more comfortable on the couch, everyone inside this gym is an athlete.

That’s because they’re all participants in the EVMS service-learning program LIFT, part of a partnership with Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studio in Virginia Beach.

The studio launched the LIFT Fitness Foundation to provide fitness, nutrition and job placement training to the homeless and those in need.

“We would hold training events across Hampton Roads,” Jim White says, “and people regularly approached us wanting to participate, but they didn’t have the money. When people are living paycheck to paycheck and trying to make ends meet, eating healthy and joining… read more.

Michael Lowder has gone from being homeless and unemployed to having a home, a job and a healthy lifestyle. He credits the LIFT Fitness Foundation with his transformation… read more on page 34.