Jesse Vetter’s doctor lightheartedly said that he could run a marathon after his 14th knee surgery. Jesse took that literally and will be participating in the 114th running of the Boston Marathon this year.

He is running to support Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP), which provides an array of services to provide those in need with affordable housing in the 30 surrounding cities and towns of the Boston area.

We got further insight into why Jesse runs for this cause.

Why are you running and raising money for MBHP?

Not so long ago, I didn’t have a stable place to live. I kept a job and went to school despite staying on couches and sometimes outside, ignoring health issues and the need for better quality food–in short, surviving. I was lucky enough to have someone cut me a break and provide a stable couch to sleep on as long as I needed it. I was slowly able to pull my life back together, save money to pay for start-up costs for an apartment, and address some of the health issues that I had been neglecting.

I am here because someone took a risk and helped me get my life together. Someone said, you are smart enough to survive on your own and you are going to do good things in the world. When someone asks me why I am running for MBHP, the answer is now easy for me to articulate–the men, women, and children we help at MBHP deserve that same chance.

Describe a memorable training run.

I recently ran past one of the Duck Boat tours and had the tour guide say, “Here comes one of the thousands of people training for the 2010 Boston Marathon. Let’s give him and encouraging quack-quack!” That is why I love training in Boston–everyone owns the race and the training!

What is your best training tip?

Listen to your body and make sure you get your cross-training in. That is the best way to get to the starting line without injury!         

What is your best fundraising tip?

Have no fear. By asking people to donate, you are helping them become involved in something important to you. They may not be able to run a marathon but can help you to run one. You also give them a chance to create real change in the world when they give.

What has been the most difficult thing so far?

Tempo runs at 4am in all kinds of weather when I know that I have an 8 to 10 hour day of case management ahead of me. I use the time to think about the families that MBHP has helped to motivate me to get through the run and to the office.

 Jesse is about $1,500 short of reaching his $10,000 goal. He says, “Is $10,000 going to end homelessness? No, but raising $10,000 gives someone a chance to thrive and not be afraid of not having somewhere to sleep safely tonight.” With over a month of fundraising and training to go, we feel confident that he will exceed his fundraising goal.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jesse, and good luck! To read more or make a donation in support of Jesse, visit his FirstGiving page or his blog.