Bright Spot: Boeddeker Trekkers Walking Group

Photo by Eirik Uhlen on Unsplash

This bright spot was originally published in the 100 Million Healthier Lives Change Library and is brought to you through partnership with 100 Million Healthier Lives and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Overview

Detailed Description

Tenants of four supportive housing sites managed by Delivering Innovation for Supportive Housing (DISH) in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco participated in a weekly walking group called Boeddeker Trekkers. Tenants were invited to participate in the program by word-of-mouth and signing up in their hotel. 22 individuals living in DISH-managed housing units participated in at least one walking group. 8 tenants attended all six sessions, and 13 participated in five or six walking group sessions. 14 participants completed both a pre- and post-questionnaire. Based on the enthusiasm for this pilot project, DISH has extended the program for additional tenants.

Expected Outcomes

Not all participants attended every session. Out of those who attended five or six out of the six sessions got to walk for 45 minutes each week, had a healthy lunch, and enjoyed the park.

79% (11) perceive the neighborhood as safe or very safe when walking in the Tenderloin during the day compared with 42% (6) before participating in Boeddeker Trekkers.

42% (6) had a positive change in their perception of safety walking in the Tenderloin during the day. 21% (3) had a negative change in their perception of safety walking in the Tenderloin during the day.

50% (7) perceive the neighborhood as safe or very safe when walking in the Tenderloin during the night, compared with 29% (4) before participating in Boeddeker Trekkers.

36% (5) had a positive change in their perception of safety walking in the Tenderloin during the night. 21% (3) had a negative change in their perception of safety walking in the Tenderloin during the night.

50% (7) responded that they will visit Boeddeker Park frequently, compared with 29% (4) who said they have gone to Boeddeker Park frequently since it opened in 2014 when asked before participating in Boeddeker Trekkers.

57% (8) showed an increase in the frequency that they plant to visit Boeddeker Park after Boeddeker Trekkers, when compared to the frequency with which they had visited the park since it opened in 2014.

Out of the 11 participants which identified personal goals met by Boeddeker Trekkers: 82% (9) - Got outside and/or to Boeddeker more, 82% (9) - Met new people, 73% (8) - Increased fitness level, 73% (8) - Learned more about health, 64% (7) - Became more involved in building's activities.

Evidence

Emerging bright spot (emerging evidence)

Key Lessons Learned

Some changes DISH staff would make for next time: A simpler version of the incentive program. Keeping track of attendance and incentive distribution for each person was time-consuming. Meeting more than once a week to walk. Several tenants would diligently come to every available opportunity. Tenant leaders at each site. Tenants who are most excited about the program will be able to keep up morale and encourage other tenants to participate. Increased participation from DISH staffers, leading arm exercises while walking or changing direction to break up the monotony of 45 minutes of walking.

Cost Details

Cost of incentives and lunches totaled: $3,375

Key Steps for Implementation

Identify walking route that will interest participants
Find incentives designed to encourage participation and to incentivize participants to meet their personal goals
Identify walking group dates/times; try and be consistent and aware of potential weather conditions
Promote program in residences and ask for signups to register; remind participants in advance of sessions
Each session: walk to park, walk for 45 minutes, enjoy healthy lunch, and learn about health; debrief after each session

Partnerships

None required. Coordinated with park staff.

Required Staffing (FTEs)

0.1 FTE for about 8 weeks (6 weeks of program plus planning and analysis of data)

Special Funding

A small grant was used to pay for incentives.

Special Infrastructure

Park with walking path or other route.

Incentives were purchased with grant funds:

Pedometer
Water bottle
Trekkers jacket
Walking socks
Walking shoes
Target gift card

Training

None for core program. Department of Public Health staff provided educational sessions on benefit of fitness, exercise, and healthy eating.

Types of Staff

For this program, staff volunteered to participate. Health educators came for lunch talks.

Return on Investment Details

There was no cost-benefit analysis conducted. Funding partner found the "lessons learned" to be worth the grant.

Outcome Measures

Perception of Safety (walking in the Tenderloin for day and night)
How often do you visit/will you visit Boeddeker Park
What are your goals for this program/What goals did you meet from this program?
Go outside and/or to Boeddeker more
Meet new people|Increase fitness level
Learn more about health
Become more involved in building's activities

Process Measures

Attendance at each walking session.
Qualitative input after each session from participants.