Couple’s Work to Battle Homelessness Honored with Champions of H.O.P.E. Award

When Jim White saw homeless people sleeping on the beach, he decided to help transform lives and overcome homelessness. He and his wife, Krista, co-founded the LIFT Fitness Foundation in 2000 with the mission to empower people in need and reduce homelessness. 

In the 25 years since, the foundation has served 500 Virginia Beach residents, and this year, Jim and Krista White were honored with the City’s Annual Champion of H.O.P.E. Award. 

“They embrace a holistic approach,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, in presenting the award during the State of the City address on March 12. “They don’t just feed someone in need or give them a place to sleep, they help them learn and get the tools they need to make their own lives better.” 

The foundation provides a 60-day wellness and empowering program, including exercise, fitness and wellness, for those who are experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse and more. 

“We lift them up, so they can go into the workforce and housing,” said Jim White, who is a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. 

With the motto “Giving Back, Making a Difference,” LIFT Fitness Foundation meets participants where they are, bringing equipment, trainers, instructors and dietitians to their location. A member of the City’s Helping Our People Excel (H.O.P.E.) Initiative, the foundation partners with local agencies to identify participants and connects with other nonprofit organizations and volunteers.  

“All of the volunteers that have entered our program realize that it not only helps others, but it changes their life too,” Jim White said. “The Champions of H.O.P.E. Award is the highest honor, because LIFT is such a passion program. To really see the change in these men and women is truly amazing.” 

About H.O.P.E. 

Started by Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer in 2023, the initiative was highlighted in the City’s FY24-25 Focused Action Plan, with the goal to strengthen community unity and well-being by bringing together individuals and organizations to learn from one another and share resources.  

In February 2024, the first H.O.P.E. Networking Event focused on health, wellness, housing assistance, financial literacy, job training, ministry, mentoring, arts and culture and more. In May 2024, Councilmember Michael Berlucchi hosted a H.O.P.E. Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair in which more than 85 professionals shared resources with the public.  

Save the date for the next H.O.P.E. networking event being planned for Aug. 11.  

Residents, organizations and businesses interested in learning more about the H.O.P.E. initiative and how to participate in future events can sign up at VirginiaBeach.gov/HOPE.   

• H.O.P.E.