I Lost My Home, Now I Want To Volunteer In Every State!
My Travel Story
My name is Diego Alaniz, I'm 21 years old and I've always thought hobos were pretty rad!
Growing up, I fell in love with volunteering pretty fast thanks to my mom, being "too nice for her own good". She was the kind of person who helped whoever she could, picking up every hitchhiker she saw, and giving people without homes a place to stay and keep warm. In some cases, my mom would even help them get employed! (Wow, what a nice lady)
My last 2 years have been pretty jam-packed with volunteering. I've had the utmost pleasure to have served in programs such as AmeriCorps NCCC, All Hands And Hearts, and World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms!
During my time in AmeriCorps, I was able to grow much more as a person I think. Eventually, I landed on my very first-ever... goal. I always loved the idea of doing something great in the name of adventure and human kindness, an expedition or escapade of sorts. I want to be able to say I have spread joy and helped others, not only in my life but in my country as well.
I had decided I want to volunteer in all 50 states in the US.
Since this goal began, I have volunteered in 13/50 states so far.
This brings me to the main plan for this fundraiser (finally). On November 22, 2024, I unknowingly lost my home of 15 years in a legal battle. As you can imagine, it's a very long story. I am now currently residing with a friend but have nowhere else to go or to have belongings, furniture, clothes, etc. I've taken this curveball as possibly an opportunity to... "just get out there".
Many of my favorite songs have always sung out "the rich man took my home and drove me from my door and now I ain't got no home in this world anymore". Funny enough, now, more than ever, I can relate to these ballads of hobos from way back when. I think now is a perfect time to take inspiration from their stories and lend a hand not because I have to but because I want to.
With myself and little to no belongings, I'll make my way south until Tennessee then head west until California by any means possible. Circle back, and head west from Idaho whilst searching for work and other opportunities in each state I pass through. I provided an image that roughly outlined the route I'll be taking.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Updates
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Where I'll Be Staying:
Here's a photo of the cabin I'll be residing in after work for the next couple of weeks! I think it's got some real personality but unfortunately does not have hot water anymore due to this harsh winter bursting some components of the water heater. ?> -
First Stop, Missouri!
The first stop for this Volunteering Adventure is the state of Missouri! I've turned to Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) to help me in this endeavor and was fortunate enough to find a farm willing to host me for 2 weeks in southeast Missouri. I've been here for about a week now and am enjoying my stay as well as the work. So far, we've painted, done some demolition of an old farmhouse, hung drywall, flattened out a dirt road, worked on some HVAC and light installation, etc. ?>
I am grateful to be here and am looking forward to what the future has in store !
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Campaign Ended
$ 0 USD
Total Donation Received-
0%
Funded -
$ 4,568 USD
Goal Amount -
0
Days Left
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Cost Calculator
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Local Travel Expenses
$ 2,000
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Gas
$ 1,000
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Food
$ 900
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Clothes Wash / Shower
$ 150
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Camp/Emergency Fund
$ 300
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FundMyTravel Site Fee
$ 218
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Donor Rewards
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10 USD
I will make a video shoutout for you!
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