Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I'll keep it simple... I am planning(but not sure) since I'm homeless and still in the Deep South...since I don't have a job(or I.D.) to hold me down.... I was thinking of doing something absolutely insane... traveling to the west coast, and heading to California. I read about a man named Nate Dumm who did just that, and a few homeless people who hiked all the way to other states to pursue a better life. I got nothing to lose...except my life...so why not? I always said I wanted to see the country. It both terrifies and excites me. But imagine if I do survive and make it from Alabama to California.... Wouldn't that be a great story to tell? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 One of my sons is planning to walk from South Carolina to California nest year, setting out in February. He's researched it quite a bit, including on how to transport water in the arid west. I think he's crazy, but 20 is a good age to do crazy stuff. I've been thinking about walking part of the route with him, if he'll have me. I really don't think there's anything wrong with your plan, but I think you'd be better served by focusing on short term goals like getting your identity documents in order and getting a job of some sort. It's not entirely cheap to walk across the country, even on a relative shoestring. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 One of my sons is planning to walk from South Carolina to California nest year, setting out in February. He's researched it quite a bit, including on how to transport water in the arid west. I think he's crazy, but 20 is a good age to do crazy stuff. I've been thinking about walking part of the route with him, if he'll have me. I really don't think there's anything wrong with your plan, but I think you'd be better served by focusing on short term goals like getting your identity documents in order and getting a job of some sort. It's not entirely cheap to walk across the country, even on a relative shoestring. I know....but I'm 23 and it's a pretty good goal to reach. Oh it isn't cheap. That's for sure. Link to post Share on other sites
clia Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Maybe you should trek to New York first, so you can get your identification documents? Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 ^Great idea, except that's impossible. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 The NYC Vital Records office won't budge. Unless it's the papers they listed on their website, they won't take anything else. I did write a letter to the board and I got a response back. I was advised to seek legal help i.e. a lawyer. So I'm getting legal aid(low income) to seek out the problem. Why legal aid? The power of attorney is the only thing that can bypass the rules placed by the NYC HR Department concerning the retrieval of my birth certificate If a lawyer requests my birth certificate, they have to give it to them, regardless of the lack of evidence. I pulled out some medical records, high school transcripts, my social security card, and 10-15 letters of previous residence. That's all I've got. No bills(as they asked) in my name. Hope it works. I'm expecting contact from Legal Aid by Friday. If I am accepted, a case manager will be appointed to me. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 However, when I get my papers back, I will be needing to move to an area to find work and college. California seems far, but I'll put that idea in the backburner for now. I was spinning ideas on what to do next. I was running to you guys for review. A trek across country sounds fun though. Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 The NYC Vital Records office won't budge. Unless it's the papers they listed on their website, they won't take anything else. I did write a letter to the board and I got a response back. I was advised to seek legal help i.e. a lawyer. So I'm getting legal aid(low income) to seek out the problem. Why legal aid? The power of attorney is the only thing that can bypass the rules placed by the NYC HR Department concerning the retrieval of my birth certificate If a lawyer requests my birth certificate, they have to give it to them, regardless of the lack of evidence. I pulled out some medical records, high school transcripts, my social security card, and 10-15 letters of previous residence. That's all I've got. No bills(as they asked) in my name. Hope it works. I'm expecting contact from Legal Aid by Friday. If I am accepted, a case manager will be appointed to me. Does the attorney have to be licensed in New York? If not, I'd be happy to do a little Pro Bono. 6 Link to post Share on other sites
gaius Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I'm not sure exactly what you mean by being homeless, if you're actually sleeping on the street at night or have a friends house to crash at, but if you don't have the funds saved for a trip like that and you haven't experienced the true transient lifestyle before I suggest you get a taste before you set out. I'm pretty cheap when I travel and sometimes I've gotten stuck on an unplanned overnight somewhere where the station actually closes and I end up hanging out on the street all night. It's certainly something not for everyone. Generally by the time a few hours pass almost every other person who had the same idea breaks and wanders off to find a hotel. And that didn't even include having to beg for your food. Just not having a place to wash up and take a shower can be very disconcerting to a lot of people. Just make sure you know exactly what you're in for before you commit. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 Does the attorney have to be licensed in New York? If not, I'd be happy to do a little Pro Bono. As far as I know, no. So you're clear for take-off! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 (edited) I'm not sure exactly what you mean by being homeless, if you're actually sleeping on the street at night or have a friends house to crash at, but if you don't have the funds saved for a trip like that and you haven't experienced the true transient lifestyle before I suggest you get a taste before you set out. I'm pretty cheap when I travel and sometimes I've gotten stuck on an unplanned overnight somewhere where the station actually closes and I end up hanging out on the street all night. It's certainly something not for everyone. Generally by the time a few hours pass almost every other person who had the same idea breaks and wanders off to find a hotel. And that didn't even include having to beg for your food. Just not having a place to wash up and take a shower can be very disconcerting to a lot of people. Just make sure you know exactly what you're in for before you commit. Let me explain one of the other reasons I left. My mother and I, a few months ago, were talking about what would happen to her house if she died. There are currently 6 people living in the house... Not a single one of them work, even if all of them have ID. My mother and my older brother are both retired, everyone else has ID and job experience. They just turn down jobs in town because it doesn't pay well. My mother is getting sick. My sister's death isn't making it any better. What happens if mom dies? What happens to the house if there is no one working? No bills to be paid? No food? No electricity or water... Judging by my mother's condition, that time may come sooner than ever. In all actuality, I didn't have much of a choice but to try to leave home and make it, because sooner or later, that's exactly what I would have to deal with. I'm aware that homelessness sucks. I know...and it BITES...but a lot of people I see out here are in the same, if not worse, situation, and lemme tell you, it SUCKS. Just ask these folks http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26058747/without-id-many-homeless-are-unable-to-get-help-or-into-shelters Edited October 6, 2014 by Natsu21 Link to post Share on other sites
M30USA Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 My brother hiked across the entire country from Delaware to California. It took him 16 months. There is a combination of various trails all connected into what is called the American Discovery Trail. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 ^Once I take care of my business, I think I'll gather some cash and take a cross country trip. But business first. Cause this ain't gonna be cheap. However, my question is...if you had a chance to "walk" across the country just to explore it, would you take the chance? Link to post Share on other sites
Candy_Pants Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Do it Natsu. It'll be an experience to remember. Up in San Fransisco I hear the homeless life is pretty good. Lots of people willing to help others. Just save up and buy a tent because it rains a lot. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Natsu21 Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 Do it Natsu. It'll be an experience to remember. Up in San Fransisco I hear the homeless life is pretty good. Lots of people willing to help others. Just save up and buy a tent because it rains a lot. I'll listen to the super attractive woman in the glasses. ^ For real though, I always had a sense of adventure. Life is meant to be lived. I have a few barriers I need to jump but I'm still young, I think I'll go see the country when I get the chance! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Candy_Pants Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I'll listen to the super attractive woman in the glasses. ^ For real though, I always had a sense of adventure. Life is meant to be lived. I have a few barriers I need to jump but I'm still young, I think I'll go see the country when I get the chance! If you stick to bigger cities it'll be easier to find food and shelter. THE FOOD NOT BOMBS MOVEMENT And if you do end up in San Fransisco: Curry Without Worry -Food Program for Needy Souls - Curry Without Worry (San Francisco, CA,Food Programs,New York Times,Homeless,Curry) Link to post Share on other sites
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