Homeless happens, says advocate

Jason McComb is hoping to change society's views about the homeless.

And McComb knows a thing or two about being homeless. He's lived much of his life on the streets, for one reason or another. And, like many other homeless, he has faced time and again society's harsh views on homeless people.

It's that preconception of the homeless he's striving to change, and he's doing it one step at a time – literally. He's walking across Canada, without any sort of support crew other than the buggy in which he carries all his possessions, visiting as many communities as he can, in an effort to tear down the stigma of being homeless.

He was in Sudbury on July 2, where he planned to visit the Big Nickel before making his way to Whitefish tonight. Then he'll continued west along Highway 17 toward Sault Ste. Marie, and on to British Columbia, eventually.

He has no idea when and if he'll get there, but he said if he changes even one attitude toward homelessness along the way, then it will all be worth it.

“It's been a hell of a ride so far,” he said, fully aware that there is so much more ahead of him.

As the owner of the non-profit organization Homeless Happens Helping Hands, McComb started his Walking in the Free World 2.5 journey in St. Thomas, Ont. on June 1. He hopes to be back home by October.

“I've met some phenomenal people along the way,” including film star Danny Trejo in North Bay, he said. Many people have helped him out by paying for his lodgings, paying for new shoes, for food or other items he might need along the way.

Trejo bought a GoPro for McComb to use along the way, and he's already tested it out. The videos will be uploaded to Youtube and then his website and social media sites.

To follow McComb on his journey, and for more of his story, visit homelesshappens.net. Search of Jason H. McComb on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter at @HomelessMcjason.