Va. man walks around the country to raise awareness about homelessness

According to the latest stats from the U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development, there are about 550, 000 homeless people in our country, and one Virginia man is looking to help reduce that number by walking along the parameter of the United States.

Five backpacks, six walking canes,10 pairs of shoes, that’s what’s taken 54 year old Leroy Bailey all around the country by foot.

“I went down around Florida, around Texas, San Diego, up to Seattle, over to Green Bay, around the lakes, all the way to Maine, and down the east coast,” says Leroy.

Leroy says he’s been walking since June of 2014 and by Monday morning he had arrived in Salisbury. He tells 47 ABC, all 11, 300 miles have been for a good cause.

“I’m doing this to raise money, and build hope centers for homeless vets, I care about all homeless people, but vets come first,” says Leroy.

He tells us vets hold a special place in his heart because many of his family members served in the military. Although he hasn’t actually served,  he has experienced homelessness.

“Personally myself I was homeless 32 years ago, so I know what it’s like,” says Leroy.

He says back then, he struggled with alcoholism, but one thing that helped him was career building programs offered at shelters and locations were he stayed. Leroy says he wants to give back using the money he raises to fund a project called ‘hope centers’, which would be locations that offer services that help homeless throughout the country get back on their feet.

“Give them  opportunities to maybe learn a job skill, maybe learn some computer skills, maybe fill out a job application,” says Leroy.

Leroy admits it hasn’t been an easy journey,  he’s faced many challenges along the way.

“I sprained my ankle in Louisiana, got diagnosed with stress fractures in my left foot in New Mexico, had my backpack stolen in San Francisco,” says Leroy.

However,one thing that pushes him to take his next step is his passion that he hopes will bring him closer to ending homelessness.

Leroy plans on arriving back home to Virginia Beach, where his walk got started,  by this Saturday. He adds that he’s raised a little $9,000 since starting his walk.

For more information on how to donate to Leroy’s cause click here.