04/06/2026
I am looking to see neat stuff, meet cool people, and experience this life.
I have backpacked South Florida and New England extensively. I have hopes of hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail this season and attempting a thru hike next season.
In my travels, I have observed that the unsheltered portion of our population is often regarded (by the majority of people) as an issue or thought of in a way that lowers their status and value as fellow people. Our unhoused population in the United States is made up of sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, uncles, moms, dads... People. Us. Most of the time, I don't think this something that is intentionally or consciously done. In some cases, it starts as an oversimplification of a very complex social issue. In others, people may have created an emotional distance from the topic because they feel there is little or no way they can make a difference. Some people may not have had a personal connection with being unhoused through either having the experience themselves or knowing anyone that lived on the streets.
A project has come to my mind that I am trying to bring together and make happen. I plan to do a series of interviews with people that are experiencing homelessness. The interviews are not going to be about what they are experiencing, but ask questions to get to know who they are. I want to help people that may not have any ability or comfort in approaching someone on the streets be able to get a glimpse of who this person on the corner really is. To help people realize that those people are us.
This page and it's companion sites on most all the other platforms are my attempt to capture what I have experienced. Help the world to see what I am seeing as I backpack the United States. This is something that I wish I had done a few years ago. I have met some amazing people and seen some beautiful things in my past traveling. These sites are my attempt to share the beauty and amazing people I meet in my future travels.
I have my sights set on the springs in Florida, the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Northwest, Wyoming and Montana...
If you have any location suggestions or questions please feel free to suggest or ask.
Also, if you have any advice on developing a brand idea like this, or how to more effectively share my experiences PLEASE let me know. I had an idea and I am trying to figure out how to beat implement it. I made a placeholder website that I plan on developing further as I go. I just need content. Lots of content.
www.maddaft.com
