Help Nova the houseless nomad get her musical home on wheels

Hey, I'm Nova Black. I'm a houseless nomad, musician, and artist. I'm 20 years old, and I've been living outside since I was 17—after I ran away for the last time and found my peace under the stars. Now, I hitchhike the country with a backpack, baritone ukulele, and my dog—and I'm trying to heal and learn about happiness through adventure, music, love, community, and freedom.

I occasionally make a little money by playing/singing original songs and covers with my baritone ukulele on street corners. Music and creation are my passions—and I've been trying my hand at video creation as of recently, which has also been a new source of income for me.

But most importantly, my music and videos are very fulfilling and healing for me. It makes me extremely happy to create art, and for it to be observed, absorbed, and bounced back in some way. Whether that be through inspiration, knowledge, or just appreciation. For so long, I've just wanted to be acknowledged for the little artsy things I contribute to this world, and I'm so grateful that I've finally gotten to experience that for the past few years now.

I have a few vague dreams. I want to inspire people who have also hit rock bottom in similar ways, and potentially help people see different ways to survive/thrive in this world where cards aren't always dealt fairly. I want to create music and art, and for that to mean something. I also would really like to one day have a home that moves with me—one that is no longer 60 lbs on my back.

I've dreamt of my “home” for a long time now, my home that runs with me. I never really felt “at home” growing up, and I had the urge to run and keep moving long before I had to do it. Back then, I didn't really know what “home” looked like, but I just wished to go and keep going; experiencing the world and finding my home and healing in some way anywhere and everywhere. Nowadays, in my head—aside from the beaches and hills I lay on, my backpack, and my dog beside me—my dream “home” would be a cozy van or bus. I dream about a warm bed in my running home that's truly mine. One I can wake up in peace in—and maybe even one that doesn't have to be put in a sleeping bag case every morning. I dream of a beautiful upright piano that somebody didn't want anymore, which I can play and make songs on all day long if I want, then take it with me to the next town. I dream of a small kitchen full of foraged goods and warm meals, which I can share with my dog, friends, and strangers all across the country. I dream of having multiple instruments I can play but not have to carry at all times, and I can just choose which one I want to take to street corners, leaving the rest in my home on wheels.

I've been on foot for almost 3 years now, and I truly am content. I still find sleeping under the stars to be a bit more healing every single day, and every new town I make it to is an accomplishment. I have a pretty decent relationship with my backpack, and my dog and I keep each other warm. But one day, I do hope to throw my backpack on the wall of a van I can call my own, and finally learn how to be at peace indoors—how to be at home while still moving and free.