Sharon Strawn

My name is Sharon, and I’m a 56-year-old woman who has worked my whole life and paid my taxes, but after trying to start my own business and working two jobs, I found myself in a situation I never expected. When my business plans fell through, I lost my job and, after a year of searching and sending out over 200 resumes, I lost my home. Despite going door-to-door and taking odd jobs, I still haven’t been able to find steady work. It’s been a devastating experience, and I know I’m not alone—unemployment and homelessness are at record highs, and I believe age discrimination is a big part of why I can’t get hired. Hiking has always been a source of peace for me, especially during tough times. Two years ago, I started hiking to cope with depression and chaos in my life. A friend who hiked part of the Appalachian Trail inspired me to take on the whole journey. Now, without a job or a home, I can’t think of a better time to challenge myself and use this experience to help others. My goal is to show that people my age can still do incredible things, and to raise money not just for myself, but for others who are struggling. I want to help homeless and unemployed people get the clothes, transportation, and support they need to find jobs and get back on their feet. Thank you for taking an interest in my mission! I will continue to walk this trail as long as I keep getting contributions. Some of your support will help me eat and survive on the trail, and the rest will go to helping people who want to help themselves. I know how hard it is to lose everything, and I can’t imagine going through it without friends and family. Many people don’t have that support, and it’s a vicious cycle—without transportation, clothes, or a way to contact employers, it’s almost impossible to get a job. People are desperate to survive, and someone needs to show them that we care. We’re all Americans, and united we stand. Your support will help me, and others, get back on our feet and make our country stronger.