An Ohio woman has been walking across America for nearly nine years, bringing attention to homelessness and veterans.

  • Kim Denmark walks 10 miles a day
  • Denmark says she's helped get 600 families off the streets
  • Entire walk across America funded through donations

Kim Denmark said an epiphany led her on the journey.

“I left my business, my home, my cars,” said Denmark. ‘It was that profound, this impact on my life about homeless people.”

While walking 10 miles a day, she said she’s helped get 600 families and 1200 individuals off the streets and into homes by connecting them to agencies and officials who can help.

“I found out after interviewing these people that they were on drugs, heroin, crack cocaine, meth but they were good people. They weren’t always that way. They started somewhere," said Denmark. "The ones that donated and gave their life to this country are now sick. And we must not forget about them."

Now, 16 states, 29 pairs of shoes, and four flags later, she’s walking through Polk County. Next, she’s headed to Orlando, then Tallahassee and up to Tennessee, and eventually out west.

“Polk has been very good to me," Denmark said. "Very nice to me. Very cordial to me. Very receptive."

She said people have donated everything from hotel nights to meals to shoes and cash. Her entire walk across the country is funded through donations, along with money she’s saved up over time.

But her mission is greater than walking and bringing awareness to homeless veterans and their need for help. She said she plans to finish crossing the United States in three years, and then do even more.

“My ultimate goal is to one day have my own shelter. Many shelters across the country,” Denmark explained.

Through faith, prayer, and the support of others, she believes it will all happen, one step at a time.