Inspired In A Political Science Class, Sam Green Walks Cross Country For Homeless Veterans

His Brookdale journey began after the COVID-19 pandemic halted his 2,190-mile hike on the Appalachian trail. The pandemic also forced him to temporarily close his popcorn business, as all the festivals, farmer markets, fairs and carnivals he sold at were closed in 2020.

On May 14, Brookdale student Sam Green along with his dog Taylor Ham set off on a cross country hike to help raise money to build a shelter for homeless veterans. 

Green aims to raise $25,000 by the time he completes his 3,000-mile journey from Sandy Hook to Los Angeles. The funds will be put toward the construction of “Jeff’s Camp,” a Barneget shelter for homeless veterans who are struggling with addiction or mental illness. 

Green, while pursuing a degree in political science at the College, stumbled upon his mission in the classroom. 

“In one of my political science classes, I had to write about a local current event. By pure chance, I ended up finding an article on Just Believe Inc. After reading about all the amazing work that they are doing for Ocean County’s homeless, I decided to make my journey less about myself,” Green wrote on his GoFundMe page.

In an interview with the Asbury Park Press, Green said he plans to reach Los Angeles by October. Since he begins his last semester at Brookdale on Oct. 20, he will start classes online if necessary. 

Green, an avid hiker with a lifelong dream of walking cross country, set off at the end of his Spring semester, equipped with a cart, camping gear, a blanket for his dog, food and electronics. 

In an interview with 101.5, Green said he doesn’t have a clear plan when he reaches Los Angeles, but he does plan to give his gear to the first homeless person he sees.