A Soldier’s Road: Nigerian-American Journeys to Shine Light on Homelessness

For Nigerian-American soldier and journalist Yewande Olugbodi Fagunwa, better known as Olori Wendy, the road across America was more than a stretch of highways. It was a test of faith, resilience, and purpose — and the fulfillment of a dream that had lived in her heart for a decade.

On August 1, 2025, Wendy packed her rental car, mapped her route, and set off from California to see the entire United States by road. Her goal was to visit all 48 contiguous states within a month, a journey she had spent more than a year planning. But her vision was larger than simply marking states off a list: she wanted to call attention to the growing problem of homelessness in America.

“This wasn’t just about me driving around the country,” she said. “It was about sharing in the experience of people who live without a home, and giving them a voice.”

Life on the Road

To keep expenses low, Wendy made her car her home for most of the journey. Truck stops became her rest stations. Sometimes, she parked at 24-hour rest areas when truck stations weren’t nearby. On nights when the road felt longer than usual, she curled up in the driver’s seat, catching a few hours of sleep before pushing forward.

In four states — Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and New York — the soldier found comfort and warmth in the homes of family and friends. But for the rest of the trip, her rental vehicle was her shelter. “Sleeping in the car wasn’t always easy, but it was part of the story I wanted to tell,” she explained.

Wendy learned to stretch every dollar. She fueled up at truck stops to save a few cents per gallon and even picked up a rewards card along the way. For food, she relied on snacks she had packed — chips, cereal, and a Nigerian staple known as garri. As the days wore on, she allowed herself one purchased meal daily to keep her energy up.

Hygiene posed another challenge. A woman accustomed to bathing once or twice a day had to adjust to life on the road. Truck stops offered showers for $17 to $18, and her gym membership gave her another option when she passed through major cities. On tougher days, she made do with wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Storms, Setbacks, and Strength

The summer weather she had imagined — warm breezes, open skies — quickly proved unreliable. Driving through sudden storms, thick fog, and heavy rain, Wendy often found herself gripping the wheel in prayer. “I had to remind myself to stay positive,” she said. “Even when people told me to quit and go home, I couldn’t. I had come too far.”

Her resolve was tested further when her vehicle developed mechanical issues, forcing her to lose valuable time. Wendy had hoped to return to California before her birthday on August 26, but the delays stretched her schedule. Still, she pressed forward, determined to see her mission through.

Giving Back Along the Way

At every stop, Wendy carried more than her own story. She carried compassion. She handed out cash and relief items to homeless individuals she encountered, listening to their struggles and sharing her own experiences of living out of a car.

“Sleeping in a vehicle was symbolic for me,” she said. “It was a way to feel, even just a fraction, of what so many homeless people endure every night.”

A Mission Still Unfinished

Although the United States has 50 states, Wendy limited her road trip to the contiguous 48. Hawaii, set adrift in the Pacific, and Alaska, accessible only through Canada, will wait for another day. “One day, I’ll visit those two,” she said with a smile. “Then I’ll truly have seen all of America.”

For now, she carries the memories of gas station lights, rest stop nights, and the countless miles of highway that taught her resilience. More importantly, she carries the stories of those she met — reminders of why she began the journey in the first place.

“It all started as a dream,” Wendy reflected. “But the dream became a mission. And the mission is far from over.”