living in a van, TRAVELING the country & Documenting STORIES
Van dwelling JOurnalist
The work of Humanizing Through Story has me on the road a lot. There are a lot of stories that I haven't been able to afford to tell because I can't get there. So I began to think and scheme, and this is where the idea of going mobile came to life. I found a van in May of 2020, already built out, and on June 1st, I moved into it full-time. I stayed in SC until August, and since then, I've been on the west coast in the Portland area doing journalism work around the civil rights movement here.
So, what is vanlife? It can be to simplify life, see the world, sad money, or get away from the norm. Break free from that 9-5 routine and live life differently. All those things appeal to me and are benefits of van living. Well… I already didn't have a 9-5 for 3-4 years. Moving into a van was more of a means to an end, giving me a way to save money and focus on capturing stories and advocating for people. Moving into a van has allowed and continues to allow me to invest in places all over the US and beyond. By going mobile, I free up around $500+ a month, which can be invested in documentary work, humanitarian relief work, and aid, and new journalism gear. In this stage of life, I'm not overly tied down to anything, allowing my work to thrive in a new way through the freedom of living nomadically.
The van in a 95 GMC Rally G Series and came with two 100-watt solar power panels, a bed, a kitchen with a sink and running water, a small fridge, two ceiling fans, and storage under the bed, sink, and above your head on both sides of the van. I have added shelving, storage, a collapsible desk, a mini mobile table, a rooftop deck, and other little accessories to make it more livable and usable. I’ve also upgraded my solar from 200 to 400 Watts and went from 1 battery to 2 batteries for the set up.
Living this way has taken away the option of a stationary job and forced me to rely on monthly Patreon donations.
I’m inviting people who support this vision and my work to consider supporting my journey and the stories of Humanizing Through Story. You can become a monthly sustainer and join PATREON (as little as a dollar a month) or make a one-time donation HERE on my website Venmo @humaningthroughstory / CashApp $yourstorymatters
WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?
South Carolina
I’ve been in Sc since May. Helped my parents retire, pack, and sent them off to WA to be close to the new grandbaby. I’ve been working shifts at my old coffee shop, Leopard Forest Coffee Co. in Travelers Rest, visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC, and documenting protests and other events around the state. Head to MN in August,
Back in Sep of 2021 I was a guest on Holly C. Priestley podcast. LISTEN HERE
VAN TOUR
COMING SOON
Needs, Repairs, & future build
LIST OF VAN REPAIRS NEEDED
AC Fix $500-$800
Future BUILD-OUTS
Lithium Ion Battery upgrade: $1000+
Add another solar panel (somehow) $250-$750
Standing Fridge / Freezer: $800+
New Sink: $200
New Propane Counter Stove: $200
OTHER PROJECT IDEAS
New Live Edge Kitchen Counter & Above Counter Sink
Fix Passenger Window Wiring
External Side Table
I’m also debating on gutting the entire van and doing a new build inside. The flooring needs to be replaced anyway, and that would also allow me to find and plug where water is coming in at a few spots, and give space to make some major upgrades to the layout.
To see the full “wishlist” of items for the van check out my GIFTFUL list
If you want, You can make donations to these projects/needs at Venmo: Jon_Stegenga
the newest upgrade. Bed remodel.
