A Nigerian-American and former Nollywood producer, Yewande Olugbodi Fagunwa, popularly known as Olori Wendy, has embarked on a tour of 48 states in the United States to campaign against homelessness.
Wendy, who once made her mark in Nollywood before joining the US Army, began the journey on August 1, 2025, from California in a rented car with the goal of driving across all 48 contiguous states.
She said the mission was not only about the drive but also to highlight the struggles of homeless people by living through some of their experiences.
“This wasn’t just about me driving around the country. It was about sharing the experience of people who live without a home, and giving them a voice,” she told The Nation.
During the trip, Wendy often slept in her vehicle, rested at truck stops, and used gym or truck stop showers that cost up to $18. She also distributed relief items and money to the homeless while listening to their stories.
Though delays meant she missed her target of finishing before her birthday on August 26, she eventually completed the tour of all 48 states. Hawaii and Alaska remain on her list.
“It all started as a dream. But the dream became a mission. And the mission is far from over,” she said.
