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 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 collapsable desk, a mini mobile table, a rooftop deck, and other little accessories to make it more livable and usable.
Living this way has taken away the option of a stationary job and forced me to rely on monthly Patreon donations.
Im 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 the PATREON (as little as a dollar a month) or make a one time donation HERE on my website via PayPal: Humanizing Through Story paypal.me/Jonstegenga via Venmo: @jon_Stegenga
WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?
IN THE PNW
Been in OR and WA since Sep 20th And will be in this area till the end of the year. Went to a Van gathering and music Festival already. Trying to connect to some old growth forest protection against logging actions happening Vancouver, BC.
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
Evaporator Core
Expansion Valve
Future BUILD-OUTS
Bed Extension: / COMPLETED
A second Lithium Ion Battery: $1000
Diesel Heater: $400 / COMPLETED
Water Heater: $500
OTHER PROJECTS
New Live Edge Kitchen Counter & Above Counter Sink
New Storage Cabinet / COMPLETE
Wooden Front Door Panels / COMPLETED
Fix Door Handle / COMPLETED
Fix Passenger Window Wiring
External Side Table
Bubble Windows
Fix door seals/weather stripping and leaky windows / COMPLETED
Roof Deck Chairs
*Building reclining wooden seat backs to the existing roof deck
If you want, You can make donations to these projects/needs at Venmo: Jon_Stegenga or PayPal: Jonstegenga@humanizingthroughstory.org
the newest upgrade. Bed remodel.
