Woman walking to D.C. on behalf of the homeless

Ohio native Kim Denmark walks through the Upstate clutching an American flag as motorists pass by. She hopes the journey concludes in Washington, D.C., with a meeting with president-elect Barack Obama and other government leaders. Getting the attention of motorists as she walks along the roads of America has been quite easy for Kim Denmark during the past six years.

Already on her 21st pair of shoes, it might take many more for her to get to Washington, D.C., in time for the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama.

"A little more than two weeks to go," Denmark said, "I might have to get on some sort of plan or something to make sure I get there on Jan. 20."

Yes, there will be a celebration once she gets to Washington, but only after she makes her voice heard on behalf of those less fortunate around the country.

Denmark hopes to get the opportunity to speak with Obama and other government leaders about the rising homeless population in America.

She made her way through Gaffney last Friday on her way to the nation's capital.

After leaving her home in Dayton, Ohio, in 2003, Denmark has been to 16 states and logged more than 3,700 miles as part of her goal to bring about the "change" promised by Obama's presidential campaign.

"There is an urgency and an immediate need of help for working class citizens who can't maintain financial stability due to rising costs, job loss and threats of taking their homes," Denmark said. "Without a doubt this is a problem, one at the forefront of the many our country is going through. I believe if something can be done about this, others will follow."

However, it took God getting her attention for her to "get up and walk."

"I had a life-threatening illness, but the Lord gave me a second chance," Denmark said. "He told me to 'let them know I'm coming.' I didn't know what the Lord meant but soon He revealed it to me that this is what I'm supposed to be doing."

Leaving her home, family and business behind, Denmark has spent the past 80 months doing the Lord's work, being helped only with the help of volunteers and donations from miscellaneous donors along the way.

"I'm so impressed by what she is doing," said John Fields, one of Denmark's volunteers during her journey through the Upstate. "To do this is impressive, but with what's going on in the country as far as the economy and all, this is very important."

Along the way people will honk their horns in support of the effort, in addition to some asking for the Ohio woman's autograph. While Denmark loves the attention she and the cause are getting as a result of her journey across America, she also knows that the walk also has its struggles.

"There are times I don't want to walk, or times that I'm very tired. I also have those occasions where people simply don't like me or my cause," Denmark said. "But I know that I must keep walking. This isn't for me, but it's me doing my part to fulfill the Lord's will.

"We are his people, each of us… and I'm glad He is using me to get his message out."

After Denmark finishes business in Washington, she hopes to make her way to the other 32 states left in her walk across the country. She hopes the effort will eventually enable her to open a facility caring for the homeless and those lacking funds for medical care.

According to the Ohio woman, building the new medical facility would cost about $190 million.

"The Lord will make a way," Denmark said, "He's helped me this far and I know that this vision will come to pass."