A broken foot didn’t stop [lastfm]Jimmy Wayne[/lastfm] from crossing the finish line Sunday in Phoenix, AZ as the singer-songwriter–and now teen homeless advocate–completed the ambitious 1,700 mile journey he began on January 1st of this year. Jimmy arrived at his destination, HomeBase Youth Services, at 9:11AM PT on Sunday, August 1st, and just as he departed the Monroe-Harding Home in Nashville armed with supporters walking the first mile of the journey with him, he completed the mission in the same way: locking arms with supporters who joined Jimmy for the final mile of Meet Me Halfway. Read on to see photos and videos of his journey!

[photogallerylink id=24351 align=left]It’s been a long journey, often through harsh conditions, but Jimmy says despite the difficulty of the walk, he would do it all again. “This has been one of the most challenging, and at the same time rewarding experiences of my life,” Jimmy said. “I know that might sound strange, but it’s true. This journey has made me think back on the childhood I had – there were many nights I didn’t know where I would sleep, and had no idea if I’d have any food. Even today, there are kids out there facing the same problems—nowhere to go, no one to care for them. It’s just amazing that in this country child homelessness and hunger are still issues. If this walk has helped even one child find a permanent home with a caring family, it’s been worth every step. And if me doing it all over again would help another, I’m ready.”

Music is one of [lastfm]Jimmy Wayne[/lastfm]‘s great passions, but he has also committed his life to helping young adults who are experiencing the same difficulties that he faced when he was younger. He says that he can never forget what he experienced, and his committment is what drives him as he walks halfway across the country for Project Meet Me Halfway. He explains the story himself here:

Jimmy encourages you to get involved — in whatever way you can. Maybe you’d make a great foster parent. Perhaps you could volunteer to help kids in your community. And if making a donation is more your style, anything you can contribute to the cause will be helpful. Find an organization in your own community that helps kids at risk. Or text FOSTER to 85944. See Detroit Listings for aid to Homeless Youth Below!

Dr. Brian Allan opened his Mesa Arizona office especially for Jimmy on Saturday, July 31st, taking x-rays on both feet. Dr. Allan determined that Jimmy shattered the back of his right ankle, which is a very rare break that will take six to eight weeks to heal. Watch the video:

DETROIT LISTINGS for aid to Homeless Youth:

Covenant House Michigan Covenant House Michigan is a sanctuary for young people who have nowhere else to go. Most are victims of abuse and neglect. Their stories are heart-breaking, yet admirable. Our kids are survivors. Since 1997, we have provided help to more than 35,000 youth who often feel abandoned by those who were supposed to care about them the most.

Ruth Ellis Center Ruth Ellis Center is the only mission specific agency in the entire Midwest dedicated to LGBTQ, (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-atractional, Transgender and Questioning) youth. The Center provides residential and drop-in programs. LGBTQ youth need helpers and advocates who get “it.” We get it. We understand their needs and help them find pathways to safety and independence.

Homeless Shelters Shelter Hotline: 1-800-A-SHELTER

Counterpoint Runaway Shelter, 715 S. Inkster Rd. Inkster, MI 48141 (313) 563-5005
Food and counseling for runaway and homeless youth ages 12-17.

Edwin Danby Memorial Children’s Home 20775 Pembroke Detroit, MI 48219 (313) 537-2130
Food, transportation and counseling for boys and girls ages 7-17. Must be referred by MI Dept. of Social Services

Off the Streets (OTS) Male, 10612 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48214, (313) 824-0499, Mon.-Fri. 9-5
Administration: (313) 824-4520
Hotline: (313) 873-0678
Food, transportation and counseling for runaways (co-ed) ages 16-19. Parental permission is required. Transitional living is for males ONLY

Off the Streets (OTS) Female, 680 Virginia Pk., Detroit, MI 48202, (313) 343-0084
24 hour hotline: (313) 873-0676
Food, transportation and counseling for runaway co-eds ages 12-17. Parental permission is required. (18 BEDS)

The Sanctuary, 1222 S. Washington, Royal Oak, MI 48087, (248) 547-2260
Food and counseling for runaways and girls ages 10-17

Runaways RAP Line, (800) 292-4517

Please leave a comment below if there are shelters in your area that you would like to recognize. Thank you!