It has been said before that the happiest individuals are not those who receive more, but give more. For Timothy Watt, 57, also known as Harry Homeless Hippie, raising awareness and helping others is among his top priorities.

Harry, who notes he is a veteran of the Marine Corps and a Shelbyville native, is currently on a two-year mission across the state of Indiana to change the way homelessness is regarded. After loosing his longtime job, Harry also lost his home.

Moving to Indianapolis, he spent time in a shelter there. However, he felt called to do something more, leading him to formulate a mission to raise awareness for the “homeless and hungry” throughout all of Indiana, one county at a time.

This journey has led Harry and his cart, fondly named Dolly, across 23 counties so far. He notes the reception he has encountered to his journey across the state has been incredible.

“The overall reception has just been totally, overwhelmingly amazing. I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started this… The way it has grown has been phenomenal.”

With only the possessions in his cart, Harry not only strives to raise awareness, but to give back to those in need in each county he visits. According to him, he gives a portion of all donations he personally receives back to nine charities in each county he visits. This list of organizations was researched by Harry prior to his embarkment on his trip.

“I don’t have any answers, but by raising awareness and getting concerned citizens who have the ways and means and voting power, I’m hoping to bring together a consensus of concerned citizens about the issues. I want them to realize I’m not asking for a handout for homeless, but I am asking for a hand up. The way things are right now, we are so discriminated against,” he stated.

Harry’s visit to Kosciusko began last Tuesday and will commence tomorrow. He noted he has had the opportunity to discuss homelessness and the needs surrounding the issue with Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, who took Harry to lunch today with Eric Lane of Fellowship Missions. Tomorrow Harry hopes to continue his journey onto Columbia City, noting if his prior transportation plans fall through, he will begin his journey to the city on foot on Wednesday. He will then proceed on to Fort Wayne, where he plans to reside for two weeks.

Harry notes that though he does not initiate conversation past a friendly, neighborly hello to those passing by, he is open to conversations with those interested in his cause and story. In order to allow others to meet with him, he actively keeps up a blog and Facebook page titled: Harry Homeless Hippie’s Hike to Benefit Hoosier Homeless and Hungry. 

Following the culmination of his hike across the 92 counties in Indiana, Harry notes he will take some time off before continuing any future endeavors. Though he has thought of possibly writing a book about his journey as well as continuing his hike across the nation, he states he has not made any concrete commitments at this time to his future plans.