Irish comedian walking from SF to LA to raise awareness for homelessness

Francis Cronin hopes to make a TV show from his journey

Irish comedian Francis Cronin has embarked on an “epic” walk from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

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As if the 500-mile journey isn't daunting enough, Cronin will be "sleeping rough" the entire way and has packed only a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a cell phone for his California trek.

The Irishman, a former officer in the Irish Army who arrived in the US from Dublin four years ago, wants to raise awareness for homelessness and is encouraging his followers to donate to Homeless Health Care Los Angeles.

More than 35 days into his journey, Cronin announced that donations to Homeless HealthCare Los Angeles have surmounted $15,000, but hopes to see that figure grow before he finishes.

Speaking to InsideEdition, Cronin said: "The idea that people are out there long term, with no support system, no family, nobody checking on them. ... It's too dark to imagine the despair they feel on a daily basis.

"I'm not trying to be the big man on campus, I'm just trying to make a small, Francis-Cronin-sized dent in the homeless problem."

Online, Cronin explains that in addition to raising both homelessness awareness and donations, he wants to turn his 500-mile journey into a television pilot, and is appealing for donations to lighten the cost of production.

Donations on his GoFundMe for production costs are nearing to his goal of $10,000.

Cronin has been keeping his followers up-to-date with social media posts. Throughout his journey,  he's been doing comedy sets and is keen on connecting with strangers and experiencing new things. 

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The Irishman anticipates finishing his journey on January 29 with a comedy gig at Dynasty Typewriter. After the show, he’s inviting anyone interested to join him on the final hour of the walk to Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, where he’ll present the organization with their donation.

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