What if America’s truck stops could become places of hope, safety, opportunity, and second chances?
In this compelling follow-up interview, Jeff Gould reconnects with Stephen Jelinek, a military veteran and self-described “traveling disciple” whose unconventional lifestyle and extraordinary vision challenge the way we think about homelessness, faith, and helping others.
Stephen calls his vision HWY-Heaven: a proposed nationwide network of truck stops designed to serve travelers and professional drivers while creating jobs, housing, and opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of incarceration, or rebuilding their lives.
His mission goes far beyond building another roadside business. It’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and giving people a chance to start over.
Jeff asks the important questions as Stephen explains his inspiration, the challenges ahead, and his belief that faith, determination, and a willingness to think differently can lead to meaningful change.
Their conversation explores highway safety, human trafficking, lessons from successful travel centers like Buc-ee’s, and the financial and logistical challenges of bringing HWY-Heaven to life.
In their previous video, Jeff and Stephen worked together to build a casket—an unusual project that introduced viewers to Stephen’s unconventional lifestyle. Now, the conversation turns to the much larger mission driving his journey and the people he hopes to help along the way.
At its heart, this is a conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, human dignity, and the courage to pursue a vision that could change lives across America.
Can HWY-Heaven help transform the future of America’s highways?
Watch Part 2 of Stephen’s remarkable story and share your thoughts in the comments.
Discover more stories with Jeff Gould: https://ilikethatstory.com
#JeffGould #ILikeThatStory #HWYHeaven #Homelessness #Veterans #Faith #Christianity #SecondChances #HumanTrafficking #TruckDrivers #Entrepreneurship #AmericanDream #InspiringStories #Storytelling #StephenJelinek #Veteran #Woodworking #Casket #GreenBurial #Nomad #VanLife #LifeOnTheRoad #Storytelling #LifeLessons #Faith #God