Becky Blanton

Becky Blanton is a writer, photographer, and former journalist whose career spans more than two decades in storytelling across newspapers, magazines, and independent publishing. Blanton has worked as a reporter, photojournalist, and editor for over 22 years, contributing to various publications in journalism and building a reputation as a versatile journalist. Her work has earned her multiple newspaper awards from Washington State, Kentucky, and Tennessee, including a first-place honor from the Society of Professional Journalists for a series on the death, homecoming, and funeral of a Marine.

After leaving her position as a newspaper editor, Blanton traveled the country, initially choosing a nomadic lifestyle to grieve a personal loss. When her freelance work ended and depression set in, her journey led to homelessness. This experience provided Blanton with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by America's working homeless—individuals who maintain employment but lack permanent housing.

During this period, Blanton's writing continued to gain recognition. Tim Russert selected her essay, "The Monster," for inclusion in his book, "Wisdom of Our Fathers." Learning that Russert discussed her work while she was living in a van marked a pivotal moment for Blanton, reaffirming her identity as a writer. She returned to journalism, resumed winning awards, and secured stable housing.

Blanton later won a competition organized by Dan Pink to contribute to the book "The Adventures of Johnny Bunko." The prize included admission to TEDGlobal, where she delivered a talk on her experience with homelessness. Her presentation highlighted the realities of the working homeless and challenged assumptions about identity and resilience.

Blanton has continued to write, speak, and advocate on issues related to homelessness, storytelling, and hope. She has ghostwritten for Fortune 500 companies and contributed to newspapers, business journals, magazines, and niche publications. Blanton has also worked on a book about how her dog supported her during homelessness, with proceeds benefiting The Humane Society. Her experiences inform her ongoing work as a voice on homelessness, resilience, and the power of storytelling.