South Side pastor reaches Pennsylvania in trek across America - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Pastor Corey Brooks, the South Side pastor attempting to walk across America to raise awareness of violence in inner cities, is beginning his third week Wednesday.

Brooks is trying to raise funds to tear down a dilapidated hotel and build a community center.

Right now, Brooks is in the town of Bedford in central Pennsylvania, hoping to reach Pittsburgh by Friday.

Brooks joined Good Day Chicago by phone Wednesday where he said that while his knees are a little sore, he's in good spirits.

"One of the things that I'm finding out is America is a very compassionate place. We're reaching a lot of people and talking to a lot of people and it seems as if every city we go into, once they talk to us and hear our cause and hear our story, they're more than willing to take us in," Brooks said.

Brooks says that during his trek, he and his team have arrived in cities late at night, not knowing where they would sleep. Fellow Chicago Pastor James Meeks has been following Brooks' Twitter account and provided Brooks with a place to rest his feet along his journey, giving him an RV in York, Pennsylvania.

Fundraising for the community center has been slower than expected, according to Brooks, but he says he's confident that the donations will pick up along his journey.

Brooks started his cross-country walk last week in New York City. He thinks he might reach Los Angeles sometime in October.

To follow Pastor Brooks' journey, visit ProjectHood.org.