Love Without Borders: How a Vintage Camper Became a Rolling Advocate of Presence
Guest Feature from Paige Johnston, Founder of The Boundless Trailer
If we were sitting down for coffee, here’s what I’d tell you. I was 18 when I started The Boundless Trailer.
I didn’t know how to run a nonprofit. I didn’t have a formal plan. I didn’t even know if people would take me seriously. But I had this ache in my heart—a fire I couldn’t put out. I wanted to meet people where they were, not just with things, but with presence. With love that didn’t come with conditions.
I grew up in a small, rural town raised by a single mom. We were always doing our best, but we lived in that space no one talks about: too broke to be okay, but just barely "too stable" to qualify for help. We stretched every dollar, and I watched my mom sacrifice everything to make sure I had enough. But it was never really enough.
That experience planted a seed in me. I started wondering:
What about the other families like mine?
The ones doing their best, but still drowning? The ones who fall into the cracks because of some line drawn on a chart?
And more than that—what would it look like if someone simply showed up for them?
So I bought a run-down vintage camper. Scrubbed it. Filled it with hygiene products, food, baby items, and clothes. And started driving. Our model is mobile because in rural America, support is hard to access. Services are scarce. Transportation is a luxury. So I decided—we’ll bring the help to them.
Everything we oer is free of charge. No red tape. No forms. Just love. Just presence.
What is the Boundless Trailer?
The Boundless Trailer is a mobile resource center and a ministry of presence. We serve anyone who needs a reminder that they matter—people experiencing homelessness, single moms, families hit with unexpected medical bills, individuals battling addiction or simply down on their luck.
It’s stocked with the basics—soap, deodorant, baby wipes, socks, cleaning supplies, canned food—but what we offer is bigger than stuff. We offer dignity. Conversation. An open door and open heart. Our goal is not just to meet immediate needs but to stand in the gap while someone finds their footing.
What fuels it all? Generosity. We’re sustained entirely by donations and by our for-profit arm, Made In His Image – Mobile Accessory Bar, where we sell handmade jewelry and custom hats that help people share their stories with the world. Every item sold supports the work of the Boundless Trailer. Every item is a conversation starter. A bridge.
Why we drove 8 hours to be at the Make-A-Day Pop-Up
When we found Make-A-Day, we instantly felt a connection. Their mission—creating space for dignity and joy through hospitality—felt like a mirror of our own values.
So when we were invited to their Columbus Pop-Up, we didn’t hesitate. We loaded the trailer, packed the snacks, checked the tires, and drove the 8 hours.
Because love moves.
And we will always go where people need to be reminded they are seen, worthy, and not alone.
The day was hot, slightly overcast—and absolutely beautiful.
It was the kind of summer heat that presses into your skin, where even the clouds can’t quite cool the air. But despite the sweat and sun, the energy was electric.
I remember two young men, barely 20, browsing through our clothing rack. One of them picked up a clean hoodie, held it for a moment, then looked up and said quietly, “It’s the little things that make you feel human again.”
That moment hit me hard. I was 18 when I started this nonprofit—still a kid myself—trying to build something that could help people just like them. And here they were, trying to survive, to keep their dignity intact, in a world that so often overlooks them.
That hoodie wasn’t just fabric—it was a lifeline. A small reminder that someone cared. That they weren’t invisible.
People arrived cautiously at first—scanning the setup, curious about the food, the music, the trailers. Then came the smiles. The conversations. The joy.
Volunteers offered haircuts. Guests picked out clothing. Kids chased each other between tables. And right in the middle of it all, people lingered. Not just to grab things—but to be together. To be seen.
One man walked up to our trailer and just stood there, quiet. When I smiled and asked how I could help, he said, “Honestly, I just needed to not feel invisible for a minute.”
That’s it. That’s why we do what we do.
What we felt—and what we’ll never forget
Make-A-Day created a space where people could show up as their full selves—no shame, no pressure, no labels. Just people being people, in community.
It reminded me that we’re not alone in this work. That there are others out there serving not just with hands, but with hearts. We weren’t just attending an event—we were building a bigger table, together.
We left Columbus tired, sweaty, full of stories—and even more certain of our mission.
A huge, heartfelt thank you
We want to give a huge, heartfelt thank you to Make-A-Day for welcoming us so warmly into their community and for the incredible work they do every day.
The dedication, kindness, and passion of their sta was nothing short of inspiring. Their commitment to serving with dignity and joy sets a powerful example, and we feel truly honored to have been a part of their event.
Thank you for creating a space where love moves—and where everyone feels at home.
This is bigger than a trailer.
It’s a movement of presence. Of meeting people where they are. Of believing that no matter how messy someone’s life might look, they still deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported.
To anyone reading this, I hope you’ll stay connected. Whether you’re in a city, a small town, or somewhere in between, there’s room for you in this story.
We’d love for you to follow along, support our work, or bring the Boundless Trailer to your community. You can also shop from Made In His Image, where your purchases do more than accessorize—they fund love in motion.
Here’s how to stay connected:
📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @theboundlesstrailer
🛒 Shop with purpose: @madeinhisimage.custom on Instagram and Facebook
🌐 Learn more or donate: www.theboundlesstrailer.org
📬 Partner or reach out: Paige Johnston, Founder - paige.johnston@theboundlesstrailer.org
We believe in loving without borders. Showing up without judgment. And building something boundless.
Thanks for sharing this coffee moment with me.
– Paige Johnston
Founder, The Boundless Trailer