THE STORY OF 'J'

Old man “J” shuffled into the mission on a cold September day in 2021, mumbling to himself.  His grey hair and beard askew, it soon became obvious he was hungry and needed a warm shower and clean clothes.

When asked his name, he gave three names and claimed to be near a hundred years old.

He had no Identification and refused (or didn’t know) his birthdate and seemed quite confused.

We did a COVID test and made him feel comfortable the best we could.

Soon, it became clear to the staff of the mission that he had some mental health issues but he was cooperative with mission procedures.  He muttered to himself and shuffled a bit, but seemed to get along with other residents just fine.

After months of trying to get an ID with no progress, we asked Behavioral Health for help… which languished and soon ground to a standstill.

Then one day, “J” was asked to leave for 24 hours because of an angry outburst with another resident.

We prayed for his safety and hoped he would find his way back.

A few days later, the police picked him up and brought him back, producing an identification based on fingerprints and an old photo.  Now we had a real name.  With his accent, we had an area in the U.S. which to start the investigation.

After some diligent research by one of our case workers, we were able to locate his mom, get his story and a copy of his birth certificate.  She had been faithfully saving his social security check, so now he had a bank account.

But he still denied his name, and preferred to be called “J”. 

When questioned he’d say that he is not “that person” even though we have the police and his mother giving positive identification.

With gentle convincing one of our caseworkers finally secured him a State ID.  It was a first step in getting him needed medical services.

Because “J” was in his late 60’s with some mental challenges and mild memory loss we were able to convince a judge to pursue state guardianship with the hope that they would then take over his care and find proper housing for him.  “J” has been added to a housing list.  We wait in hope.

It has been 2 years now, since “J” shuffled into the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. That caseworker who found his identity, checks on him still, though she is now at home - a caregiver for her mom. 

Spring comes again, and with it the hope that a place will be found for him.

Until then, the staff and residents of the mission will continue to love and care for “Old man J”.