We met JB outside of Bojangles, where we meet on Saturdays. He was having trouble standing, was very high and very hungry. He asked for food. We went into Bojangles and bought him a meal, sat down with him and learned more about who he is and his story. Over the next few weeks, we brought him food from a local food pantry, and took him to Oak City Cares to get registered for housing services. He agreed to allow us to take him to rehab; however, upon calling the different organizations, found out that he had been in rehab before and there were certain ones he did not want to go to. He agreed to voluntarily check himself in the next day. Unfortunately, that did not happen. We received a call about a housing opportunity for him; unfortunately, his phone number changed and we were unable to reach him at the time. At this point, he will have to re-register for housing services.
JB is in his 30’s and has a young son who lives with his wife at his father-in-law’s house. JB is not welcomed into that environment; however, he does stay in touch with his family through phone calls. He shared his desire to get better so that he could be back with his family again. We have run into him many times over the last 7 months and he is doing much better! We talk with him whenever we see him, to let him know that there are individuals out there that care about him and are rooting for him to get back on his feet and have the family and life that he desires.
It’s heartwarming to see him a month later at a bus stop and hear him yell, “Melanie – is that you? How are you doing?” – and then to catch up on all the experiences he has had since we last spoke!