10/09/2026
Four years ago I met a man who came into my office, at a previous job I worked, requesting services for he and his brother. A food bag. Toiletries. A clothing voucher. That day was more than just a walk-in for services. Mr. Jackson became a friend. He and his brother were barely getting by on disability. Over time an eviction took place and they became homeless. He did not share this with me right away, but the moment I found out that he and his older brother, who could not even walk without support, when he shared with me they were sleeping on the ground behind a church immediately I reached out to my community and donations became available to assist them with an immediate move-in to a rooming house. They were able to rent a room. They were content. They were happy. They were safe. Over the course of time Mr. Jackson left his brother and moved in with a couple who he paid rent to. He was so happy. He was comfortable. Several months later he learned that this couple was not paying their rent and they were all being evicted again. A couple of months had passed where I had not heard from Mr. Jackson until one day I received a call. He was thrilled. He was happy. He was better than he had been in all of the time that I had known him. He had finally got approved for an apartment that I had told him about that he had signed up for months earlier. I assisted Mr. Jackson in locating items for his apartment. Food resources. Clothing, shoes, hygiene, Household items that people donated. At least twice a month I would here from Mr. Jackson about how well he was doing, how he enjoyed his view overlooking downtown Valdosta, how he enjoyed every month being able to pay his affordable rent, he was happy. Even when he was having his days of loneliness or when depression would try to overcome him- he would call me just to hear a friendly voice on the other end of the phone. He would ask how my kids were, how the outreach is going, he would call for just a few minutes just to say "Thank You for changing my life." He said "even when I wasn't calling, it was always you that got me through some hard times. You gave me hope, Ms. Felicia and I can never forget that." As much as I told him he did not have to thank me because it was people like him that actually kept me going, he still would find time to call and check on me and stop by the park to try and help set up or come get a hug or come by and grab a plate. The last time I spoke with him was on September 11th. It was his birthday. Only for less than three minutes. I was out of town. My daughter had just graduated from Navy Bootcamp and he called to congratulate her as well. He wanted to say thank you again and hear how everyone was doing and how the trip was going. Telling me for his birthday he was just grateful for just being able to have a roof over his head and a place of his own to call home. Every time we had plates to give out I would call him to come down and get a plate. This man kept me encouraged with this outreach just because of his gratitude alone. I called him the other day to let him know I had another event and some really nice men clothes I had just got in if he wanted to come check us out. No answer. Once I got situated at my event, I called again to see if he would want me to bring him a plate or if he needed anything. The answer on the other line was not what I expected at all. An answer that let me know he was no longer with us. That call had broke my heart and I have not stopped thinking of that call since.
I just really wanted to take a moment to reflect on his most recent years in the time I have known him. He had challenges, he overcame a lot. No one in this world is perfect by any means no matter what their economic background is or what their home looks like. When I say this man fought hard. He fought hard. He could have remained on the streets when he was evicted, but he didn't. He did everything I asked him to do. He checked every resource. He did not give up despite any battle he faced and he made a home for himself. A place to call his own. I will certainly miss him checking in, seeing him at the park. I just want anyone to know despite any challenge, any addiction, any depression, any situation...there is hope. Please do not ever forget that. Do not give up on yourself. Keep fighting and when you reach your goals, do not forget how hard you fought to get what you have. Remember where you came from and reflect in gratitude just like Mr. Jackson did very often. He was not just a client. This man was a friend and he probably gave me just as much hope as I gave him just because he fought and he was grateful for every single blessing he had. Thank you again and always to the donors who contribute to people just like Mr. Jackson because something as small as a microwave, a clean outfit, a home-cooked meal...it made all the difference in the world to him. May he Rest In Peace and I hope his story helps someone know not to give up hope ever. Even when you get knocked down, when you mess up, when you fall short, get back up and try again. Never give up on yourself.
