Jack's Story

Jack Smith is single and 37 years old. Jack got into some trouble with the law and spent 18 months in the county jail. When he was released he found a job at Burger King in the Heights, and was roommates with a friend. However, his friend didn’t tell Jack until a couple days before they were supposed to move he had decided to live with another friend, leaving Jack homeless.

In June of 2009 Jack finally broke down and swallowed his pride and came to the Mission. He tried living on the streets for a couple weeks, but after being kicked out of the parks he had enough. It was a very difficult decision for him to come to the Mission, but he was happy in the end that he did.
 
Jack is trained in construction, but is having a difficult time finding a job because no one is hiring. He has even gone to Great Falls looking for work. Jack is a believer and joined the Living Upward program. Although Jack was born and raised in Billings, except for a alcoholic sister who also lives on the streets, the rest of his family has passed away. His sister hangs out at the Mission sometimes and comes for meals, but they aren’t very close. He also has not seen her at the Mission for more than a month. “We’re not close, but I still worry about her – she’s my sister.” He has limited resources and support systems in place. He works for Labor Ready whenever there is any extra work, but many days doesn’t have a lot to look forward to.
 
“This is the first time I’ve been homeless. Seeing how the other side of the track, the alcoholics and drug users live is a real eye opener for me. Living at the Mission has been a good and bad experience for me. Good because I’ve met a lot of people. I have a good relationship with Greg. Whenever I have a problem or just want to talk I come to Greg and he listens. Bad because I’m still here – I can’t find a job. I am very thankful and grateful to the Mission. Without the Mission I would be on the streets.”