Deputy Reunites Homeless Veteran with his Family
1,318 views · Published 23 August 2018 · 0:59 · Indexed 27 September 2026
Channel: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office · 2018 · People & Blogs
In 2016, we came across a man while on patrol, we will call him Mr. J. He was in the intersection of Westgate Ave and Congress Ave with a sign on his wheelchair that read “Air Force Veteran.” He told us that he lived in a shed and was disabled. He also confessed that he had been wearing the same clothes for several months and did not eat well. Moved by his story, we went to get him food and new clothing and began to think about a way to get him out of this situation. When we went to visit his shed, we discovered that it was falling apart. His living conditions were so bad, we contacted a few organizations and volunteers to help us fix it and get him ready for approaching storms. Mr. J lost contact with his family over a decade ago but remembered his sister’s name. With that information, we began the search to locate his family. On August 29th, 2017, we went to visit him because he was complaining of a swollen knee that was the size of a football. We contacted the paramedics and he was transported to the hospital. Mr. J spent 5 days in the hospital, but we were there to pick him up when released. We brought him back home and made sure he had everything he needed to get better, his medications and food for several days. Over the next two years and with the help of volunteers we helped provide Mr. J with food, clothing, and other life necessities, as we eagerly look for his family. Finally, earlier this year, we received a message from Mr. J’s sister, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. When we contacted Mr. J to let him know we had finally found his sister, he began to cry and asked me if she was going to bring him home. We told him that his family was planning to come to get him around July 10th and he was so emotional he could not speak. As the day approached he begin doubting that his family will come back for him. We had to reassure him that they were coming. Mr. J was sitting in his wheelchair under a shaded tree when he saw his family from afar. He couldn't believe his eyes. Deputy Robinson transported Mr. J to the Westgate CP Office where he was able to take a shower, put on new clothes, and cut his hair and beard before going back home to start a new life with his family.
