“It felt like I was in a revolving door.”

That’s how Gary describes his life before coming to Northlands Rescue Mission in late 2023.

At the time, Gary was bouncing between states, searching for a program that could help him get back on his feet and into housing. Prior to this, Gary lived in Montana. He vacated his rundown, dirty apartment building once it got to the point where he didn’t feel safe in his home.

Gary was counting on his security deposit to use toward another home. He waited months, but it never came through. That’s when he began looking for help.

Gary was a click away from buying a ticket to Arizona when he stumbled across the Mission’s website.

“I saw this place and read about it. I thought, ‘Well, I’ll try it,’” says Gary. “I’m glad I did.”

Gary arrived at the Mission with all his documents, ready to work. It was a recipe for success.

“I wanted a foundation, and that’s what I needed,” says Gary. “[The Mission] had a practical plan in place for getting housing. I came here and it took me two months at most [to find a home].”

Before long, Gary moved into a pleasant apartment complex in Grand Forks. Gary, who is 70, likes that most of his neighbors are around his age.
‍
“It’s quiet. There’s not all the drama and drugs or anything like that,” says Gary. “It’s my own space, and I have basically everything I need. The minute I saw the apartment, I knew I wanted it.”

To some extent, Gary misses the mountains of Montana and the novelty that comes with traveling. More than anything, however, Gary is enjoying the stability he has found in Grand Forks.

“I have peace and quiet,” Gary says. “I have a nice home that’s my own. And that’s as important as, you know, geographically where you are. Finally, I think I understand that.”

Now settled into his apartment, Gary stops back at the Mission nearly every weekday to volunteer in the kitchen. He’s made friends with the kitchen staff, who appreciate not only Gary’s hard work, but also his amiable, calm demeanor.

“I always saw where I could help out [at the Mission],” says Gary. “I like coming back here because it’s just good to have something to do during the day. I don’t want to sit there and watch TV all day. I want some kind of purpose.”

Gary is retired after many years of work in construction, logging, shipbuilding, and more. All he wants now is to live a peaceful and independent life.

As an outdoorsman, Gary is looking forward to exploring the paths and trails around Grand Forks when things warm up. Of course, you will still find him at the Mission on most days, giving something back for the opportunity that was given to him.

Friends, I want you to know how grateful I am for your part in this Mission. People like Gary come to us and are so close to the stable future they’ve dreamed about. Your donations, prayers, and support are the difference makers.

Thank you and God Bless,

Sue Shirek
Executive Director‍‍