Homeless Glacier Park worker finds help for the holidays

On Dec. 1, I became homeless. I spent the first few nights back in Whitefish where I have lived off and on since 2003 with an old friend and former roommate. He had family coming in, so when the first cold spell was almost over, I found a ride from Kalispell to Missoula with my dog, Java.

Since starting as a seasonal worker in Glacier National Park in the summer of 2003, I wanted to live in Missoula for the off season, thinking it would not be too hard to find work through the winter. This fall I made the move, and I could not find a job, not even at McDonald’s.

Having no financial resources left to provide adequate shelter for myself, much less my 10-year-old dog, I turned to the Facebook page of a nonprofit, AniMeals of Missoula. Knowing there had to be many caring, animal-loving people seeing the page, I posted a plea for a temporary foster home for Java, while I had planned to stay at the Poverello Center until I had a better solution.

By posting, I was only thinking of the best interests of my dog. I knew Java would not do well in a kennel-style environment at her age, and she needs human interaction.

Within 12 hours of posting, my plea was shared almost 200 times, and my email box had close to 100 new emails from people I had never met, from California to North Carolina. But most of them were from right in Missoula. One of the messages was from the owner of a local dog daycare — Missoula Pet Au Pair stating that she could take Java, and it was such that I would be able to come and see her, and spend time with her, so it was the next best thing to having her with me.

What happened from that point on is why I’m writing. In the past, I had spent several winters in Flathead Valley, struggling every year to find work. The members of the community of Missoula have shocked me with their kindness and giving spirit. I was a complete stranger, who the day before did not exist in their world. They opened their homes, their arms, and their hearts to a total stranger, who was devastated by having to part ways, even temporarily, with his best friend.

Julie Armstrong (owner of Missoula Pet Au Pair) met me to pick up Java at the Poverello Center, and since that day, has taken me under her wing. For the next two weeks, Julie and her husband James Stevens provided me with food, clothing, and shelter, and more importantly, friendship and guidance. I did not spend a single night in the Poverello Center… two angels took me in during a time of need, and lifted me up and brushed me off.

One of the other people who contacted me also offered a place to stay for Java and I, and since it was not on a bus route, her and her boyfriend readied a spare vehicle for me to use. Another dropped off an envelope with cash, from one animal lover to another. A few more dropped off gift cards for groceries and dog food. AniMeals sent over a check too. “Cindy” sent an inspirational book with a very nice note and some cash, from five states away. I never wanted donations, and it was very hard to accept the help.

I’m proud to say, 25 days later, with some luck and hard work, and with the help of the community, I am starting to get back on my feet. I have a studio apartment, and a place I can call home, with my best friend still at my side.

 Also, I have been a photographer for a long time, and not having a camera has felt unnatural. I was loaned a nice camera, and shot some photos of breaking news in Missoula. Three days later, one of my photos was purchased by the Associated Press and ran front page in multiple markets, and I received my first AP assignment the same day. True story. Magic happened in Missoula that week.

While I continue my search for full-time employment, I take temp work assignments through a local employment agency, and job search everyday.

In closing, none of this would have been possible without all the support I received from the community of Missoula and all people on a whole. I am so very proud of this city and state, and the people that live here, especially Matt (Java loves her Big Dog Ball Log!), Julie, James, Liz, Monica, Frank, Stephanie and Jeff, and I thank you all.

Thank you Montana, and Happy Holidays.

Stephan Ferry, sometimes of Whitefish, is currently living in Missoula with his dog Java.