Support for NJ Veteran Facing Eviction

BOONTON, NJ – An 85-year-old veteran of the Air Force, John Walter Ferguson, is contending with the prospect of eviction from his home in Boonton, New Jersey. This situation has arisen due to complications related to his military service documentation, which were lost in a 1973 fire that destroyed millions of records in the National Archives.

Crisis Situation

Without official records to verify his service, Ferguson has been unable to access the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits he is entitled to. As a result, he faces eviction from his residence, with a court date looming on March 27.

Family’s Fight for Assistance

Ferguson’s son, John Paul Ferguson, has stepped up as his father’s primary caregiver, advocating for him in hopes of securing support from various agencies. Their efforts have been met with numerous obstacles, primarily due to the absence of the official documentation needed to affirm his military status.

Nonprofit Support

In a bid to mitigate Ferguson’s housing crisis, a nonprofit organization, Project Kind, has become involved. Initially, they assisted Ferguson during difficult times when he was living in a motel or his son’s van. While they managed to locate some service records, additional details about his discharge status remain elusive, hindering access to full VA benefits.

Voices of Concern

Ferguson has expressed frustration regarding his situation. He emphasized the importance of receiving the benefits he has earned, stating, I want what’s available. I want to take advantage of the benefits that are available to me as a veteran.

Community Response

In response to media coverage of Ferguson’s plight, FOX 5 reached out to federal representatives from New Jersey. Following this outreach, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a former naval pilot, directly contacted Ferguson’s family to offer assistance at the federal level.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs intervened by agreeing to cover Ferguson’s back rent, along with two subsequent months of rent, alleviating some immediate pressure.

How to Help

Project Kind has played a crucial role in aiding Ferguson and other veterans confronting the threat of homelessness. To support their efforts, individuals can visit Project Kind or follow them on Instagram at @projectkindcares.

For veterans facing similar challenges, New Jersey offers the Vet2Vet hotline, which can be reached at 1-888-838-7654 for assistance.

Conclusion

The case of John Walter Ferguson highlights the challenges faced by veterans who lose their service records and the importance of community support. As his story unfolds, the efforts of his family, nonprofit organizations, and local lawmakers showcase a concerted response to ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans are recognized and supported in their time of need.