Family History Library - Home for the Homeless

There are many sweet stories that surface here at the FHL. The missionaries tell of a homeless man who came into the library to escape the weather and find a place to sit down and rest. He was dirty and unkempt. Someone who found his appearance repugnant offended him and told him he did not belong there. A missionary went after him and befriended him. He was invited to come back. Eventually this man was taught how to index, and over time, he indexed over 50,000 names! His appearance improved, as did his life.

Another homeless man found refuge and solace in the library. He was divorced, had a substance abuse problem, and was not allowed to have contact with his only child, a daughter. He began researching his family history and compiling records. He contracted cancer and continued to work at the library as long as he was able. He put all his genealogy records in a safe deposit box for his daughter hoping that when she reached the age of 18, she would be interested in what he had done and would want the records. He had no one else. He died, and only the Lord knows the outcome.

There is worth in every soul. No one can be forgotten.