Philly’s oldest known homeless man needs help traveling to his family — in London

Meet Sam Foster.

Having been in Philadelphia’s shelter system for eight years, the 85-year-old Jamaica native is the oldest individual in the city’s shelter system. Now, after years of searching for his family (with help from social service provider network Resources for Human Development), Foster has finally found his son.

But he’s in London.

According to the GoFundMe set up by RHD staffers, Foster needs $15,000 to get a visa and travel across the pond to his only known family. It could be the quintessential denouement to Foster’s story: The man has had “numerous health problems” in recent years and is ready to be with his family.

“I am a believer that family is key in support, whether it’s the one we are born with or the ones we create,” said case manager Sheena High. “If we all have the opportunity to reconnect to it, after whatever amount of time and after whatever reason that separated us, we should do it while we’re alive. This is Mr. Sam’s last chance.”