"Where am I supposed to wash my ass"
It’s 25 degrees outside tonight, and while the mayor parties at One Vanderbilt, many New Yorkers find themselves in the streets, subways, or parks, trying to stay warm.
On Sunday, I met Laniaal Blackson, a 68-year-old New Yorker who usually sleeps in the subway until being woken up and told he has to move.
Laniaal saw me with my camera and asked me to take his picture, and he began sharing with me what it’s like to be homeless.
The First thing he showed me was a bag with soap and a washcloth some volunteers had given him, “Where am I supposed to wash my ass” he said, pointing out how many of the “solutions” our city has for homelessness are merely band-aids that cover up the problems without actually addressing them.
It began to snow as we talked, and Laniaal wanted to get out of the cold. He told me to follow him so he could show me where he sleeps. We crossed the street and went down an elevator into the subway. He began setting up right next to the elevator. As he did, I noticed an MTA worker sweeping nearby. I asked him if they ever bothered him and if this worker would make him move. He told me usually they don’t, especially since he tends to keep to himself.
He stacked three layers of blanket on the ground next to the wall to protect himself from the piss and shit people often leave on the floor.
Just as we were about to part ways, the MTA worker who was sweeping the station came toward us, and they started speaking. They learn that they were almost the same age and talked about how nearly everyone in the city is struggling, but no one should have to live like this. The worker shared a story of seeing a teenager sleeping on the floor and telling them to go inside and sit on a bench, so there’s less cause for removal.
No one should have to sleep in the subway or on the street. It’s terrible for them and the people around them. But throwing people out and tearing down their makeshift homes without a viable alternative helps absolutely no one. I have spoken to many people who have lived in shelters, and I have been inside a couple myself. The fact that many New Yorkers find it more appealing to sleep on the streets than to go into a shelter should tell you all you need to know about how bad they are.
I wish I had a call to action to finish this off, to snap our finger and just give everyone a decent ant respectful place to live, but alas it’s not that simple. The best thing I can suggest you do is be kind to people and if you can give them some money, and if you are going to give to an organization please really do you’re research and make sure they’re actually helping people and not just lining their on pockets.
Sleeping Behind The Bronx Zoo: Why Some New Yorkers Choose Streets Over Shelters
Homeless Shelter Executives Who Paid Themselves Millions
Man trapped for four days in elevator at NYC shelter run by Cuomo’s sister
Thanks for looking at this side of the story. Adams isn't helping anyone.