How I joined the ranks of Brooklyn's homeless... NOT one of my life's great ambitions, believe me. I'm expanding this blog to include resources, solutions, and much more, and plan to collaborate with other homeless folks I've met along the way... the homeless population is far more diverse than popular opinion might acknowledge. Calling 311 for help is pretty much useless; I've found out more from talking to other homeless people over the past 6 months than from any other resource around.

Friday, November 16, 2007

temporary solution #1a

My surly and generally uncooperative ex has grudgingly consented to let me stay at his place for a brief period of time after I leave my apartment. I must need to have my head examined - he's hell to live with, which is why we separated in the first place - but if I can  manage to keep the sojourn as brief as possible, it's an alternative to a refrigerator box under a bridge or the shelters, and it gives me access to a phone and a warm place to stay, and a spot to stash some of my valuables that I don't want stuck in storage. And I'll be able to see my son on a daily basis. At the moment, he's agreed to one week, but I'm going to have to find a way to either extend that, or find other lodging alternatives - but at least I get to spend Thanksgiving holiday with my son.
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Check out my digital photography at http://picasaweb.google.com/emilyholiday/EmilyBrown; I also have a short slideshow video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4527071836788208173

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RESOURCES

This list will be updated periodically...


I've contacted the Public Advocate's Office (212-669-7250) and explained to the intake worker what was going on; they may be able to help me work more quickly through the maze of Public Assistance and finding a new home. But, of course, since it's Friday, I won't be hearing back from them until next week.

The Church of St. Paul (263 W. 86th Street) has an Urban Justice Center; call 646-602-5600.
They also have legal clinics in different boroughs.

Coalition of the Homeless has an automated information line at 212-776-2000, and offers a variety of services. They're located at 129 Fulton Street in lower Manhattan, near Nassau Street; they take walk-ins, but recommend that people be there before 9 a.m. because they can only see the first 30-50 people on line (first come, first served).

I wish I were a cat...

I wish I were a cat...
I'd have a better chance of getting help or "adopted"