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| Homeless in NYC |
Last weekend, early in the morning, I called 311, then 911- as I got a bit impatient. There was a pile of blankets and I could make out a body underneath on the sidewalk on Broadway, close to Apple Jack Diner. Of course this is, unfortunately not unusual - wishful thinking - but the temperature that particular morning was below freezing in the 10s.
There were too many recordings (311) and then I numbed my phone by accident and initially did not know how to undo it.
Anyway, I then decided to call 911 instead for all I knew the person underneath might be suffering from hypothermia, etc. and need an ambulance anyway.
As I was making the phone call,
I detected movement and then saw the homeless person's face. I got a bit nervous thinking he might be angry at me for calling 911. It is known that many homeless people often prefer streets to shelters; many also have mental challenges. This was totally unfounded. He (Ash as I found out) was very mellow. He wished me a good morning. I did so, too. I asked him if he heard what I did. He nodded. I told him that cops may show up and that my intentions were good. It was way too cold for him to be outside. He nodded understandingly and said he had to be gone by 10am anyway, when the store opens. I bought hot coffee for him from the vendor on the corner who thanked me for doing this.
It is easy to get numb as we rush about. There are so many homeless people but for my own sake (selfishness can be a good motivator), too, I need to keep acknowledging them: a dollar, a banana, a bagel, some like petting Mowgli (who not too long ago grabbed a slice of pizza from the homeless lady, who thank god said she was done with it, and he could have it). Ash also told me he preferred hot chocolate. I have not been in that bloc for a few days but I will remember Ash. Ash is only one of 60.000 homeless people. I believe most of us know the homeless people in our neighborhood, the regulars:
