On Thursday, February 10th, our group was able to meet with Judith Mack. Judith is a learning specialist at LREI middle school. Surprisingly, Judith also knew Shams, one of the people we interviewed. Many people know him as Da Homeless Hero. She’s worked with him and very passionate about fixing the issue of homelessness in anyway possible.

During the beginning of the pandemic, the people experiencing homelessness, stayed at a hotel on the Upper West Side. Some people in the neighborhood were angry and even filed a law suit, so that they couldn’t stay there. People were very nasty and did not accept this. As soon as Judith heard about these people getting moved, she wanted to get involved. She partnered with Friends of Fidi and was able to get them to stay. While this was going on, she said “We need everyone to get involved and care.” She started giving out food, water, hats and other resources people needed.

We learned from Judith that “people experiencing homelessness were being treated as criminals even when they really aren’t. It really made me think that we all need to treat people how we want to be treated. This interview taught me a lot and was really amazing. We were honored to meet with her.

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On Wednesday, the 2nd of February, we were honored to meet with Shams DaBaron. Many people know Shams today as Da Homeless Hero. The interesting part of this interview was learning his experience. Normally, you’d learn about information on the topic, but because Sham’s experienced homelessness, we got to learn his experience and what he does now to help the issue.

Shams told us how he became Da Homeless Hero. He actually lived in a hotel once and because of the hostility in his neighborhood, he was gonna have to move downtown from the Upper West Side. People downtown worked with an organization called Open Hearts and luckily connected with Shams, and helped him throughout his struggles. Because of this organization and his perseverance, he now fights for people experiencing homelessness.

Something that stood out to me was how he gets his information. He told us that he read books that really inspired him to get his name Da Homeless Hero and ideas to help others experiencing homelessness. I was also struck when he told us our relationship with people experiencing homelessness had to change. We look down at them and do not see them as people, when we really needed to. He told us all they really want is to be seen. Smiling at them can really make a difference.

This interview was really important because it gave us an inside view from someone who has experienced the human rights issue we are learning about. His story was incredible and it was so inspiring.

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On January 31st, my group was able to meet with Nicole McVinua. She works with Urban Pathways and is the Director of Policy there. She has been working than for more than 3 years.

Even though there are multiple causes of homelessness, Nicole told us the main reason. The main cause of homelessness really is affordable housing. The cost for living in New York City is extremely expensive. We are so lucky to have a roof over our heads because many others lose their shelter, get robbed, and are living on the street. We are afraid of them, and look down on them but need to help them and see them as people.

Talking to Nicole was an incredible experience for us. We learned so much and we’re really inspired by her. It was so great to talk with someone who has helped to make progress on this social issue and who educated us on the topic we are researching for our Social Justice Project.

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Last week my group presented an overview presentation on our SJ topic. I wasn’t as nervous because I felt very strongly about our presentation. This was our first time talking out loud and informing everyone about the issue of homelessness. I think that everyone worked very well together and everyone in my group contributed. Here is something i shared about my topic after reading the articles, “After reading these articles all I want to do is help. We all walk by it everyday when we are going to school or just casually walking around. New York City is one of the most expensive place to live. When I see family’s, kids, begging on the street for money leaves a hole in my heart. This is an issue that needs to be worked on”.

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