I was introduced to the New York City shelter system during the fall of 2003, namely Bellevue Men’s Shelter. Anxious but patiently waiting for a bed after reaching the final steps of the intake process, I watched people who came after me getting beds for almost 2 hours. I walked up to the window of the 1st floor staff office a couple of times to make someone aware only to be ignored, scolded and finally called a liar. I then saw a woman whom I handed my paperwork. I let her know of my unhappiness.

<strong>What’s your story?</strong> I’m a native New Yorker. I entered the shelter system in ’04, starting with Bellevue and then I moved to Bedford Atlantic. And after assessment, I landed in Pojamo House, a mens’ shelter, which lasted for two years. There, I was enrolled in the Teach Program, which was a job readiness program – it went through resume, dress, interviews etc. I was assisted with a job search in the areas of security and stock clerk.