“I am a woman, daughter, mother, and friend. I am a full-time student at Hostos College, teaching my kids and the youth knowledge. Hard worker, activist, writer, and public speaker. My kids and I were locked away in the shelter system six years ago. Mice and roaches freely use this facility to camp out and play. Mold and chipped paint behind the curtains of this nightmare of a place. Gun shots at night, cops invading our shelters frightening mothers and children with their aggressive behavior, guns, warrant letters and flash lights. Loud fire alarms go off in the middle of the nights, security banging on our doors, waking us up in fright after we tucked our little ones in bed and told them sleep tight.
After so long in the shelter with my two kids, it feels amazing to finally have a home to call our own. We feel free, at peace, safe, a sense of relief, and sanity. The shelter is for no human being and though I am out, my heart and my actions will be in the fight with Picture the Homeless – along with other organizations fighting for housing for all – until everyone is safe and secure. Housing is a right not a privilege.”