“Even before I was in the shelter system, I always noticed how many abandoned buildings there were. I didn’t understand how there were so many people sleeping on the streets while these buildings were going to waste. City government pretended it wasn’t a problem. In 2006, we partnered with the Manhattan Borough President to prove them all wrong. It was a lot of work for all concerned, but the end result was very successful. We had a good turnout of volunteers, and we found quite a few vacant buildings and lots. Now we have proof that neglected buildings not only exist in the city, but are a real problem.”
Leroy Parker
