Homeless in NYC

Update I found housing trying to raise money for furniture

Thanks to everyone that has helped me through my bad times

Hi, my name is Mac. I’m homeless and live in my car in my home of New York City. I’m in an unfortunate place now and have to reach out to my wider community for financial support as I go through a frustrating process of searching for affordable housing in NYC. As a Black man with a Section 8 housing voucher, I face discrimination regularly.

I fell on hard times when I was hit by a semi-truck and could no longer work. I had surgeries to my hand, shoulder and knee, and I still need back surgery. Walking is difficult and I walk with a cane now. (On top of that, I had to have a salivary tumor removed and it has come back.) I got a settlement from the trucking company, but it did not last long, with medical bills and having to live in motels. So I now live on the street in my car.

I was able to get a Section 8 housing voucher, but even though my pro bono attorney said it’s illegal to discriminate against tenants on the basis of income, as a poor Black man, I face discrimination all the time. Landlords have taken thousands of dollars in application fees from me, looked over my application and said it’s all good, only to then tell me the apartment was rented (even when it’s still listed.) I’m not alone in this struggle — lots of other Black folks have the same problem — and I’m fortunate because I have an attorney, but so far it hasn’t changed the discrimination I face.

And it’s really scary on the street. Recently, gang members threatened me, chased me, and broke out all the windows in my car. Just this week, city police were going to tow me, but I begged them not to. I’m lucky that I bought a car before my money ran out. But it’s so uncomfortable being cramped in a car, not knowing where my next meal is coming from. I rarely have a warm meal—I eat sandwiches mostly. And until recently, I had no winter coat, no blanket, and no pillow.

I know lots of people are going through tough times, but I am so scared of ending up literally on the street, using cardboard to shelter myself. Every day, I feel like giving up, but I have a Twitter family that encourages me and that helps me go on. I’m hoping you can help me, too.