Raising Money for Byron Neal's Shoeshine Stand

Byron Neal has been shining shoes for 65 years-- since he was nine years old. He'll let you do the math on that. He grew up in Harlem, and has been in Park Slope since 2012. In that time, while being homeless, he's become a fixture of the community. Byron mentors and helps to support other homeless neighbors. He has organized drives to give them blankets, jackets, and boots. He also mentors them on their journeys with sobriety.

Byron's other name is "The Light on the Corner" because from his spot on 5th Avenue and President Street, he radiates light into our community. Like Byron says, "I've got a lot to give." Anyone who's talked with him knows how kind he is, and how lucky our community is to have him.

Byron is raising money for a new, custom-made shoeshine stand- the top of the line Collins Continental Shoeshine Stand. With this chair, he'll continue to deliver shoeshine services to the neighborhood at low prices ($5). But equally important, he'll continue to help make our neighborhood a community, with positivity, mentorship, and love.

Byron was originally opposed to a GoFundMe, wanting instead to raise cash from within the neighborhood. However, after his interview was shared in the Park Slope Together Facebook Community, and elsewhere online, many folks wanted to step up and donate via GoFundMe. So we've set this up! If you live in Park Slope, whether you are able to donate here or in person, please try to pay Byron a visit and say hello.

Due to an outpouring of support, we've increased our goal. Thank you to everyone who continues to donate. Any funds raised beyond the cost of the chair will be used by Byron to purchase new supplies (brushes, polish, etc), to pay for his storage unit where he stores his shoeshine equipment, and towards new clothes.

-This page was set up by Byron's friend Joshua Waterman, Park Slope Resident, who is making a documentary with Byron about his life.