Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Frederick: “Frederick.”
Steven: “Nice to meet you, Frederick . We’re here in Manhattan. “
Frederick: “Yeah, downtown. It’s where I’ve been staying for the last twenty years.”
Steven: “Twenty years? That’s a long time. How did it start for you if you don’t mind me asking?”
Frederick: “I used to work in childcare. I was a nanny for this family for eight years. They treated me like I was part of the family, but when the parents split up, they didn’t need me anymore. I tried to find another job, but I was already in my 50s by then, and people don’t want to hire someone my age. My savings is all gone and now I’m homeless.”
Steven: “I’m so sorry to hear that. It was out of your control and the sad thing I’ve been told from many of my interviews that homelessness can happen to anyone. It just takes one single unfortunate event for that person to be you, so that’s why everyone has to be more grateful and help out. those who are in need.”
Frederick: “I completely agree because my parents divorced and I didn’t really get a say in things. It’s their life and not mine, but it still affected me pretty bad. I went from tucking kids into bed to trying to find a safe place to sleep at night. I’ve always been independent, but it sucks that I have to rely on others. I’ve never been the type to rely on others so… yeah.”
Steven: “Did you ever try the shelter system?”
Frederick: “I did, but it wasn’t for me. The shelters feel more dangerous than the streets sometimes. People fighting, stealing, yelling all night. I stayed in one for about a month and ended up leaving after someone tried to take my backpack. Everything I have is in that bag.”
Steven: “Yeah, that’s another extremely common sentiment. I wish the city would do something about that…maybe invest more into them because they’re often overcrowded and lack employees. What did you have in that bag?”
Frederick: “Just the basics like clothes, toiletries, and a photos of the children who I used to babysit. I’m really bummed about losing that bag because that’s the only picture I have of them, and I only kept it because I hope that someday I can go back and take of kids again. Oh, they also took my sketchbook because I used to draw”
Steven: “I’m sorry to hear about the photo but I believe that you won’t forget about your passion for caretaking, and that’s all that matters. Oh, and speaking of your sketchbook, what do you like to draw?”
Frederick: “Mostly people. I sit at the park sometimes and sketch strangers. It’s funny, sometimes they notice and come over to talk. I’ve met a lot of kind people that way.”
Steven: “That’s amazing. Have you ever thought about selling your art?”
Frederick: “I have. A few months ago, a woman saw me drawing and bought a piece for $20. It might’ve been out of the kindness, but she insisted that it was my drawing and that was the first time I realized I could maybe do something with my art. But it’s hard. I don’t have a steady place to work or keep my supplies.”
Steven: “Your art must be amazing then! I can buy you some art supplies after this interview and you can make a side hustle from that”
Frederick: “That would be amazing. Thank you man.”
Steven: No problem! Now, what would you say is the hardest part being homeless?”
Frederick: “Everything. Everything man. The cold, the heat, no air conditioner, no heater, not enough clothing, people judging me, always looking for food, not being able to take care of myself. It really sucks out here.”
Steven: “Do you have any friends or someone you trust out here that can support you?”
Frederick: “There’s a small group of guys I stick with. We call ourselves “the night watch” because we take turns staying awake to keep each other safe. Out in these streets, you can never be safe if you’re by yourself. People here will rob you in the morning or afternoon. They won’t wait until nighttime but for those who do, they won’t hesitate to take everything from you. As a member of the night watch, we get protection.”
Steven: “That’s incredible that you’re looking out for each other. I’ve seen and heard about the dangers of being out during the night, so I can’t even imagine the fear of being homeless and having to live every single night like this, so I’m glad y’all have a community going on. “
Frederick: “Yeah, we have to. It’s scary out here. I’ve seen and experienced things I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but having that little group makes it a bit easier.”
Steven: “What’s something about your life that might surprise people?”
Frederick: “I used to sing. Back in my 70s, I was part of a jazz band called “The Bandit.” Me and a few of my buddies started it in high school and we played at small clubs around New Jersey. Those were the good old times.”
Steven: “Do you still perform?”
Frederick: “Not really man. I don’t got no instruments now, so I can’t even perform and it’s been way too long since I’ve last done it. Now I just draw.”
Steven: “What was your favorite song to play?”
Frederick: “‘Summertime.’ It was my mom’s favorite, and I used to sing it when I babysat… I never got to tell you this but I do have a daughter.”
Steven: “Where’s your daughter now?”
Frederick: “She’s in Texas. We lost touch a few years ago. I didn’t want her to know I ended up like this. I think she’d feel guilty, and that’s the last thing I want. She has her own life to live.”
Steven: “Don’t think of it like that. I feel like she would love to see you and from the conversation we’re having, I can tell that you’re a good person. You should reach out to her whenever you have the chance.”
Frederick: “I just want her to be happy. I made my choices, and I’m dealing with them. She deserves better than to worry about me.”
Steven: “At least make sure she’s alright. Check in on her and speak with her. You never know what might happen”
Frederick: “I guess you’re right man. I really do miss her.”
Steven: “Yeah, think more positively. You’re a great person so don’t downplay yourself… now, if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Frederick: “Thanks man. For the three wishes, first, I want to be part of my daughter’s life again and know how she’s doing because man… I miss her really badly. Second, I wish that my parents never divorced because I want to babysit again. I still miss it a lot and my final wish is that I would probably have the entire homeless problem to be gone because it’s tough being homeless. Nobody deserves this.”
Steven: “Frederick, those are some wonderful wishes and thank you for sharing your story I hope they come true.”
Frederick: “Thanks man.”
Homeless people never cry, until they tell you how hard their life is.
They don’t have anyone to talk to, so when they do, they let everything out. Absolutely shattered my heart
The fact that Fred used to sing jazz in New Jersey clubs is so cool. You’d never guess that just walking past him.
YeahI want to learn more jazz
what about like classical
Classical is cool too and I have to say there is a connection between jazz and classical. Most aspect of jazz can be rooted theory wise to Classical because a lot of it is found in African diaspora. Either way, they both are wonderful
Twenty years on the streets, and he’s still finding ways to create and help others. That’s something most of us can’t even imagine
Yeah, that’s amazing. We need more people like him
how come no one has yet to help him? 20 years is so freaking long… I’m turning 30 soon and that’s literally two third of my life. Probably multiple people have seen him struggling throughout the years and not enough of them bother to help him. What a sad world
I love that someone bought his art and told him it was worth something. That little moment of recognition must’ve meant so much to him
The “night watch” is such a powerful concept. Even in the darkest situations, people find ways to shine light and protect and care for each other
And creative! I’ve never wouldve come up like that
to me, it sounds almost childish but I think that’s what’s fantastic about it. It shows that they’re still young in their heart and how it almost sounds like a superhero group who protects people at night. The name itself speaks a lot about the members, and in this case, it sounds very cool 🙂
singing and art makes me think about how much talent and creativity we overlook in people
I can’t do either, so I’m always impressed when someone says they can do one or both. Very talented individual and I low-key wish I can see the art Frederick draws. I would pay for it just to help but I’m sure his art is great
His wish for people to see the homeless as people and not problems? That’s such a simple but powerful idea. We need to do better.
A common thread I see is that the homeless’s first wish is almost always for everyone who is homeless to have a home (or something along those lines) and it makes sense cuz they have first hand experience with being homeless
His idea of a home, which could possibly mean that his daughter could visit him one day really hit me deep. He deserves that reunion more than anything
“We all have a story.” That line gave me chills. I want to help him so badlyyy
Same 🙁
Frederick drawing faces to connect with strangers in the park? That’s such a beautiful way to find humanity even in the hardest moments
Yes!!!!!!!!! this part stood out to me because most people won’t struck up a conversation with homeless people, so in a way the homeless person has to try to strike up a conversation without trying to make the other person uncomfortable. I feel like drawing is such a good way to do so.
The fact that he doesn’t want his daughter to feel guilty says so much about his love as a father. He’s so selfless 🙁 I hope they reconnect
I was surprised to see that he has a daughter because he never mentioned it until the end and it’s very random
To me, it sounds like he’s embarrassed about it because it sounds like it was a last second decision and he shouldn’t be because I’m sure his daughter would love to know what he’s doing right now. Sounds like a great man. Wishing him the best
His line about losing her sense of independence really hit me because like we don’t know whats going to happen the next day
the lose of independence is a big deal for many homeless people because previously to being homeless, they probably had a lot of responsibility like jobs and a family and friends, but now they have nothing to look after or do
I used to be homeless and this is so true. I used to get so bored throughout the day so I would literally just walk miles around the city every single day. I’m glad Frederick found hobbies like drawing to keep him entertained
“Summertime.” Wow that’s really nostalgic. My grandma used to sing that to me too, so frederick’s connection to music and memories made me tear up. I miss you grandma
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Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed it and hope you continue to find the rest of my work helpful.