Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Aiyden: “Aiyden.”
Steven: “Nice to meet you, Jamal. We’re in Brooklyn, right?”
Aiyden: “Yeah, right on Midwood. Been here off and on for a while now.”
Steven: “How long have you been out here?”
Aiyden: “About five years.”
Steven: “Five years is a long time. How did it all start for you?”
Aiyden: “It started when I lost my job. I was working as a machine operator at one of the plants, and I really enjoyed my work there. They have good pay, benefits, and my co-workers were all…good too. i still remember when covid hit and they started outsourcing, I was one of the many people that got laid off. I did try to find other work, but it wasn’t easy especially because of covid and I’m sure you’ve experienced that before too. My dad got sick with covid, and I ended up spending most of my savings for him, but he passed away and at that point, I started drinking alcohol and I couldn’t pay the rent and so I lost my apartment.”
Steven: “Wow…I’m sorry to hear that. You’ve clearly been through a lot and covid was just such a challenging time and so many people are still struggling with it even though it’s been five years…What was your dad like?”
Aiyden: “He was everything to me. He raised me and my brother on his own and he had the biggest heart. He was always there for us, no matter what. That’s why when the doctor wasn’t sure if he was going to make it, I chose to keep him on life support, even if it means spending everything. I just want a chance for him to be alive.”
Steven: “I’m sure he was a great guy and must’ve very proud and appreciative of what you’ve done”
Aiyden: “Thank you”
Steven: “Did you try getting help when things started to fall apart? You mentioned you had a brother.”
Aiyden: “I did. My brother is also struggling a lot and so he couldn’t help that much but he did show up every day to the hospital. He has a family now and a small apartment so I’m happy for him. For the money, I went to the city offices, tried applying for housing assistance, but the waiting lists were so long. I tried staying with my brother but his family knew that they had no space and I knew that too and so I had to live in shelters and the streets.”
Steven: “What’s been the hardest part of living on the streets?”
Aiyden: “The cold, man. Winters in New York are brutal. I’ve spent nights huddled in abandoned buildings, just trying to stay warm. I’m from the South so my body isn’t used to these cold weathers even though I’ve been here for a while. I even got frostbite on one of my toes a few months back, but it got treated thankfully.”
Steven: “That’s great to hear. Winter here is seriously no joke. Do you have anyone you trust out here?”
Aiyden: “There’s a guy named Ron I met a couple of years ago. He’s like a brother to me now. We watch each other’s backs and we would add up our money after the week and see what we can buy with it, but we mostly just save up. We need that kind of trust if we want to survive but people can betray others so I gotta make sure that we’re cool with each other.”
Steven: “That’s great to hear and yeah, I totally agree with you. A big thing I learned from interviewing is how important it is to have people you trust…What do you do to pass the time?”
Aiyden: “I read. I go down to libraries and just read and the time just flies by. I can sit in there for hours and whoosh time just goes by. I’m a big fan of science fiction like Isaac Asimov, Octavia Butler, stuff like that. I wish I had gotten into those books earlier because if I did, maybe I would’ve gotten another job, but I’m glad I found it now because it makes me forget my pain, even if it’s just for a little while.”
Steven: “That’s amazing. Do you ever think about writing your own science fiction books?”
Aiyden: “I’ve thought about it. I’ve even scribbled down a few ideas in an old notebook I carry. I have this one story about a city where the people living underground are actually the ones holding it all together, but no one on the surface realizes it. Kind of like how it feels out here sometimes.”
Steven: “That’s a powerful metaphor. I think you’ve got a book worth writing.”
Aiyden: “Maybe. One day. Right now, I’m just trying to get through the next day.”
Steven: “How do you survive day to day?”
Aiyden: “I do a little bit of everything. Scrap metal, odd jobs. I’m not proud of it, but I do what I have to. I’m just trying to get enough to eat and maybe save a little to get back on my feet.”
Steven: “You mentioned that you used alcholol to cope with your dad passing away… are you still fighting that addiction?”
Aiyden: “No, thankfully not anymore. I’ve seen what it does to people out here, and I learned that it will only make my situation worse. Now, i promised myself I wouldn’t go down that road. My dad always hated drugs and rarely drank and he told us at a young age that we should never ever do any of that and I want to listen to him.”
Steven: “That’s amazing. Everyone should listen to your dad. Addictions are one of the main things that create homelessness… What keeps you going?”
Aiyden: “There’s always a chance that I might be able to have a house. Some days, it’s just a flicker, but it’s there. I think about getting a job again, maybe even going back to school. During my time working in the plant, I started to enjoy more of it and I’m thinking of maybe learning more about engineering.”
Steven: “That’s amazing! I would totally encourage you to pursue your passions, even if they seem far. I believe in you! Now, if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Aiyden: “Well, I would want my dad back because he played a major role in my life. A stable job, it could be anything honestly, but if I could work as an engineer, that would be amazing. And for my last wish, I wish for everyone who is homeless to be able to get a home and live a happy life.”
Steven: “Those are some amazing wishes Jamal, and thank you for sharing your story. You’re an inspiring person, and I truly believe you can achieve those wishes.”
Aiyden: “Thank you.”
Five years on the streets, and he’s still dreaming about engineering? That kind of hope is rare and so inspiring
I’m in engineering right now and some people aren’t just appreciative of what they currently have
What an amazing well adjusted, centered person, given the horrendous storm he’s endured. I would be hard pressed to be as calm and rational under the same circumstances. Good luck sir. Thank you for sharing your story.
As soon as I discovered this internet site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Sounds like a genuine guy, really articulate and intelligent. I hope he is doing well. Much love to all of you out there. ♥️
He really is a great guy
His story about his dad telling him to stay away from drugs gave me chills. It’s beautiful how he’s still holding onto that
He speaks very well. If only someone could give him a break, he could get back on track and make a useful contribution to society.
I have never forgotten being homeless from the age of 14 to 16, even today at the age of 58 I know it could happen again,life is never secure !
THIS. You never know what might happen. Anyone can end up in the streets
I can’t believe the city’s housing assistance waitlists are so long. How is someone supposed to get back on their feet without a place to stay? Absotleuty ridiculous
Yeah we really need to step it up
One for a job to contact you, and nowhere to charge it, nowhere to shower or keep your things, no transportation, no sleep etc. I was homeless for a small stretch of time. During that time I spent every day filling out applications at coffee shops and fast food places, but I had no address or phone number to list on an application
The fact that Aiyden quit his drinking addiction despite everything he’s been through is pure strength . His dad raised him well, love it
His three wishes show what kind of person he is. Wishing for others to have homes when he’s struggling himself?
It’s scary how we’re a pay check away to be in this mans shoes 😞🤦🏻♀️
we never know
The way he described losing his dad as losing everything made me cry. You can tell how much he loved him
He is someone’s baby boy; makes me imagine my son in his place. It’s heartbreaking
We NEED to fund mental health, housing, and job transition program
Love his character, and his way of existing in society.. he’s not one to fight against the tide, nor is he like a sheep following the herd, he’s like the fish that swims with the current
People don’t realize how hard it is to “get a job” when you’re homeless. No cell phone for a job to contact you, and nowhere to charge it, nowhere to shower or keep your things, no transportation, no sleep etc.
I used to be homeless due to domestic violence and job discrimination. I met a blind lady (due to an accident) who chose street rather than remain home with very wealthy family because they wanted to lock her up in a handicap facility forever. She just wanted to be free. She was independent even though blind. She finally married and moved to an island.
thats amazing for her
Fixing cars, reading books, writing stories…he is so talented, so imagine what he could do with the right resources
How does he deal with the frostbite?
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
I used to work at a library and I remember people like Aiyden coming in just to read and stay warm.
This is one of the most touching interviews I’ve read in a long time. Thank you for sharing this
Thank you!
Engineering is a tough major but I believe that he can do it
Honestly, after everything he went through, I’m sure engineering won’t be that crazy. He knows and will appreciate the education and everything that comes with the college experience after experiencing homelessness.
No jokes i feel like people who have gone through a negative period of life are the best writers. Everything they write is so descriptive and eye opening. I would def check out his book
makes sense because they experienced it themselves. its burned into their memories.
Quitting alcohol is mad tough cuz I’ve been going through withdrawals ever since I quit in April 2011.
Respect that brother 14 years is no joke and I’m doing the same
GUYS ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT HE SPENT HIS LAST FEW SAVINGS TRYING TO SAVE HIS BROTHER???? MAD RESPECT
for real that’s love right here
NYC def has a housing problem because I know people who have been waiting years for housing and they still haven’t gotten it