The Story of Naomi W.

Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Naomi: “Naomi.”

Steven: “Nice to meet you, Naomi. We’re in New York City, right?”
Naomi: “Yeah, Upper West Side. It’s quieter up here, less chaotic than midtown. I stick to the side streets because there’s fewer crowds and more space to breathe.”

Steven: “How long have you been homeless?”
Naomi: “It’ll be two years next month. Before that, I was living in Queens, sharing an apartment with a roommate. When she moved out, I couldn’t cover the rent on my own and I tried to ask around but I didn’t know that many people and strangers aren’t really comfortable sharing a small room in general.”

Steven: “I’m sorry to hear that, and I’m sure you were a wonderful roommate…do you mind sharing what you did for work?”
Naomi: “Yeah so I worked at a nonprofit. I was the program coordinator for a youth mentorship initiative. It was something I really cared about because I love helping kids from underserved communities find opportunities. Well… the organization that funded for our nonprofit refused to fund us anymore, so they had to cut staff. I wasn’t the first one to be fired but after a few months, they told me I had to leave.”

Steven: “That’s such important work and devastating. Do you ever think about going back to it?”
Naomi: “All the time. It’s still what I’m passionate about, but it feels impossible for me to go back to. When you don’t have a stable address or a steady income, it’s hard to even get an interview and nonprofits…they don’t exactly pay enough to support you.”

Steven: “Yeah, many nonprofits are struggling, and it really hurts me…we should do more to help them. Now your experience out here… what’s the hardest part?”
Naomi: “The basic needs that people take for granted. When you’re homeless, you never know where your next meal is coming from or if you’ll find a safe place to sleep. And then there’s the way people look at you…or don’t look at you, I should say. It’s like you stop being a person and start being a problem.”

Steven: “That’s really common out here so is there something that keeps you going? Something that motivates you?”
Naomi: “I’ve always been stubborn. I tell myself this is not forever. It’s just a chapter, not the whole story. Plus, there’s a little girl I mentor through a library program. Her name’s Tasha, and she reminds me why I started doing this work in the first place. Even when I feel like I’ve lost everything, I know I can still make a difference for her.”

Steven: “That’s incredible. How do you mentor her? Are you a volunteer?”
Naomi: “Yeah, it’s a reading program. I meet her once a week at the library, and we work on her reading skills. She’s 10, and she wants to be a writer. She doesn’t know about my situation and I don’t want her to. I just want to be a positive influence in her life. Her mom knows about my situation, and she offered to help, but I refused because I know her family isn’t well off. I’m thankful she trust me with Tasha already”

Steven: “Yeah… that’s really nice of you. I’m sure she really appreciates what you’ve done for her, and just the fact that you still choose to help families who need the support without gaining much in return is amazing…Is there something you do that might surprise people?”
Naomi: “I play the piano. I learned as a kid, and it stuck with me. There’s a church up here that lets me play their piano sometimes. It’s old and out of tune, but it’s where I am the most peaceful, I guess. For those few minutes, I’m forget that I’m even homeless. I’m just myself, playing music and sometimes they would allow me to play for a show and people would applaud me and that is amazing.”

Steven: “What type of songs do you play? Any specific genre?”
Naomi: “Mostly classical like Chopin, Debussy. But sometimes I’ll improvise. It depends on how I’m feeling, but I just play it and hope that the audience likes it.”

Steven: “Wow, that’s real talent to play whatever you want and for it to still sound impressive… I know you’ve probably hinted at this but do you have any dreams for the future?”
Naomi: “I’d love to start my own nonprofit one day. Something focused on kids and the arts. I’ve seen how music and creativity can change lives. If I could create a space where kids can learn, grow, and feel seen, that’d be everything to me.”

Steven: “Do you think that’s possible?”
Naomi: “I have to believe it is. If I didn’t, I don’t know how I’d keep going. It might take years, but I’ve got the vision. Now I just need the opportunity.”

Steven: “Amazing conviction. I believe in you too! Has there been any bright spot for you during all this?”
Naomi: “The people who surprise you. There’s this deli owner down the street who gives me a sandwich every morning and that’s the only time I know I’ll be eating for sure that day. Oh! There’s this woman who leaves books on a bench near the park. I don’t know her, but it feels like she’s leaving them for me. Little acts of kindness like that are what matter more than people realize.”

Steven: “Wow… that’s heartwarming and I’m glad you have people looking out for you because from what I’ve heard, loneliness is a big thing out here so it’s good that you have company every day… now if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Naomi: “First, a home. Just a small, safe place to call my own. Second, funding for my nonprofit so I can actually make it a reality. And third would be a grand piano. I want to sit in front of and just play music without having to worry about stuff.”

Steven: “Those are some wonderful wishes, Naomi. Thank you so much for sharing your story and I look forward to seeing your nonprofit and hearing you play on that grand piano!”
Naomi: “Thanks and best of luck with your interviews.”