The Story of Reggie

Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Reggie: “Reggie. Good to meet you.”

Steven: “Nice to meet you too, Reggie. We’re in New York City, right?”
Reggie: “Yep, Washington Square Park.”

Steven: How do you like it here?

Reggie: I like it here. It’s got life, you know? The musicians, the chess players, all the students passing, this water fountain, and at night, it gets really nice because I don’t feel lonely. Kinda makes me feel like I’m part of something, even if I’m not.”

Steven: “That’s awesome to hear! Sometimes I also walk around here even though I don’t need to just to surround myself with people and it feels like we’re all doing something…how long have you been homeless?”
Reggie: “Eight years. I used to live in Brooklyn, right off Myrtle. I had a place, a job, everything I could ever wish for but then Hurricane Sandy hit, and that was the start of the downhill slide. First I lost my apartment, then because I didn’t have a place to live, I struggle to keep my phsyical and mental health in check so my boss saw that I was struggling and I lost my job.”

Steven: “We should be helping each other especially after a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. A lot of people were impacted, and it breaks my heart that some of us would just ignore those who need help…Did you have anyone to lean on after? Family or friends?”
Reggie: “Not really. My sister was in Atlanta, but she was barely getting by herself. My mom passed when I was a kid, and my dad…well, he was never in the picture. I’ve always kind of been on my own.”

Steven: “I’m sorry to hear that…What was your job before Sandy?”
Reggie: “I was a chef. Not some fancy five-star guy, but I worked in a diner. Breakfast, burgers, comfort food, mashed potatoes. I loved it because I could eat for free there and there’s something satisfying about making a plate of food and tasting your own hardwork.”

Steven: I’m actually in the process of learning how to cook right now, and I gotta say it’s not easy at all. The other day, I made egg fried rice and although it’s not as good as something you can get in a restaurant, it tastes better…Do you ever think about going back to cooking?”
Reggie: “Every day but working in the kitchen are tough, man. You need to be on your feet for hours, and my knees aren’t what they used to be. Plus, no one’s hiring someone without an address. I’ve tried, but it’s like everyone just thinks that you’re worthless out here.”

Steven: “Yeah, I’ve interview many people here and they all agree that it’s hard for them to get a job even when they have qualifications just because they don’t have a home. Personally, I would want to hire someone who is struggling to give them another opportunity if I could… what’s the hardest part for you?”
Reggie: “The noise is pretty annoying. I know earlier I said I like hanging out in the park because of everything that happens but there are bad noises like sirens, car horns, people yelling and fighting. Especially when you try to sleep, you can’t because everything just keeps me up at night. That’s one of the main reason why I want a home so I can sleep properly”

Steven: “How do you get through it?”
Reggie: “This might be silly but, I play chess at night. There’s this group of guys in the park who play every day, and they let me join in sometimes. I really don’t care if I win or lose because it’s about focusing. When you’re staring at the board, I’m just so focused on the game that I tune out the noises. Other times, I would just go somewhere else and hope that it’s going to be a quiet night.”

Steven: “I like chess too! Are you good at it?”
Reggie: (laughs) “Not as good as I’d like to be, but I can play decently against someone with no experience. I’ve been thinking about this and it’s funny because chess is a lot like life out here. You’ve got to think five moves ahead, but sometimes, no matter how much you plan, you still get checkmated.”

Steven: “Wow. I’ve never thought of it like that. That’s so interesting to think about, and in a way, it is true because life can be so unexpected…Is there something about you that might surprise people?”
Reggie: “I used to write short stories around 150 words. When I was younger, I’d sit in Prospect Park with a notebook and just write whatever came to mind. I even got a couple of pieces published in a little local magazine. I haven’t written in years, though because it feels like I don’t have much to say anymore.”

Steven: “Don’t say that because that’s not true. I bet you’ve experience a lot since being homeless and I know people out there wants to read your stories. Maybe add a bit of nonfiction so you can tell others your experience out here. I know I would read it. “
Reggie: “Thank you.”

Steven: “Have you met anyone out here that you trust?”
Reggie: “There’s a woman named Patrice who runs a food cart nearby. She always gives me the leftovers at the end of the day like hot dogs, pretzels, whatever she’s got. She doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t judge. Just slides me the food and says, ‘Take care of yourself, Reggie.’ I get hungry very easily so I appreciate her a lot. Oh and also, just being in the park, watching the shows for free is amazing because there are so many talented performers, and they don’t even ask you for money! If I had money, I would give it to them, but I don’t but I appreciate what they do.”

Steven: “What keeps you going?”
Reggie: “The people around me. The stories of others because I do what you do when I’m bored. I would walk around and talk to people and ask them about their life in general and sometimes they would tell me a story that is so similar to mine and now they have a home a job and a family so it reminds me that I can still get my stuff together and help out others.”

Steven: “Wow, that’s amazing and very smart… I do wish more people would share their stories so people out here can be more motivated and not give up because everyone deserves a good life… now, if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Reggie: “First, I’d wish for a kitchen of my own again. A little diner where I can cook breakfast for people and hear them say, ‘This is the best dang pancake I’ve ever had.’ Second, I’d wish for everyone who is homeless to have a house, but I’m not sure how that would happen but it is a wish so I’ll let you figure that out, and my last wish, give me a second…well I’m not sure. I would probably give it away to someone who needs it.”

Steven: (laughs) “Reggie, thank you for sharing your story. You’re amazing and I wish you the best of luck.”
Reggie: “Thanks.”