Myra

“I was born and raised here in New York. Jamaica, Queens. I’m one of nine kids – I got six sisters and two brothers. We haven’t all been together in a long time. Years. Our father was never part of our lives. Our mother did best she could, but we were all but on our own from day one. I know at least two of my siblings are behind bars right now. It’s just how life has been – being poor and all. Gotta fight to survive.

I been on the street for nine years. I got a place to sleep right now. I stay at the Church. I’m a jewelry maker. Look – I’m working on this right now.

I love what I do, but it ain’t about makin’ enough money to get by. I’m on the street because it is too damn expensive. No one can pay rent here except rich white yuppies. I ain’t that.

It’s tough because you gotta be a type of ‘people person’. I’m out here saying ‘good morning’, ‘have a nice day’, and they’ll stare at you like they’re angry. But why they angry? Some people don’t look at me. Some look and smile and say they don’t have any money. And that’s okay – it’s not about the money. It’s about being seen as a human being.

That’s all. Thank you for your questions.”