Almost Homeless

by Shannon Moriarty · 2008-12-06 21:45:00 UTC
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Over 500,000 jobs were lost this past November, bringing the total number of jobs lost in 2008 to 1.9 million. These are certainly scary times for the millions who are out of work and the millions more who are uncertain about what their future holds. Anderson Cooper's blog, AC360, told a story that captured today's heartbreaking reality:

In New York, it's not always easy to see the impact of financial crisis yet. But on one East Side street corner in Manhattan you can. Paul Nawrocki, a 30-year veteran of toy industry, is wearing a "sandwich board ad" sign around his body which states "almost homeless" and lists his job qualifications. He was laid off in February. Nawrocki commutes 60 miles into Manhattan and advertises himself for a job resume at hand. His wife has major health problems and his daughter student loans. It's no fun being an unemployed during the holidays and time standing on a freezing street corner with a sign around you, asking for a job.

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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