Real Stories: Meet Rashid

by Mark Horvath · 2009-10-08 18:11:00 UTC

For 23 years, Rashid worked in New York City as a construction worker. On 9/11, he arrived at the World Trade Center at 9:28 in the morning and - for the next four years - worked to clean up the horrific destruction at Ground Zero.

Today, as a result of his service, he suffers chronic heart failure and other health issues. He lost his health, his job, and his ability to pay rent. Today, Rashid lives in a homeless shelter.

Despite his tragic story, Rashid was one of the nicest people I met in New York. He went out of his way to encourage everyone around him.

This is how he chooses to live; he said a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

Rashid had three wishes: food, clothing, and shelter.

Seems we should not have to wish for things so basic.

Rashid from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.

Mark Horvath is an activist for the homeless. He vlogs at invisiblepeople.tv and blogs at hardlynormal.com. He was formerly homeless in Hollywood.
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