4 NIGHTS IN A BRONX HOMELESS SHELTER

I leave “Kathy Bates’ apartment” and head to the Bronx. After being misdirected by city agencies, I finally arrive at Franklin Women’s Shelter, where my introduction to shelter life feels like Alice in Wonderland. I’m lost. I’m confused. I’m trying to understand what happens nex but clear answers are hard to come by. What becomes clear is that homelessness does not have one face. It shows up in a variety of appearances, including mine. The experience is a roller coaster. I see things that make me feel safe and things that make me incredibly nervous. Then an emergency inside the shelter leads to a fall down a flight of stairs, a torn meniscus, and a herniated disc in my back. DRAMA! DRAMA! DRAMA! Eventually, I’m moved from intake to my assigned shelter on the Upper West Side. And there, another startling realization awaits. I’ve entered the wonderland. Now I’m trying to find my way out.