“…but I’m still here.” 

Again and again, this refrain echoed across the rooftop of 1374 Blondell Avenue and into the streets of Westchester Square. It was an unusually warm October day, and dozens of residents and staff had gathered atop our newly constructed Bronx shelter to witness a special occasion: Blondell Avenue’s very first open mic event. All were welcome to step to the front and share their poetry, music, and other talents with the captivated audience. 

This open mic was part of an initiative proposed and spearheaded by our Consumer Advisory Board (CAB), a group of individuals who have experienced homelessness and use Care For the Homeless health services. With the assistance of our Policy & Advocacy team, CAB members have organized open mics at Susan’s Place and at our 52nd Street Women’s Shelter. The wild success of these events have inspired the CAB to develop, improve, and expand the initiative to other shelters we own and operate—and the Blondell Avenue Men’s Shelter was next in line. 

The CAB began with a new idea: Hosting a poetry workshop at Blondell Avenue a week before the open mic. Renowned poet and CAB member M.A. Dennis led a group of residents in the shelter’s recreation room in a series of activities designed to get their creative juices flowing. Participants then wrote and shared their pieces aloud, with CAB member Bertram Weston relaying the poems in American Sign Language.  

One week later, the CAB returned to the shelter’s roof to set up for the big event. Dozens of residents and staff streamed in, signing up to perform and receiving their complimentary snacks and raffle tickets.

M.A. Dennis emceed the open mic, inviting residents up to share their pieces. The men who performed were all different ages and backgrounds and from all different walks of life. But that afternoon, they came together on that rooftop to share their stories, their hardships, and their successes. Every person in attendance had a chance to share an example of their resilience with the group, when Dennis went around with the microphone to ask everyone to share something difficult they had gone through and end it with “but I’m still here.” 

Thank you to everyone who attended and the staff and CAB members who made this open mic possible. We hope to hold many more events like this at our shelters in the future.