What is your position at Housing Works?
I’m an
Activity Specialist for The Clubhouse, a program that is part of Housing
Works' youth and prevention services. We specifically focus on
queer/trans youth ages 18-25, and do workshops, closed groups, events,
outreach and provide services like job training, resume writing,
clothing drives, etc. We’re based in East New York, Brooklyn.
What attracted you to Housing Works?
I’ve wanted to work for
Housing Works since I was 17. I had been doing various internships in
different non profit spaces, but found that Housing Works was the most
unique in their model, organization, and mission. No other non profit
functions like Housing Works or services such a large array of people,
so I felt like I could help the most people through a position there.
What do you love about your job?
I love that I work with the communities that I myself am a part of, and
communities that I’ve been surrounded by my whole life. I’m a brown,
queer trans person that grew up in East Flatbush. So many of the
experiences of the people I work with I can relate to so heavily, which
allows me to better understand what they need and connect with them. I
have fun with the people I work with, as well as my coworkers. I can be
myself in ways that I couldn’t be at other jobs.
Which social justice issue are you most concerned about at this moment in time?
There's SO MUCH! Its hard to say, but I would generally say the overall
rise of fascism in the U.S and all that comes with it. As someone who
has lived through the trauma of poverty, the fact that billions of
people go starving while billionaires exist is infuriating.
How would you describe your personal style? Who/What are your style influences?
My personal style is really eclectic, lol. For the most part, sometimes
punk, sometimes goth, with a combination of modern and early 90s
styles. My main influences would be fellow queer punks that I’ve met,
and probably some anime characters, if we’re being real.
What is your favorite thing you ever scored at a Thrift Shop?
Not sure if this makes me a bad vegan, but in a Goodwill in New Mexico I
found a leather trench coat with a silk floral interior, and I’m still
obsessed with it.
