Poor in New York - Survival and the city | DW Documentary

Summary

The video explores the harsh realities faced by many New Yorkers, especially during the pandemic. It tells the story of Sixta, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who, after losing jobs and a son, now survives by collecting bottles for recycling. Meanwhile, Bridgette Harris and her team work to rescue leftover food for the city's poor. The Bowery Mission continues to provide meals for those in need. The video highlights struggles with poverty, loss, and resilience amidst the glitz of New York City, portraying both hardship and community support.

Takeaways

• 🌍 New York is a global metropolis with a vibrant culture, but behind its glamour, many people live in poverty, especially during the pandemic.
• 💼 Sixta, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, lost most of her cleaning jobs during the pandemic and now collects bottles to survive.
• 🍾 Sixta earns money by collecting cans, each worth six cents, and barely makes enough to cover her $600 rent by recycling bottles.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Sixta is a single mother of five, raising her children alone after her husband left the family.
• 🚛 Bridgette Harris volunteers by collecting food donations from bakeries and restaurants to help feed New York's poor through the non-profit Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.
• 🍪 Leftover baked goods like cookies and muffins are salvaged from being thrown away and redistributed to those in need, ensuring that good food is not wasted.
• 💔 Sixta recently participated in a hunger strike to advocate for financial aid for undocumented immigrants. New York State has now promised $2.1 billion to support them.
• 🏥 Mike, a former x-ray technician, lost his job during the pandemic and now relies on charity organizations like the Bowery Mission to get by.
• 🍽 The Bowery Mission distributes meals to 200-300 people daily, with help from volunteers, supporting the city’s homeless and those struggling due to the pandemic.
• 😢 Sixta's youngest son died during the pandemic, compounding her struggles, and now she dreams of returning to Mexico after living in New York for 34 years.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the transcript?

The transcript explores the struggles of poverty in New York City during the pandemic, focusing on individuals like Sixta Barrio, an undocumented immigrant who collects bottles to survive, and Bridget Harris, who collects food donations to help those in need.

How does Sixta Barrio make a living after losing most of her jobs during the pandemic?

Sixta Barrio collects bottles for recycling to make a living. Each bottle she collects is worth six cents, and she works hard to gather enough to pay her rent and support herself.

Why did Sixta Barrio and others go on a hunger strike?

Sixta and 14 other undocumented immigrants went on a hunger strike to demand financial help from the government, as they were ineligible for most government aid due to their undocumented status.

What was the outcome of the hunger strike mentioned in the transcript?

The hunger strike was successful, leading New York State to allocate $2.1 billion to help undocumented immigrants like Sixta, though the money and residency documents were still pending at the time.

What personal tragedy did Sixta Barrio face during the pandemic?

Sixta Barrio lost her youngest son to alcohol-related depression during the pandemic. He was only 30 years old when he died suddenly at home.

Who is Bridget Harris and what motivates her work?

Bridget Harris is a volunteer who collects food donations for New Yorkers in need through the non-profit 'Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.' She is motivated by her personal experience of losing a brother to starvation during the civil war in Liberia.

What kind of food does Bridget Harris typically collect for donation?

Bridget Harris collects leftover baked goods such as cookies, muffins, and loaves from local shops that would otherwise be thrown away. These items are still fresh and in good condition for consumption.

How has the Bowery Mission adapted its operations during the pandemic?

The Bowery Mission now distributes takeout meals instead of serving food in their dining hall, providing two to three hundred meals daily to those in need, with the help of volunteers.

What challenges does Mike Kinney face, and how has the Bowery Mission helped him?

Mike Kinney, a former X-ray technician, lost his job and his home during the pandemic. He struggles to find new work and is emotionally drained. The Bowery Mission has provided him with meals and emotional support, helping him stay optimistic.

How has the pandemic affected the recycling work Sixta does?

The pandemic has increased competition for recycling work, as more people, including men with supermarket carts, have turned to bottle collecting as a means of survival.