Going Homeless Without Any Shoes

By: Samira Abdul-Karim
This Ramadan, in Grand Central Terminal, Yusef Ramelize will leave the comfort of his Queens apartment in his annual fight against homelessness. For the third year in a row Ramelize will live the life of a homeless person for one full week and this year he’ll raise donations for CAMBA.org. “I work right around the corner from Grand Central Terminal, one of the largest train stations in the world… hundreds pass through here everyday not knowing that some people call this place their home.”

Ramelize, a constantly reflective and determined young artist, has continually looked for ways to expand his sacrifice and drive home his message. The first year he took to the streets in the winter with only a camcorder, his mobile phone, and a small backpack of supplies. In year two, he gave up his cell phone and went homeless on his birthday while he was fasting during the month of Ramadan. Now, in year three, he will once again go homeless while fasting and will go without shoes for the entire week! Yusef got the idea for going shoe-less after ordering a pair of shoes online. “I had ordered a pair of TOMs shoes and on the box, there was a sticker that listed ways you could help support their mission of delivering shoes to children in need. #4 on the list was, ‘go barefoot for one day’. ” Ramelize has taken on this challenge despite the concerns of his loved ones and replies to their concerns with a simple statement, “There are people who do this every day—even children.” He plans to draw attention to their circumstance and inspire others to help.

The number of homeless people in New York City is rising. There were almost 8,200 more adults and children sleeping in homeless shelters in 2009 to 2010 . As homelessness becomes a reality for more New Yorkers, we must take a more concerted action in combating it. To date, the project has raised over $9,300 for organizations that support the homeless population. Ramelize would be happy to see that number triple and believes it’s possible with each person contributing whatever they are able.

Each year has also been a learning experience not only for him, but for his friends, family and supporters. “In my second year going homeless, I was sitting on a bench in Union Square Park when my sister arrived to check on me. She started to cry at seeing me, someone she loved, in that position. She said to me, ‘Yusef, you inspire me to want to be better. To look to myself to see what I could do to make a difference.’ ” Yusef seeks to have that type of impact on people all over New York City, and beyond. He wants to help generate a world where people can pass someone on the street and feel a connection to them.

So, why tackle homelessness specifically? In his words, “Because the homeless are some of the most vulnerable people in our population. They are in the most need of help and we pass by them every day without even noticing! I’ve done it too. So this message is as much for me as it is for everyone else.” By drawing attention to the plight of homeless people, and by supporting their transition to safe and stable housing through fundraising, Yusef feels he can also draw attention to what he deems the larger issue; which is that many people are blind to our inherent interconnectedness as human beings. In his eyes, this attitude is what makes it easy for people to pass by someone in need without giving assistance or acknowledgement. What he truly seeks to encourage is compassion, love, and recognition of each other’s presence in the world. What has become a reality for a homeless person or family is a possibility for any of us.

Ramelize’s impact stretches beyond his close friends and family. He has been recognized for his project in several media outlets over the years including, NY1, as queens person of the week, The Daily News, America.gov, RT News, ArabNews.com, DNAinfo.com, The Village Voice, MuslimHeroes.com, and most recently he was featured in The Muslim Village online magazine. In 2010, he was invited to Mayor Bloomberg’s annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at Gracie Mansion, where leading Muslims in the community and stakeholders were invited to break the daily fast together.

Further, on August 9th, Ramelize will be honored for his activism in fighting homelessness by Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer. “It always feels good to be acknowledged for you efforts, but mostly I’m happy the project will gain more exposure, and that my team of volunteers will see that their work has been recognized and appreciated.”

Matt Green, the Project Manager for Homeless for one week, has been working diligently on the project for over a year now. “I was initially drawn to the idea because it was simple and creative. Using platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to document a week being “homeless” really inspired me, and I saw the potential that such a project would have to tell a story about poverty in New York City. Meeting Yusef really sealed the deal. He’s incredibly courageous and kind, and wants to make this project as much about what you can do in your own life to make a difference, as it is about his own journey…I’ve learned that anything is possible when we collaborate and work together.”

Matt is one of several volunteers who’s efforts have allowed for the project to continue growing. For the future of the project he would, “love to see it expand into other cities, and have people from around the world share their stories about what they are doing for one week to help others. It could be volunteering in a food pantry, working in a homeless shelter, or creating something positive that helps bring attention to this issue. It would be wonderful to include more people in this project on a national or global scale!”

Sharing a few reflective last words Yusef shared, “it is very important for us to always work toward loving and giving without judgment, and giving could be something as small and simple as a smile or giving someone a few minutes of your time to listen.”

Donate to Yusef Ramelize’s cause HERE

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