This 'have-not' New Yorker eats at a soup kitchen to afford life in the city. Here's why he'll never move away.
Lisbon Black, a 76-year-old social worker, shares his experience of living in New York City on a limited Social Security income. Despite the high cost of living and the need to utilize soup kitchens, he remains committed to staying in the city he has called home for most of his life.
Why it matters
This story highlights the growing economic disparity and the struggle of elderly residents to maintain a standard of living in major urban centers.
Lisbon Black, 76, sits inside Broadway Presbyterian Church, home to the Broadway Community soup kitchen, in Morningside Heights. José A. Alvarado Jr. for BI In Lisbon Black's eyes, there are two types of people in the world: the haves and the have-nots. He considers himself a have-not. Today, his only stable source of income is $1,200 from Social Security . After paying for rent and spousal support, he is usually left with $255 to cover all other needs. To supplement that income, he works other jobs, like desk services for the US Open and assisting at the Alliance for Positive Change, a nonprofit that helps New Yorkers living with chronic illnesses. Lisbon Black at the Broadway Community soup kitchen, after their lunch service. José A. Alvarado Jr.
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