Congressman Hakeem Jeffries had a Meet & Greet Congress on Your Corner – today in front of the Shirley Chisholm Post Office this morning. I made sure that I got up early and I was the 3rd person on the line. I voiced my concerns about the swarms of rats that greet me every night at the Broadway Junction subway station. I work nights so I get off work at 12:30 and usually get to my Brooklyn Broadway Junction stop around 1:30 am. There are literally hordes of rats. Big ones. Larger than my cat Sylvester.
I also asked him about low cost housing for Veterans. I came prepared with my DD 214 Discharge papers. Rent is eating up my budget and I can barely pay my other bills. I explained to Congressman Jeffries that I apply for City Housing on NYC website but since it is a lottery I almost never get called or I get rejected. He informed me that there is another way I can get Veterans housing. His staff took down all my information and his staff will get back to me.
I also explained to him that any housing would need to be cat friendly and that in my case my Cat Sylvester is my therapy cat. Those of you Ladies who have served in the military know the issues that confront women and you don’t always come out the way you went in. That can be said of any male dominated job field. I have Life Long emotional and psychological issues. Therefore I need a therapy pet. Either cat or dog. Sylvester gives stability to my life and helps me cope with my various struggles.
For every American who tells me Thank you for My Service I wonder if they ever try to help any of the Veterans in their city. Keep in mind that many Homeless People are Veterans. I know what it is to get evicted. And just as you pass by, cringe and judge the homeless people on your city streets and subways well one of those could have been me. Instead of verbal Thanks it would be more profitable to volunteer to help Homeless/Disabled Veterans, speak to your Congressperson about increasing Veterans services and programs or at least attempt to inform yourself on the issues and problems confronting Veterans especially Female Veterans. Other than that Keep your Thanks. That does not help us. I cannot eat, live in or pay bills with empty Thanks.
Congressman Jeffries is a man of his word and he has helped me in the past concerning my brother Stephen. Those of you who have been following my blog know what I went through with my job not allowing me time off to see my brother Stephen.
He actually cares about the community. He listened to me. He alerted me to various programs that I did not know existed. Hakeem Jeffries is a good man.
I’m a firm believer in Citizen participation. I could sit here and bemoan my problems or I can do something about them. Nobody is going to do it for me. It’s up to me to change my life. I’m approaching retirement and I do have several health challenges so I’ve got to find solutions now and not wait until a crisis. Being Proactive is the way to go.
Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit 
Kudos to Hakeem Jeffries! I’m glad you have him as a Rep. It is good of you to remind, inform, and encourage folks to take the opportunity to talk to their Congress Members. Although I doubt all are as attentive as Jeffries, it is part of the political process for positive change.
Thanks! ❤ ❤
My Motto is: Get Involved ~~ Start a Conversation
Things get done when you are your own advocate. Admire the initiative you took to be heard. And you’re 100 percent right. Action is always more meaningful than just ‘thanks.’
I subscribe to his website to make sure I get all the alerts. I have been to his Meet and Greets before. And he does get back to you. I know that I must take action now as I prepare for the next phase of my life.
I wish I had a congressman like him in my district. When I was having difficulty with Nate I called my councilman and I was told there was nothing they could do.
Thanks. He is a good man. I’m stubborn so when one person says no I call someone else.