When the first case of COVID-19 was reported, no one felt or knew how far it would spread or impact our lives. No one would have known that it would affect us so much health-wise, economically and even mentally. As I write this the impact of this pandemic has been felt across borders, affecting everyone regardless of age, sex, religion or even social status. What we used to see as a normal routine became a luxury with movement restricted by lockdowns and self-isolations. Businesses got shut down, companies had to switch to Work from home and life was not the same again, it has not been the same till date. People lost their loved ones, families got broken and there was a whole level of disconnect among families, friends and even colleagues.
We all know the cost of living in America demands that you have to work hard and no one is exempted from this. Being an immigrant doesn’t make the situation any easier but America is great and there are so many opportunities to explore. After completing my studies, I was able to secure a job and got shared accommodation with a roommate just to make bills a bit lighter. Everything was normal and moving on well until COVID-19 hit the world. At first it was just a virus in China, now it’s a catastrophe that I believe at least most of us have a story to share about it. Many businesses and workplaces got so affected and suffered financially due to the economic setback. They ended up closing and laying off some of their employees either permanently or temporarily until they were able to stabilize again.
Months after the virus got into America, my workplace was not spared. We woke up to letters of certain positions in the company being laid off temporarily. I thought I was lucky that this would only last a few weeks but there was no duration on the letter indicating when we would head back to work, it was still a tricky situation. Months passed and efforts of hunting for a new job ended up in frustration. Companies were not hiring new employees in fact they were planning on reduction, this was the story almost everywhere. Falling behind on rent and having used up all my savings I was facing imminent eviction with nowhere to go. Weeks later, I was homeless and had to hit the streets. That is where I met Tyler. We became friends and since he had been on the streets for a while he showed me how to survive out there. It was not easy but I had to adapt.
Luckily, one day I was called by my previous employer and went back to work. I was able to stabilize again a bit fast since I got a part time job to increase my savings. I use some of my income to help the homeless including Tyler. I visit them as much as I can, we share a meal and at least I can see a smile on them. I wish I could help more and more people but am restrained financially. If anyone is capable of providing assistance, please go ahead. These great humans need you, they need me, they need us all.
