While my original concept would have seen me walking 142 miles from New Jersey to Washington DC, I have decided this year to repeat my Homeless for One Week 2009 experience, but this time, for one week in the month of Ramadan. One Hundred percent of the proceeds raised will go to the Food Bank for NYC.
Ramadan is the Holiest month of the Islamic year when Muslims around the globe fast for 30 days; from sunrise to sunset each day for the month. The practice of Fasting is the refraining from the consumption of food and drink. Fasting puts me in touch with my connection to humanity on a very deep level. It allows me to feel a sense of gratitude for all of my blessings and to realize the pains of those who go without the bare minimum every day.
There is a saying that "if you harm one person, it’s as if you’ve harmed all of humanity, and if you save one person, it’s as if you’ve saved all of humanity". Therefore, I pledge to go Homeless for One Week during Ramadan, to raise awareness, and money for New York City’s least fortunate. Millions of people around the world, and thousands right here in New York City, do not have the peace of mind to know where their next meal will come from, as they can't open their refrigerator and fill their stomachs. In the end, it is my hope to make a difference in at least one person life, as that can lead to a domino effect of change.
Just like last year, I will be documenting my journey using my digital camera. This website will be updated with my video clips of my experience after my homeless journey. Unlike last year, my homeless journey will be from August 15th to August 21st. I'll be giving up my 34th birthday on August 20th to be on the streets and raise awareness. As you know for New York this is in the middle of the summer heat, and I will be fasting from an early sunrise (around 5:00AM) too a late sunset (around 8:00PM). How will I break my fast? I don’t even know yet. Stay tuned to find out how I figure that out and where I will eat, but I will be sleeping and spending most of my time in Union Square Park.
I invite you to come with me – find me on the streets or right here, online. Donate on this site – all proceeds will go to the Food Bank for NYC, an organization committed to ending hunger in New York City. Most importantly, spread the word!
We live in one of the richest cities, in the one of the richest countries in the world. Yet over 3 million of our neighbors experience difficulty feeding their families. It’s time to feel their hunger pains and help to stop them – not for one week, but forever.
— If you're interested in to sponsorg my project please send an email to homelessforoneweek@gmail.com, thank you.
