In today's paper, the News Desk's Madina Touré profiles Hakim Rasheed, the director of social services at Broadway Community, Inc., a homeless support center at Broadway Presbyterian Church. Rasheed tells his story of how he was once homeless, addicted to drugs, and in jail—but after finding BCI, he turned his life around and is now one of the fiercest advocates for the center's patrons.
Rasheed spoke fondly of one of his guests who passed away recently, nicknamed “Hot Sauce” for his hot sauce business. According to Rasheed, the guest had only six weeks to live due to cancer, but his application for money to fund his housing was rejected.
Impersonating somebody else in order to get the commissioner of the Department of Homeless Services on the phone, Rasheed says he gave an impassioned plea and convinced him to give Hot Sauce another chance.
Furthermore, guests of BCI say that Rasheed is an inspiration. Thanks to Touré, multimedia editor Justine Hope, and the photos of Yan Cong and Miguel Gallego, you can experience an afternoon in the life of Rasheed and the goings-on of BCI. Check out the audio slideshow after the jump.
