In “Beneath the Sickened City,” we explore homelessness in the NYC subway during the coronavirus crisis, where many have taken refuge believing it a safer alternative to shelters. 1/7

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/health-coronavirus-newyork-homeless/

Sylver and I shared a history of living in Nigeria. He was born in the Ibo tribal region and I grew up in the Hausa region. But I had a mask for my face; he had a scarf. I have a home, he has the subway, which he says is safer than a shelter 2/7

Subway ridership is down 93% in recent weeks, and that leaves the trains to the homeless, who spread out on seats, benches, and platforms. Dried urine snakes across the floors. Trash piles up in corners. A man shoots up in front of me 3/7

Father Clyde Kuemmerle, who has been ministering to the homeless on and off for decades, says many shelter residents are scared of being infected while living in a “petri dish.’” 4/7

Some are new to homelessness. Luis lost his restaurant job and though he speaks passable English, he has no idea how to get help or how to protect himself 5/7

Above the Times Square subway station, Tom ate dinner and winced with pain because of “the gout.” We commiserated. But again, I had a mask; he didn’t. I have meds; he doesn’t. I have a home with a bathroom. He limped off in the direction of the subway in search of a toilet 6/7

Read more on the plight of New York City’s homeless as we’re told to stay at home. (With more photos from my reporting partner @Lucas_Jackson_) 7/7 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/health-coronavirus-newyork-homeless/