How New Yorkers who lose their jobs due to coronavirus survive: three stories

The coronavirus epidemic that has hit the whole world has affected New Yorkers. Many of them were left without work and livelihoods. Three locals shared their stories with the publication New York Post.

Following the COVID-19 epidemic, New York City experienced a downturn in economic activity and an increase in the number of unemployed. Below you will find out the stories of the restaurant manager, waitress and forester.

David Veda, 58

General Manager of Tavola Della Nonna Restaurant, Upper West Side

David Veda earned $ 90 thousand a year working in the Italian restaurant Tavola Della Nonna. The loss of work for him means that he cannot support his 52-year-old wife and 17-year-old daughter, who is recovering from an illness, as well as his 22-year-old son.

His bank account has only $ 350, while the monthly rental fee is $ 3000 - the cost of his one-bedroom apartment in Rigo Park, Queens.

On the subject: 7 things New York City tenants need to know during the COVID-19 pandemic

“I tried to get three days in a row (allowance for. - Ed.) unemployment. The site is down and they want you to call to fill out an application. I could not contact anyone on this number, because the line is busy all the time. ”

Speaking about the consequences of the epidemic, David believes that the city can hardly return to normal life soon: “We will cure the disease, some will return to work, but cinemas, sports arenas, restaurants will not immediately open.” According to him, many enterprises will not resume work at all, because they are already on the verge of bankruptcy.

“We just have to come to this realization. And the longer we wait, the worse it will be. Closing a country is simply a fact. The government cannot be our father and mother, ”David said, adding that the state cannot feed its citizens forever.

Crisana de Herrera, 29 years old

Waitress, bushwick

From adolescence, Kryshana De Herrera worked in the restaurant industry. However, due to the coronavirus epidemic, she lost her job - the girl worked as a waitress in the Bâtard restaurant in Tribeca, earned about $ 1500 a week. In addition, she lost her place at One Hotel, where she was paid $ 2000 a week for the same work as a waitress.

Her rent is $ 1040. She lives with two roommates, the total rent is 3200 dollars. The girl intends to apply for unemployment, but is not sure that she qualifies as an independent contractor. “I have a very impressive resume because I am fond of food, I like to communicate with people,” she said. “Now I have $ 100 in the bank, I still expect a postal order of about $ 2200.”

Crisana also tried to call New York’s Employment Service, but the call ended every time after the first beep: “I don’t have time to get upset, but I hope to apply (for unemployment. - Ed.) I hope to get something. "

She added that this reminds her of "how we are underestimated." “From a financial point of view, I'm fine now. My family helps me, ”she assured.

Robert Shapiro, 63

Forester, West Village

Robert Shapiro earned $ 200 a day at Branching Out Tree Services. He is also an animal rescuer and licensed wildlife rehabilitator. “For six years, I led construction teams, looking for suitable places for spring planting of trees. And all this for the city Department of design and construction, ”he said. However, recently a man lost his job, but could not find another.

Now every day, Robert tries to get unemployment benefits. “I try every damn day - quote me! When I call, the voice system tells me to fill out an application. Then recommends to wait (connections with. - Ed.) agent. Then - that there are no agents, it is recommended to call back tomorrow. And then it is proposed to follow the link. There is no information there, ”said Robert.

At the same time, he added that he called at different times of the day, but the result is still the same.

Robert noted that he has a small supply of funds to hold out, but he feels cornered.