homeless

December 1, 2015 - 10:55am
Homeless in Syracuse, Evan battles drugs, gun violence, fellow addicts and the cold streets in hopes of recovering from heroin addiction.

Evan, at age two, began reaching for the gymnastics rings. He wanted to follow in his sibling's footsteps.

Soon, his talent became obvious and he was deemed the better of the two. Good wasn't a word someone would use to describe his talent, it was his calling.

By age 12, he needed knee surgery. After that, there were pain killers.

Even with a damaged knee, his coach kept pushing him — leading to more pain killers, not only for the pain, but for a psychological use.

November 24, 2014 - 2:35pm
Over 40 people slept outside as part of the Syracuse Homeless Challenge in an effort to raise awareness of hunger and homelessness in Central New York.

It’s that time of year to reflect on all things to be thankful for, and for 40 Syracuse residents that reflecting took place under multiple layers with chattering teeth and violent shivers. Community members spent Friday night in the subzero temperatures Syracuse is all too famous for, and as the biting cold managed to sting through the most durable winter gear, residents were able to catch a small glimpse of what it’s like to be homeless in Syracuse.

October 21, 2014 - 11:30pm
Syracuse students inspire others to give back by sharing their community service experience via social media.

For Kevin Claiborne, his Saturday started simply enough. He rounded up a few friends, took a trip to a grocery store and they gathered in Syracuse’s Barry Park to make a few sandwiches.

But he wasn’t making sandwiches for himself. He and his friends spent the afternoon preparing lunch bags for the hungry and homeless and then shared their community service through social media.

October 14, 2014 - 8:42am
Common Council passes local law to collect back taxes on delinquent properties.

Arguing that Syracuse could increase vitally-needed tax revenue, Common Councilor Kathleen Joy persuaded a bare majority of her fellow councilors to amend the city’s tax code to make it easier for homeowners to pay back taxes.

“I’d rather be a city of tax collection than tax seizure,” said Joy, contrasting her proposal of allowing people behind in their taxes to pay off the latter through a trust, with the city’s method of seizing tax delinquent property for re-sale.