Back at the Randall's Island market, Mauritanian Siley Niang was selling tea, coffee, and beef sandwiches with his childhood friend Abdellahi. It was obvious that this was not their first time doing business.
They bought their ingredients – the bread, the eggs, the meat, the mayonnaise – at a supermarket on 2nd Avenue, but kept the purchase price a secret. No one needs to understand their pricing.
When the temperature dropped in November, they immediately started offering gloves and hats along with the food. Innovation is key to success.
They had plans to take one of the free flights the city offers to migrants who want to leave New York.
Abdellahi wanted them to go to Canada together, where people speak French like they do.
But Siley left for Columbus, Ohio, on his own.
Abdellahi wanted them to go to Canada together, where people speak French like they do.
But Siley left for Columbus, Ohio, on his own.
Siley's address leads to a suburban apartment complex on Refugee Road in southeast Columbus.
Former residents say it is not a place you should move to, no matter how desperate you are. Current residents say their rent for a three-bedroom apartment has gone from $900 to $1,200 in just one year.
Even though the city has sealed off the neighboring apartment – deeming it too dangerous to enter – Siley believes he’s in the right place.
Former residents say it is not a place you should move to, no matter how desperate you are. Current residents say their rent for a three-bedroom apartment has gone from $900 to $1,200 in just one year.
Even though the city has sealed off the neighboring apartment – deeming it too dangerous to enter – Siley believes he’s in the right place.