The hundreds of occupiers on Wall Street's Liberty Square stink. Literally.
Although there was sporadic cleaning, when owners of the park threatened a cleaning, organizers quickly made cleanliness a top priority. Work groups got to work sweeping and tidying.
But getting started in the mornings can be a fight itself-- especially if you're camping out on a New York City Sidewalk with nary a stream in sight. Showers become a luxury. Mateo Ryall said, "New Yorkers...
more »The hundreds of occupiers on Wall Street's Liberty Square stink. Literally.
Although there was sporadic cleaning, when owners of the park threatened a cleaning, organizers quickly made cleanliness a top priority. Work groups got to work sweeping and tidying.
But getting started in the mornings can be a fight itself-- especially if you're camping out on a New York City Sidewalk with nary a stream in sight. Showers become a luxury. Mateo Ryall said, "New Yorkers and people in the area are making it happen with generosity." Ryall has accepted offers from strangers to take showers and clean up in their apartments.
"I sneak home for a shower every other day or so," said Lauren Sara. She lives in an apartment in Grammercy, but said she is out in the park to support the movement. "When I saw other people caring, I took a moment to stop and take action myself," said Sara. Cuddling up to her boyfriend Ben Amanna for a morning cuddle, they said it was hard to tell from the outside, but the encampment is organized and regularly cleaned. A volunteer came by to tell the couple to make sure their stuff was covered because rain was coming. "That'll wash the area too," said Sara.
Many others who do not live nearby have morning routines that include McDonald's and Burger King, sometimes for food. Stacie Joy, an occupier for four days said, "I wake up craving a shower." She settles for the cramped Burger King bathroom.
Cleanliness aside, Trinity Church, which is just down the street welcomed a few Occupiers to sit in the pews for noon mass. Gus "Bear" Dontas knelt bare-footed in one of the front pews, with his teddy bear nearby. The self-described pantheist said, "I came to help and spread the message of love."
Dontas made a point to stop and talk with Father Mark Jones before leaving. Jones said with a sincere smile, "I'm glad they are there because things need to change. We need to hear the outcry."
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