Part 2: The Search for the Home With Blue Curtains

In Part One of The Long Way Home, we met Shakira Crawford, a homeless mother of three who is hoping to take advantage of a new citywide voucher program designed to lift people into permanent, independent housing.

In Part Two (click above to listen), Crawford continues her search for her own set of keys. But after four months of looking, she's only been able to view two apartments that accept the voucher provided by the city. And we learn that landlords employ restrictive financial requirements that make it all but impossible for people like Shakira to qualify for housing.

"I can't give up," says Crawford. "I have three wonderful people in my life looking up to me, so I have to do my best for them."

Although one broker has taken Shakira under his wing, it turns out his intentions aren't strictly limited to house-hunting. He wants to have to sex with her too. 

So after six months of searching, Shakira is still seeking a stable place to call her own. 

Get to know Shakira Crawford:

Since this series began, WNYC has received numerous inquiries from listeners who want to help Shakira Crawford. If you’d like to donate, she has set up a PayPal account here. Please note that WNYC is not affiliated with this account. We do not control the money nor do we monitor how it is spent. Donations are considered a gift to Crawford, and are not tax-deductible.