ASTOR PLACE, Greenwich Village — Formerly homeless Rebecca Scott says she has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Six months ago, she slept on a bench in the Astor Place subway station because she said she had nowhere else to go after a rat bit her in a homeless shelter.
Now that she finally has a new studio apartment she came back to sing and play the cello with gratitude.
“I’ve been through hell,” Scott told PIX11. They gave me money, smiles and words of encouragement.”
Rebecca had a five-year journey as a homeless woman.
PIX11’s Magee Hickey first met her at an out reach program at the NYC rescue mission several years ago.
She has battled both drug and mental health issues.
First, with the help of BRC transit and Samaritan village and now working with the NYC Department of Homeless Services, she has a studio apartment in the East Village.
“I just want to say thank you to the people at this subway station,” Scott said.
On the front of her cello was a sign saying no tipping.
Subway riders on the 6 line were moved by her message of thanks.
And, of course, being a musician myself I had to pull out my flute and give thanks with Rebecca as well.
Scott just wants to remind everyone to be as kind to the homeless as passersby were to her.
“Don’t be mean to us or hurt us,” Scott said. “A lot of us are going through hard times and it could be you.”
