Chapter Nine
This chapter focuses on the different degrees of relationships that are formed in Greenpoint-Williamsburg between the inhabitants, especially between family members and neighbors. This underlying network expands on traditional notions of family, as everyone in the community could serve as a resource for other in desperate need of help.
There was a case study done with the 3 households of the Brock-Sanchez family. A household was defined as a group of people living under the same roof that shared daily aspects of life such as sleeping, eating and taking care of children (143). Mary Sanchez lived with her son, Anthony, while her daughter, Jenny, lived with her husband in an adjacent apartment. Mary Sanchez’s welfare checks, and Anthony’s unemployment checks paid the rent. This situation was precarious, and when the gas and electricity were cut off, they sought help from their neighbors. Mrs. Sanchez cooked at a neighbor’s house, while an extension cord from another apartment was used for electricity. Food was shared from Mrs. Brock’s (Mrs. Sanchez’s mother) house and laundry was also done somewhere else. This example showed how in times of need, there always was someone in the support group to go to.
Sometimes, the existence of this support group backfired. Ceclia Berette, Mary Sanchez’s sister, spent a night in jail for failing to charge admission to the Bowling League. She did this as a favor for her nieces and sisters. Eventually she also was forced to move back into her mother’s place where a total of 5 people shared the food and limited room space.
Mary Ferguson’s daughter, Jenny also experienced economical difficulties. She lived with her father in law while her husband, John, served in the army. When she was evicted, Jenny was unable to get another apartment or move with her mother. Mrs. Sanchez was already caring for too many people. It was also highly unlikely for families on welfare and with children to obtain apartments at this time in Greenpoint-Williamsburg.
Childcare is an interesting matter in this community. Women relatives were mainly responsible for babysitting. In addition, only family members were allowed to intervene if the mother was abusive. There were only 2 childcare centers in the city and they all had strict criteria. No welfare families were accepted, and the family’s income had to be less than $10,000.
Therefore, it was common for women to develop strong friendships with one another. In the summers, it was a ritual to sit on the steps while the children played. The women shared valuable information such as Medicaid tips or family problems here. It was a valuable network for the poor working class, who, because of the fluctuating state of the economy, had no one else to reach out to except extended family members or neighbors.
