A Home to Call His Own: Bobby’s Story
When Bobby opens the door to his apartment each day, he’s reminded of something many New Yorkers take for granted, the security of having a place to call home.
For Bobby, that feeling didn’t come easily.
Born in the Bronx and raised in Manhattan, Bobby built an extraordinary career as “Flip Rock,” a member of the famous New York City Breakers. His talent took him around the world as a performer, and he remains proud of the legacy he helped create. Yet despite that success, he spent years moving from place to place, renting rooms and trying to make do without a stable home of his own. During that time, he often felt taken advantage of and struggled to find a place where he felt safe, secure, and able to build a future.
Despite the challenges, Bobby never gave up.
“I’ve always kept cool, you know. It was hard, but I always, always, always put that one foot ahead.”
Eventually, with encouragement from someone he trusted, Bobby entered the shelter system. That decision changed the course of his life. After spending time in shelter, Bobby was connected to Rockaway, a supportive housing community in Brooklyn, through Services for the UnderServed (S:US), where he has now lived for nearly nine years.
When Bobby first moved into his apartment, he expected housing. What he didn’t expect was the support system, including counselors, vocational services, and other assistance, that came with it.
Over the years, S:US staff have helped Bobby navigate challenges, maintain housing stability, and access resources when he needed them. He speaks warmly about the counselors who have supported him throughout his time at Rockaway.
“I’m so happy to have [my vocational specialist] Saisha. She’s always been on my side since I moved into this building. If I have a problem, [S:US] helps me out, and that’s something very special to me.”
Their support has given Bobby the feeling that he no longer has to face challenges alone, something he says he didn’t have for much of his life.
“I’m just happy I’m not alone. That’s how I feel because I’ve always been alone. I really appreciate that. S:US makes me feel more safe and secure.”
Supportive housing created a sense of security and peace of mind. Beyond his apartment walls, Bobby has found community. He describes neighbors who look out for one another and a building where people are willing to help when someone is in need.
“Everyone likes to be in this building. The neighbors are great.”
Today, Bobby enjoys the stability he worked so hard to achieve. He remains connected to family, enjoys spending time in Manhattan, and takes pride in maintaining his home.
Looking back on his own experience with homelessness, Bobby knows the path forward begins with a single step:
“You got to start somewhere, go to a shelter and take it from there.”
Bobby now has what he spent years searching for: a place of his own, people he can count on, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing he is no longer facing life’s challenges alone. With stable housing, access to counseling, and a supportive community, he can focus on maintaining his independence and enjoying the life he worked hard to rebuild.
Nearly nine years after moving into his apartment, Bobby still feels a sense of gratitude each time he walks through the door.
“I feel so blessed. I’m safe and I’m so happy. Each time I open this door, I’m like, hey, this [apartment] is mine.”
