LIVING IN NYC PROJECTS FOR $25 A MONTH 

“Perception is power.” Usually, I’m someone who gets caught up in the shorts but I have no regret taking the time to watch this. So much wisdom and learning material. Thank you for this 🙏🏼

Wow, I can definitely relate. My dad brought us here from Haiti. He renovated everything. We lived in NYC project for ten years. Everything looks amazing. My dad even changed the kitchen cabinets We came a long way. Now, all of us now have our own house. I even became a landlord myself. Where you come from doesn't have to define who you become.

Kudos to Caleb for representing the Projects in a positive way. I was always afraid that he would take it as an opportunity to clown the low standard, but he didn't and that means a lot. Something that resonated with me was coming from the projects can be your excuse or it can be your why. Coming from the projects its my why. I feel incredibly privileged to have grown up in Lower Manhattan around a diverse set of people.

I love this! My mother raised me and my brother in government housing while we were young, she worked like a dog. She always had a talent for for interior designing she would help people with money fix up there homes. Then she met my step-father he paid for her real estate school she made her first million in less than two years! God is good! Now now she just fixes her beach houses up and gives to people that needs it!

Proud of this young man, he's been raised so well by his Mama ❤️🌠

What a humble intelligent man. His perspective of life is so positive snd uplifting and real. We need more of that. He could definitely become the next community leader and organizer.

This was definitely an insightful and thought provoking episode. I appreciated seeing the apartment and hearing what his family has been through. It would be great to see more ones like this in the future.

I grew up in one of the worst projects in NYC in the late 80's and 90's..Pink Houses in East New York Brooklyn. With the things I saw growing up, I could have been influenced by my environment easily. I was not amazed by negativity. Today, I have a MBA degree, I write Hood books, and I'm a Notary Public in NYC..Yes, a little girl from the projects. Thanks for not showcasing the projects in a despicable way ⚘️

This dude is dope. I like episodes like this where someone is actually speaking truth & not just showing off their $50,000/month apartment. Both have their place. But this was a nice change up. Thanks Caleb

He hit the nail on the head at 4:47 when he said "complete homes" is the key and kudos to him for saying it. Lots of folks want to blame their plight on other factors and try to ignore the importance of home and family.

Very profound and moving episode! This young man is on his way, he dropped so many gems on the power of the mind. "That safety net becomes a comfort net and they stay there", people don't see it as an opportunity!

I think this has been your best video yet. This young man you interviewed was such a pleasure to meet. He is years beyond his age, full of wisdom and depth of character. What a wonderful young adult! He's mumma must be so proud. Hats off to her, she did a fantastic job raising this fine young man

love this video. some wise words shared here "It can either be your excuse or it can be your why" "That safety net becomes a comfort net and they stay there" “Turning what you have into what you need.”

I love his Twin Peaks 💕 T👕👀. He is humble and has a positive outlook. Having the teddy 🧸 and his sister's art work shows an innocence. Family is important to Latinos.

This guy is my favorite apartment tour! Caleb I love how absolutely you are so real, nonjudgmental and this was the absolute coolest guy ever. Loved his story. Love his family love and family bond. Happy birthday!

I have much RESPECT for this young man!! He is very intelligent, well spoken, positive etc...you can tell that he wants more in life and wants to get to t

Great idea to visit NYCHA housing because so many New Yorkers live there. The apartments are decent sizes for NYC. The grounds can be decent/green. You might have a decent basketball court. The problem is upkeep, NYCHA does not have the resources, when something gets broken, it is not necessarily going to repaired. If the heating in the building breaks down. If something happens to the gas lines. You then got major problems. If you have some bad neighbors with mental problems, then it is hard to deal with. You might not have a good public school nearby. Elevators are a big issue, they break down or some bad tenants mess with them.

This young man is so humble and is finding his joy!

wow, the best episode yet! appropriate levels of respect and sincerity combined with fun, levity and inspiration. amazing work! and Sandy is an inspiring young man.

Would love to see more videos like this one! That young man is great and his apartment has so much history and character.

This guy was awesome! A lot of people who come to the U.S. from other countries always seem to be so appreciative of where they live. Like my grandma from Poland and mother in law from Mexico. I wish Americans would appreciate how good they have it compared to some other countries but it’s hard when you don’t have that experience from a different way of life. Like my grandma left Poland during WWII to get to freedom and she loved the USA.

This is one of the things I love about your channel Caleb, you deliver such a variety of content and earnest way of communicating with each person you meet. You have a great way of conversing with people and sharing their stories. You're very special.♥️ #DontEVERForgetIt

I’m still in the projects working on getting out, he spoke straight facts on being comfortable and everything else he said. 🙏🏾 4 myself and manifesting better for my future

He's wearing a Twin Peaks shirt. The icing on the cake for me. Keep that love and happy birthday. ♒️

I think this young man's story was world class. He shows that anyone can make it beyond their life. ALSO: I was impressed to see all the books lined up in his bedroom. Most people his age have a deep disdain for literature.

When I lived in the projects, I used constantly hear that I would end up joining a gang, start doing drugs, or be a teen mom and stay in the ghetto, and my kids would follow the same path. That is not true for everyone. The sad part was always watching gang members harrass the kids going to college...I remember watching them be chased around, hearing "you think you are better than us". Instead of supporting, they tried to bring them down. 😕 I had good memories in the projects....but the most horrific ones as well....but everything the good and the bad just become a norm. Living in the projects made me appreciate many things that others don't and also how to be safe out there.

What a darling young man. I only wish the best for him and may all his dreams come true.

I have been in plenty project apartments that were beautifully done up! You start to question if you are really in the projects. It's up to the individual. You can wait for NYCHA to improve your individual apartment or you can do it yourself. It's not the projects that are the problem, it's the people!

I remember this guy from the 1st time you showed his apartment. The thing that stood out was his really positive attitude and willingness to take in the stray cats. He still maintains that positive attitude.

What a smart, respectful, fine young man... His mother did a great job raising him. All the best to you, we can all learn from your words of wisdom!

When I began watching your shorts I could see the fun and voyeuristic aspect to them that would get people hooked. Here, you cross into a much more human and relatable content, past the sometimes misplaced curiosity and into a very powerful and impactful content. Props to you. This was powerful.

What a beautiful apartment! Most US citizens have no idea how grateful immigrants are when they achieve their dream of a better life. This young man has wisdom beyond his years. He could School these anti-immigration folks if they would ever listen. I wish him all the best.

"Perception is power".....well said....

Brought me to tears. A gem of a guy with such powerful gratitude and insight, wishing him nothing but the best

Love this episode, great to see how happy people can be with so little. Don't always need these flashy places/things to find happiness. It comes from within.

Also as a dude that was homeless for a stint and then I had the opportunity to move into the PJs for a while I felt that energy exactly that everyone was talking about the pjs being hell and for me it was an upgrade. I'm glad I got out and got my own place but it wasn't a bad time for me even tho I was the only white dude in the projects in morissania south BX back in 2009 LOL. Everyone just left me alone cuz I minded my own business but was also aware of my surroundings. I'm not a fool you gotta know youre in other people's neighborhood sometimes.

Fantastic episode. This kid is going places. Thank you for sharing his story with us

I applaud this kid for being 24 years old and having a great head on his shoulders . Everything he said about growing up in public housing is so true. Public housing were really meant to help families get on there feet and then move on but most don't move ahead. They stay there and unfortunately living in public housing can ruin whole families. I know cause I was raised in public housing and I have seen whole families ruined by the surroundings. Thank God I moved out when I was 23. I remember growing up with other families and and seeing every single son or daughter in certain families getting incarcerated for many years. What's sad is our government doesn't even care!!!

I don’t think i could do this live there it would stress me out always looking over my shoulder . He is a bright man good on him making the best of his situation to want more in life as he should 👍🙏

Right now the most likely scenario for the economy is recession. It'd be fantastic to know how to make the most of out of these downtrend; I've been trying to increase my $180k portfolio for a while now; I've heard of individuals making hundreds of thousands during these periods, but my main difficulty is not knowing whether to sell or hold. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

People in the US don’t realize how poor people in other countries are. Coming here is a dream recognized for a few and like this wonderful man was saying, his mom appreciated the apartment.

I live in NYC housing and at least where I live you pay what you earn but if your rent is below $100.00 you will have to do community service hours.

As a low income low poverty woman living in SC. There are many places you can make a home. I love his apt and for the price is even better. I love it and I love his outlook ❤❤❤❤

Appreciate this, such a thoughtful take on public housing, and really cool to hear sandy's perspective.

I also grew up in the Projects 25th and 10th avenue Chelsea ! Had a wonderful childhood ! the Projects made me who I am today !

By far one of the best videos. I loved this guy's story. Thank you for sharing it with us! Great job!

This Is one of the nicer project apartments. But unfortunately they're are so many that's in poor condition This family has really set up The place beautifully

We appreciate your effort and hard work. The apartment looks amazing overall.

The thought and spirit of this kid’s perspective was the exact intention behind the genesis of Public Housing. You’re an embodiment of the dream my young man. Respect 🫡 ✊🏽

“Perception is power”. This guy is amazing. Best video to date.

Crazy, when I visited NY my hotel was just next to these buildings and i realized it was probably not the safest area but it had this weird energy i liked. Hard to explain but very interesting insight!!

This guy is exceptional in his attitude & drive. He could’ve easily turned to hatred of the white kid’s singing in his school & summer camp, but instead he made a conscious effort to see life from a different viewpoint. That apartment is gigantic! I’m glad he takes pride in his living space & that speaks volumes about how he was raised.

C My biggest financial mistake was being only 12 years ago during the 2008 financial crisis and nowhere near prepared enough to scoop up some cheap stocks and real estate maybe

I grew up in those projects and the only problem i had with his words, is when he said that the gentrification of the area added “happiness” or a positivity that we didn’t have before it got there. A lot of us made the best of our situation there and a lot of us have moved on. A lot of good times were had there. I’m sure he meant no disrespect but i just wanted to clarify for myself 🤷🏾‍♂️

Nobody pays $25.00. I worked as a property manager with NYCHA for 22 years. Rent is 30 percent of your income. The lowest that I've ever charged was $99.00 for a studio to a woman who only who only received a small pension.

My family lived in(Webster Ave Bronx) NYCHA for years . The roach3s come out when the lights go off

These are the episodes I like, it shows your everyday person trying to make it in life and keeps you inspired to make it yourself

I really like this kid. He really seems to have a good perspective. It is clear his Mom cares for her family.

What a great guy. He should be helping other young men to see his amazing point of view. He knows where he's going and where he's been.. Wonderful interview..God bless this young man...❤❤❤

I hear you bro when I’m walking thru the projects I cross the street too 😂😂😂😂 and I’m black “ hurt people hurt people “ all facts

Powerful perception great story. I grew up in the projects and i love the projects it made me appreciate life. 🙏 Thank you momma for being your best. We made it in the projects.

He has precisely the type of character to weather grueling challenges and soar through each one. He's going to master profoundly important achievements. 🎩

Happy he shared his perspective/ story. I wish the best for him 🙌🏽 from one Dominican New Yorker to another 💙

He is right , I grow up in Cypress projects in East New York.

Thank u for giving him the whole video and showing respect and letting him tell his story and actually showing the real world .

Word! Doesn't matter what or where, find your vision! And if you can't, get help until you can. Never give up! I could blame all my problems on growing up poor, neglected, addicted, homeless, abused, ill health, bad genes, but I wouldn't give up! This IS the land of opportunity, but nobody said it was easy. Nobody's coming to rescue you and you're not entitled to $hit, except your vision and anything you have to do to realize it.

This man is putting his creativity, initiative and integrity to use giving opportunities that he earned the hard way forward to others. I am impressed!!

I'm blown away by the insight of some younger people especially this guy, I didn't start having insight till my late 30s and realizing being comfortable keeps you stuck. That said I've grown these last 10 yrs so its NEVER too late to change

I loved this video, that’s what it’s all about. Using what you have and striving for more. 💛

I really appreciate his perspective and do believe this is the best interview of yours I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing a different insight on gentrification and low income housing.

He did this for the look

This video is one of the best! "Perception is power".... Love that saying ♥️🙏🏻💯

Love this guy's outlook! You can tell how amazing of a mother he had growing up as well 💙 we need more videos like these!

What an amazing young man!

This is my favorite video of yours! Perception is power. 🤯 So true and so simple! Love it.

Some projects are far nicer and functional than others. I've lived in NY my whole life .

I love this! Happiness and positivity is a choice. A decision. We need more of this. Kudos to this young man!

Caleb, this is my new favorite video. This gentleman is so amazing. So REAL. I love how you curated the entire interview with this gentleman. He is a LEADER, a KING. …and Caleb NAILED IT in this video. (And his pet queen ant…pretty special. Ultimately: this vid is rich content.)

My mom also came from DR. She met my dad here, so I wasn't born yet, but I have tias that live in places like that in harlem and the bronx and he's so right about it being what you make of it. I hope he knows how amazing his mindset is and it will take him places.

I lived at Amsterdam houses for 8 years back in the 50s and moved to south queens nyc. I loved living at Amsterdam houses. Everybody treated each other like family and the grownups always kept an eye on other people kids that were outside playing. If they didn't see you anywhere they will tell your parents! That's was a good thing!

these young ppl dont need nycha give it to ppl that need it

This was way more interesting than watching someone in a randomly rented home. I grew up in 2 of the roughest neighbourhoods in Ireland in our version of housing projects and while crime wasn't on the same scale, it does influence you for the better or worse.

Damn… he is WAYYY too young to have this amount of wisdom. Good luck to you my dude.

Honestly as a woman of color living with cerebral palsy that is also emancipated when the foster system I definitely appreciate this man only for his perspective but for his wisdom and even though I’m super grateful I left the Housing project that was in it’s always great to see someone who utilizes whatever program they are on in order to better their selves as I have done that as well

Such a wonderful interview! This young man is a shing star. Beautiful human being 🌟 smart and caring. Proud of you man! we have many great people here in the inner city areas. We just need to stop the bad elements from ruining everything. Keep doing the right thing and hard work pays off. High vibrational energy 💪

100 percent respect for this young man PRAYING FOR YOU!

Beautiful unit too by the way. I can’t believe how big it is, it’s NYC!!!

Interesting thing about "projects" in NYC is that they can be located across the street from pricey residential real estate. You can live in the projects and have neighbors who are high-earners, down the street. All the people together. I ❤ NYC.

Really appreciate Sandy’s wisdom, all the best and hope him and his fam stay safe X

Love your channel (here from IG) and there’s are such insightful episodes🙏🏼 I vote more of these episodes to learn Vs the IG influencer 💛

perception is power - really good advice

This was great ! He has the right idea alot of minorities in nyc have connections to the projects and it’s definitely about how you create your circumstances. Amazing he will go far !

Each PJ BUILDING is different

This guy is so grounded! What an awesome dude!! Great video, thank you!

Magnificent video. The gentleman he interviewed is awesome. I hope 🙏 the best for him in all of his endeavors.

Appreciate this man's maturity. He has the right mindset and attitude to go very far in life. Kudos to him!

He is a high vibe, love the consciousness

He's a great roll model. So important to younger generations.

The downside of the projects the elevators always stink like piss, an you can hear everything next door 🙄

I grew up in city housing and my mom and dad shielded us from the outside chaos by demanding school performance and church participation. I'm 60 now and hubby and I are business owners and live in a $500,000 house and all 4 of our kids are home owners as well. Life is what YOU make of it.