WORLD> America
'Bailout Bill' hands out free money in NY
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-09 08:58

A man wearing dark glasses who calls him "Bailout Bill" shows US dollar banknotes in front of a booth in Times Square in New York on February 4, 2009. [CFP]

For many, asking for a handout was not easy. Rafael Morales, 43, of Washington Heights, said he would rather not stand in a line for help. But after losing his job at a homeless outreach organization, he needed a way to provide for his 12- and 8-year-old kids.

"Your pride gets in the way of waiting on line like this, but you do what you have to do," said Morales, who planned to use his $100 to buy food and a MetroCard so he can keep looking for work.

Pablo Acevedo, 59, of the Bronx came with proof that he is struggling -- a passed-due notice showing he is two months behind on his rent. He has found only part-time work since he lost his job as a security guard at, of all places, Lehman Brothers.

He'll put the $100 toward the $1,553.46 he owes.

"To be honest, I could use more help than they gave me," he said. "But it still helps out a lot."