Allan Appel Photo
Shoveling business was brisk as soon as the last of the 34 inches of snow fell on Fair Haven — including for a crew from the Immanuel Baptist homeless shelter.
The men’s shelter has stayed open all day because of the storm. But 20 men who slept over Friday night shipped out early on Saturday to begin making money shoveling, according to residential aide Duvall Rafiq. Forty men stayed inside watching TV in a low light, while the door swung open periodically with guys returning, shovels in hand, from working Grand Avenue. The staff ordered out for 14 cheese pizzas from Avellino’s. “We want to be sure each guy gets [at least] two slices,” Rafiq said.
Luis Vargas (pictured) crossed the Grand Avenue Bridge into Fair Haven from his home on Russell Street in the Heights, picking up a quick $125 from helping five people with their driveways, stoops, porches and walkways. He hoped to make $400 by day’s end. He was happy about that, but not about the fact that his wife’s car was stuck in the driveway. Even if he tried to shovel her out, his street wasn’t plowed. Which meant they couldn’t get out to buy stuff for their daughter Madalena’s birthday party.
