Formerly homeless New Yorker gives back during coronavirus pandemic

A decade ago, Lisbon Black was squatting in an abandoned house in Brooklyn, fresh out of jail, panhandling for money and dealing with a substance abuse problem.

But these days, Black is a star volunteer for The Alliance for Positive Change — helping struggling New Yorkers get through the coronavirus crisis. 

The non-profit — which works with New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS, chronic health conditions and other challenges like homelessness — is the same organization that got him back on his feet so many years ago. 

“If there’s anything that the agency may need assistance with, and I can help out, I will help out,” Black, 69, told The Post. 

Prior to the coronavirus crisis, the native New Yorker did outreach work for the organization but once the pandemic struck, that work was no longer possible. 

He didn’t want to stop giving back, however. 

“They asked me if I would volunteer [during the crisis] and I jumped to the task immediately,” Black said. 

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