Julio Florencio Teo Gomez, a carpenter from Guatemala City, was a day laborer in Long Island’s East End. Despite finding work during the landscaping season, he struggled in the colder months, resorting to living in encampments in the woods. Tragically, he died after being struck by a car while walking to visit his brother. Julio’s story sheds light on the plight of undocumented immigrants and day laborers who face homelessness and precarious living conditions in wealthy areas like the Hamptons. Despite efforts from local charities and officials, many day laborers endure hardship and lack access to stable housing. The housing crisis in resort towns like the Hamptons exacerbates these challenges, with astronomical real estate prices making it difficult for workers to find affordable accommodation. Efforts to address the shortage of housing include proposals for affordable housing funds and changes to zoning regulations to allow for higher-density housing. Despite these efforts, many day laborers like Julio continue to struggle to make ends meet and face uncertainty in their living situations.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/07/nyregion/hamptons-workers-long-island.html