You're the same age as my daughter... I have not seen her in 16 years. - Mr. Chu, Cubicle #4.

When I first met Mr. Chu at 81 Bowery, I was taken aback by the hard truth of his confession. Immigrant laborers like him often live modestly, sending most of their wages to family in China or distant cities. These breadwinners pay another price, forfeiting intimacy and relationships with their wives, children, mothers, and fathers.

81 Bowery—one of the last standing lodging houses in New York City has been home for generations of immigrant Chinese laborers who work at construction sites and kitchens throughout Chinatown.

Today, dozens of individuals are left sharing the fourth floor—each occupying a 64-square-foot cubicle.