In Eye of Storm, Site of Sanctuary

Haven is created for workers

By Mae M. Cheng | STAFF WRITER

September 19, 2001

In the storm of rescue activity at ground zero there exists a sanctuary in the lobby of a deserted office building at Greenwich Street and Park Place where workers can rest or simply gather their thoughts.

The haven exists due to the sweat and vigilance of Tony Santiago, 44, who rushed to the scene Sept. 11 to volunteer for relief duty but was turned away. Like many New Yorkers, Santiago, of East 107th St. in Manhattan, wanted to do his part.

But when his services were rejected, he pulled up his sleeves, picked up a shovel and started cleaning out the debris-filled lobby of an office building across the street from 7 World Trade Center. In the dust and chaos that surround the streets of an area closed to the public, Santiago wanted to create a place where tired rescue workers could rest comfortably.

"I would prefer to be on the other side moving debris," Santiago said. "But since that didn't work, this is good enough. For the time being, I'm just doing what everyone else is, by trying to help."

Santiago, who was laid off from his job as a technician for Time Warner Cable in July, created a makeshift altar, where two lighted candles burn alongside a Bible he found on top of a phone booth right outside. He lined up chairs from an eatery next door, four rows deep, so that those seeking rest can see the twisted steel that remains of the collapsed 7 World Trade Center, framed by the large, shattered windows in the lobby where they sit.

Santiago has been manning his haven since the day after the terrorist attack. Working alone in shifts that last more than 12 hours, he makes sure that the donated bottles and cans of drinks are chilled throughout the day.

He neatly stacks the relief supplies and lays out fruit and other donated food so workers can have easy access to them. And he beckons workers on the streets nearby to step inside when he sees them fatigued.

Santiago won't predict how many days he will be there. He takes life day-by-day, he said. But he feels as though he has made a contribution.

"It's important to keep everyone's spirit on a high level," Santiago said. "I consider this my place of hope."