A young woman finds community and mentorship from an elderly roommate in New York City

Andrea Fernandez Henao moved into a spare bedroom in Queens, New York City, belonging to a 76-year-old Colombian woman named Carmelina.

After graduating from college during a long writers strike and moving back to South Florida, Fernandez Henao decided to return to New York City without a set job or plan. She secured an affordable living arrangement by contacting Carmelina, who offered a monthly rent of $700 because a mutual family friend recommended the arrangement.

Carmelina has lived in the same building for 35 years and maintains a deep connection with her local neighborhood. She spends much of her day at a nearby barbershop where she brings lunch and sweeps floors to socialize with the staff. Since becoming a widow 10 years ago, Carmelina began renting out her spare room to provide company and support others.

She now acts as a mentor to Fernandez Henao, encouraging her to accept professional opportunities and step out of her comfort zone to build social confidence. The two women developed a close bond based on shared meals and cultural connection. Carmelina provides Fernandez Henao with traditional Colombian food and daily notes in Spanish. Fernandez Henao says the arrangement filled a void left by her own grandmothers, as Carmelina provides the guidance and care she lacked growing up.

Although Fernandez Henao will soon move to Manhattan for a new job, she plans to maintain their relationship.