Landlord bullied old New Yorker out of family-run shop — then the community did something unthinkable

When Kate DePetro (@katedepetro on Instagram) saw David, an almost 80-year-old, repairing shoes on the streets of New York, she knew he deserved better. So, she immediately turned to social media, asking people to support his small business, completely unaware that her tiny initiative would help her raise nearly $50,000 in donations for David.

David, a Russian-speaking immigrant from Uzbekistan, opened his shop in 1982 at 460 Hudson Street, and for 42 years, he worked there, serving generations of loyal customers. However, everything changed in 2020, when he was forced to close his shop because of financial strain. "For six months I was closed, and I applied for a loan, but I couldn’t get any loan because I work alone," David shared with the New York Post. Amidst a global pandemic, when almost all businesses, whether big or small, were suffering, the man applied for government-provided financial relief. "While big chains got millions in relief, David got just $1,500," Kate said. Sadly, as the old man failed to pay his rent, his landlord dragged him to court, where David was ordered to pay $5,000 until the lease ended in June 2024. 

When people nearby heard about David's shop closing, they stepped up and raised over $16,000 on GoFundMe to help the poor man. David eventually moved into a small space, but that didn't work out, as he couldn't move his heavy machinery there. "But David’s not giving up! Every Sunday from 1–4 PM, he parks outside his old storefront at 508 Hudson St and continues his work from his car," Kate explained in her post. As Kate's video continued to gain traction, a new GoFundMe was set up to help David. On July 21, 2025, a week after she had posted her first video, capturing David, Kate shared an update that had everyone on the internet praising her for her sweet gesture. 

"Your story went viral. We started a GoFundMe for you, and people have raised $50,000 for you," Kate informed David, who just couldn't believe it. Despite the donations, David said he doesn't plan on retiring and will continue working till he can. "My Social Security is very little, so it’s not enough if I don’t work. My wife and I retired, and all the kids — nobody’s home. I don’t make much money, but at least I keep this running and keep myself busy. I can pay my home rent," he confessed. Just like David, a survey found that over 60% of elderly people work because of finances. Out of those, 37% confessed they can't afford to retire, while 19% said they are working to pay off debt.

Meanwhile, reacting to Kate's video, a user who goes by @danaricci5 on Instagram commented, "His smile when you told him was priceless! I’m so happy to see this update. I wish David the best of luck with whatever he chooses to do going forward. Thank you for getting this story out to those of us who would have never heard otherwise!" Similarly, @kelley_heaton said, "I am crying. Kate, you are an amazing young woman with a beautiful heart! I’m so happy you shared this story so we could all help David. I hope he’s able to rent a shop. This is just wonderful."

Echoing the sentiments, @dreagan210 wrote, "What an amazing gift you gave David! Such an amazing way to use your platform for good! You are an inspiration for your generation!" @mommypld said, "Omg, Kate, I can't tell you how special this is. I'm in tears. You are such a special young woman."

You can follow Kate DePetro (@katedepetro) on Instagram for lifestyle content.