Mix, Mingle, Get An Apartment
By Stefan Singh
Roommates Wanted NYC is opening a new location in Woodside. Every second Sunday starting May 8, the Playground Thai Underground Bar on Roosevelt Avenue will open exclusively to those looking for solutions to their housing problems.
Founded by Jeff Orlick and Dene Farrell, Roommates Wanted NYC, which has locations in Williamsburg, Park Slope and Prospect Heights, has been holding events across New York City for more than a year. "The people who attend are frustrated by all the hassles of Craigslist, and the safety issues it presents," said Orlick. "We figure that people will save time, have fun, and be safe by meeting potentials in a group environment."
As guests come in, they pick up a sticker; red if they have a place and green if they need a place. They sign in on the "big board" where they have the opportunity to describe their housing situation, and they spend the rest of the night mingling.
According to Orlick, many people find places to live or someone to fill their open space, and many find roommates to live with. "This gives people with places to rent a great way to save time, and meet a ton of potentials," said Orlick. "They don't have to use a broker anymore, just come to the event and get it done themselves."
Playground Thai, located at 71-30 Roosevelt Ave., was chosen because it is in the middle of Queens, with access to the E, F, M, R and 7 trains. In addition to its prime location, Orlick said, "The spot is really cool and the Thai food is great, too."
Over the last year, Roommates Wanted NYC has established itself as "the best way to find housing and the ultimate alternative to the hassle of Craigslist," according to its own description. The charge for admission to one of the events is $5 and according to Orlick, they always have drink specials and there is a little secret to getting in for free.
Anyone attending the event who posts an ad on Craigslist noting their housing situation and saying they will be at a Roommates Wanted NYC event can RSVP at roommateswantednyc.com and receive free admission.
Orlick said that the biggest accomplishment for him since co-founding Roommates Wanted NYC is having customers come back and say they found a match; he is confident that most people can find a match at one of the events.
Reach Reporter Stefan Singh at ssingh@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.