Dear Project FIND: When I returned to New York City two years ago after a 40-year absence, except for my good friend and life's companion, Marlene Lee, I was alone and lonely. All my friends and relatives were gone or relocated and out of touch. I wandered the streets and found that all the stories I remembered were gone. My favorite resaurants -- Horn & Hardart, Dubrow's Cafeteria, Chock Full 'O Nuts and Toffanetti's -- were gone. People no longer dressed up. In the Depression, we tried to dress as in good times. Now, people dress like in a Depression. The people looked different, but why not? Forty years -- that's Biblical time. I was downcast, and then, I discovered Hamilton House. I knew nobody there. I hardly even remembered how to talk to New Yorkers. But at least these people were my generation and, in a little while, I began to make friends. I became involved in some of the classes offered at the Center, and I even volunteered to teach music and piano, which I still do. For years, I avoided learning the computer. At Hamilton, I was encouraged to try it and now, after years of rejecting it, I have become an avid devotee of the computer. The lunches at Hamilton are delicious and well-balanced and the donation requested is so small. The food, the classes, the companionship and the friendly and helpful attitude of the Hamilton staff have made me change my negative attitude toward my birth city. I would like to personally thank Barbara and Betty, Annette and Jackson, Shirley and Roger, and all the wonderful staff, volunteers and members of Hamilton House. Truly, you have made this a real homecoming. Thank you and God bless, Vincent Payez