America's Poorest Kids

In the United States, child poverty has reached record levels, with over 16 million children now affected. Food banks are facing unprecedented demand, and homeless shelters now have long waiting lists, as families who have known a much better life have to leave their homes, sometimes with just a few days notice. America’s Poor Kids meets three children whose families are struggling to get by, and asks them to tell us what life in modern America really looks like through their eyes.
Told from the point of view of the children themselves, this one-hour documentary offers a unique perspective on the nation's flagging economy and the impact of unemployment, homelessness and poverty as seen through the eyes of the children affected.
Instagram - @realstoriesdocs
Content licensed from True Vision. Any queries, please contact us at: [e-mail]

[@vixeliaOG]

Never realized how bad my childhood was. Not only were we poor but my step dad put padlocks on the fridge and there was no food in cabinets. He would eat mms and drink pepsi in front of us while we fought for the last soggy ramen noodle that my mom cooked for 2hrs before slopping on the table between hits off the pipe. I try not to have pitty parties but then i see these kids and wish i would have been loved just a fraction of what they are. My teachers tried. I'll never forget my school/teachers secretly gave us Christmas one year. Thank you to all the helpers.

[@ChristyHD27]

I'm so sorry.

[@joyceprior1301]

sorry for your childhood, i hope you are doing okay now. don't let the pass take over your future.

[@adriank7576]

I grew up with a very grandiose and agressive narcissistic mother who I left 3-4 years ago. I live alone now and do voluntarily work as part of the social support I get for money. Also enables me to see a therapist. It's not tragic, I can still function mostly. But the emotional neglect is like a cancer put inside of you. It's honestly pretty terrible to live with it. I guess I was lucky that I'm strong and intelligent and can make wise decisions. I saw these kids, and if they were willing to, I would rather be poor and have a real mother that truly cared than having to put up with all this. That is priceless. Best of luck and strenght to you. What you described is sadistic and malevolent. Above all take care and respect yourself.

[@ytrebilw8475]

@@adriank7576 I relate to this a lot, sounds selfish but I would rather have had a family and be poor. Then the abuse I had my whole life 😕

[@VolkswagencipresGrupogomez]

Y el gobierno de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica enviando miles de millones de dólares a una guerra q nada les incumbe.

[@suzannimal]

Children should never be faced with adult problems. What a world.

[@paodbdauw]

Because blame the parents

[@crand20033]

That's why you shouldn't have them. The world has changed.

[@aprils.r8418]

People here are disgusting. People lose their jobs and face struggles due to it. Shame on all of you guys here telling people they shouldn't have had kids and having zero empathy. We can't predict the future, stuff happens and the result is poverty unfortunately.

[@isaiahmajka3030]

Everyone should be able too get married and have children regardless! But they should be able too do it without the government! But I noticed the two families in here are trying too better their life they are just having hard times and need a little help.

[@isaiahmajka3030]

Everyone should be able too get married and have children regardless! But they should be able too do it without the government! But I noticed the two families in here are trying too better their life they are just having hard times and need a little help.

[@octaviotrejo5711]

we give money to everybody in other countries but our kids are poor unbeliable

[@ManoloUrbina779]

@@octaviotrejo5711 🤣🤣🤣🤣Que falsedad

[@LorisBenedict]

Pathetic. The wealthy are taking $$$$ to do someone else's dirty work.

[@user-sp7rr5yc7j]

We take care care of the illegals first they are living the american dream

[@marcosaraujo6320]

It is a false equivalence... As difficult as the situation is, and it is in fact, I believe that it does not even come close to the situation of a poor child in India and Africa.

[@loriemerns5741]

UPDATE ON THE KIDS AS OF 2021: - Roger Smith sadly passed away in 2018, aged 19, in a car accident. I am so sorry to the family for their loss. (He was Brittany's older brother, not featured in this doc episode but another one) - Johnny Davis lived with his grandmother in Chicago before moving to Florida. He now lives with his fiancée. He has two sons, the oldest being Jayden, and the second boy Jaire. (Jaire was a twin, but the other baby did not make it, and to that my heart goes out to the family. I wish them and their children so much health and happiness.) Johnny is also working in construction, sometimes with his dad, and is pursuing his dream to play football by attending the Jacksonville Athletic Academy. - Johnny Davis' sister, Jasmine, as of 2019 is home-schooled and wants to graduate and go into law. - Kaylie Hegwood finished highschool as covid hit. She says she struggled with classes moving online and almost failed. She considered becoming a veternarian, but went into college to become a paralegal instead. She worked as an assistant nutritionist at a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving food to patients according to their dietary needs and wishes. She says she would work 12+ hour shifts at times, but that her dogs were a comfort to her. She said her long-term goal is to practice criminal or family law. (Look up "Poor Kids USA: Update") for more info online, there's probably interviews scattered here and there.

[@ShantelleHussien]

Who was Roger may I ask

[@ROBERT-ml7ml]

Watch the documentary. ​@@ShantelleHussien

[@terrifuller]

Who’s Roger

[@actm015]

@@terrifullerthe older brother of brittany, he’s on the other documentary but same topic

[@actm015]

@@ShantelleHussienhe’s not on this docu, the other docu with the same topic

[@madisonrose1576]

This was from the 2000’s, imagine how much worse it is now

[@erikaerika7788]

I WAS HOMELESS IN THE 2000S😂😂😂😂😂,,,, I GOT PLENTY Of WORK NOW,,nurse,,,,, live in beautul lake front house,,,so can be done,,,,good luck❤❤❤❤❤

[@Hope44903]

​​@@erikaerika7788,Yes good luck....It can be done with help and a good SUPPORT system...It is worse now today!...More homelessness, drug addictions and mental health issues...You being a nurse I'm sure YOU will witness it daily...

[@Hope44903]

Yes it has gotten worse...There's more on drugs homelessness and mental health issues...

[@margiehornsby5702]

SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@margiehornsby5702]

Stop given food stamps to those who keeo having kids to get more and more from the GOVERNMENT, STOP FEEDING THOSE WHO CROSS THE BORDER, STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😡

[@mercylynshiko8588]

The little girl in glasses is so thoughtful and articulate

[@lvega5606]

She really is! Last update I saw on her, she was doing really well in school.

[@Catlady629]

@@lvega5606 I thought that too 🥹 where can I see the update?

[@Robert-nb6cc]

Little Miss Sunshine with the glasses is more intelligent and observant than some adults I know ,much respect to you ,take care of your Mom.

[@jkjames4026]

Men out there. Stop abandoning your kids. We gotta be there. Man up and love your kids. They’re yours.

[@user-tu4qg1hq1i]

@@jkjames4026 It is not always men

[@jkjames4026]

@@user-tu4qg1hq1i didn’t say it was. As a man I’m speaking for men

[@darktone3275]

It’s on both genders in this case.

[@dbz9393]

You cant blame this all on men, women are equally at fault for not picking right partners, having a steady job and home in place before having children. I would never allow my children to live such lives, I would rather go hungry and have no money to spend for myself to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table than allow them to live like this. I am 31 now and single with no kids, I dont intend on having until I can provide for them fully

[@jkjames4026]

@@darktone3275 while I agree that both need to take responsibility, I’m speaking for men who in large part in this country don’t take responsibility for their actions. Keep it in your pants if you don’t want to be a man afterword. And get married.

[@Gator777]

I grew up poor. Didn’t realize what poor was until I was grown. I collected cola bottles and cut grass as a young girl. One injury and you can end up homeless. Never give up.

[@TheeMademoiselle]

This is so heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹, no kid should have to suffer like this. I really hope the team brought food for these families as well.

[@davidgray1515]

I hope they brought birth control or sterilization

[@chreelou3543]

I was born into and raised in a poor family. But as an adult I am actually thankful. I got 2 things from it. First of all mom did great. She did what she could for my sister and I. She will always be a superhero mom to me. And growing up the way I did taught me how to be frugal and happy for what I have as an adult. I am living comfortable currently. But if I had to live poor again I know I could do it and be alright. So shout to my mom! You did really good! I love you and thank you for everything!

[@joannecormierable]

Single parent here in Canada and things are the same up here. I'm so sadden by the state of the world we live in, I was taught to work hard and earn a living but nobody told me there wouldn't be jobs!

[@iHeartAmySue]

Said a prayer for you ❤❤❤

[@dmrgen]

I wish you very well

[@missbutter76]

I live in Canada and am so happy you have shared your struggle as I feel less alone. Really appreciate and admire your honesty.

[@amandazarb7894]

So sad to see this happening in the world.

[@paigemcmaster5040]

Fellow Canadian here. It’s getting SO bad. I’m absolutely stuck and can’t escape. Americans think it’s so much better here because we have “free” healthcare. My dad has a brain tumor and he can’t even get a date for surgery to remove it because of how under funded and backed up the health care is.

[@Rick-kj9dd]

People can't stop you from believing in your own dreams as Kaylie said. What powerful final words from her to end this documentary. Make you cry. Remarkable resilience from these young children.

[@bostonbutterfly4473]

Over 100 million homeless kids in the world right now. Our leaders should be ashamed of themselves… but they are too busy living the good life. Pretty sick world we live in.

[@ryangramb2294]

This is satan's world. It really is. If you believe that then everything makes sense.

[@manda60]

They understand one thing. It is far too long since we reminded them of it.

[@iceteakilla]

What are you talking about? How can you generalize an issue to one thing and just blame the government? America is one of the most prosperous countries on the planet the problem is that there are too many parents who don't know how to parent or get their life in order to become successful. People literally will continue to live in small towns that are dying out because the town's purpose which lets say was coal mining originally attracting people when it first started is now shut down as things change but you have people who will continue to live in areas that have no opportunity just because they were born there making themselves live in poverty. A lot of these people should move like their grandparents did originally to places that have opportunities. Crazy how people expect the government to create industry or opportunity in the middle of nowhere. And these people are living off of government support... Don't blame the government because then you're making yourself a victim when you're not.

[@manda60]

@@iceteakilla Look folks, a moron.

[@bostonbutterfly4473]

@@paodbdauw easy to say when you’re not a barefoot homeless child.

[@karenpotter3562]

The kids in this documentary are so young but act so much older 😢❤I hope they are all doing well now

[@mishamandudi75]

I'm glad they have these types of documentaries. Every country has rich, upper, middle, middle, lower middle, working poor, and poor people.

[@CreaVidsMUSIC]

The kids in this documentary are so well spoken. The little blonde really sees the truth in life and how truly realistic it is. As they all have grown to adulthood at this time, I can only hope they have made good choices and are thriving!!

[@blessings4life]

I was Kaylee. I got out. I was so traumatized by poverty as a child I refuse to have children. Can’t take no chances of going back.

[@dbz9393]

most of us are just one paycheck away from being homeless

[@cathy7562]

Little Sarah is such a breath of fresh air: so genuine, intelligent and articulate. It saddens me to see all these single women with children in shelter and such precarious situation. Where are the fathers? Poor children... they have no chance.

[@LM__]

Heartbreaking but it’s the harsh reality the government should be ashamed of themselves and this needs to be the biggest wake up call they need

[@davidgray1515]

The government isnt the one having children who cant support them.

[@paigemcmaster5040]

@@davidgray1515guess you didn’t watch the video. It mentioned multiple times that these parents had jobs, lost them, and it went downhill. Things change. Be thankful you’ve never been in this position because it can happen to anyone.

[@hardopinions]

This is not government, but people that make the decisions. In SF area, the lack of affordable housing is because current house owners don't want higher density housing around and they vote accordingly. And then people are working and homeless because lack of housing...

[@cjhoward409]

@@paigemcmaster5040 I’ve told friends and family when jobs were plentiful and they made good money, to save some money, and don’t buy the $50,000 car and eat out all the time. You know, SAVE for a rainy day. I did that. People made fun of me when I drove a 10 year old car. Well, I laughed all the way to the bank because I saved that extra money. One never knows when we’ll lose a job or get sick … got to plan ahead

[@cathy7562]

Government has nothing to do with their predicament. It is more about personal decisions. I cannot imagine that two able bodied parents cannot find any job. Go deliver pizza, go do lawn care, handyman type work, get off the couch and do daily work, anything. If you live in California or other expensive areas, move out! Go to states where life is cheaper, where jobs are more readily available. Finally, before bringing so many children in this world, make sure you have means to support them. If you lose your job, then your job is to find a job! Sitting around and waiting for the government to hand out shelter and food is the root cause of their troubles. I just feel sorry for the children. They don't deserve this.

[@MsCrAzYcOoKiE76]

26:00 a little girl having to give up their best friend is just torture to me. Then the poor pup doesn't understand wth is going on... :'( I hope they are all in a better place now!

[@starlite2222]

@@MsCrAzYcOoKiE76 I was sobbing during this part. Everyday life was a struggle I wish they could of kept their dog 😢

[@cnlish]

@@starlite2222 same, I was expecting to feel badly watching this doc, but didn't think I'd start crying. 😭

[@aufahifni304]

Not just in America but all over the world 😢

[@KayleeRoy-mh1ri]

Pray to our ancestors , Growing your own garden and stocking up on food ... But having a garden of your own helps alot

[@josephkowhai9820]

A timeless and beautiful documentary. The children said some wonderful and thoughtful things. I wonder if U.S., politicians watch stuff like this? While a country still has children it still has hope.

[@brighteyes4927]

Leaving the dog broke my heart. Difficult for the children and the dog doesn’t know why is family suddenly abandoned him. 😔 I hope he was adopted by another loving family.

[@jimfesta8981]

For a while as a child, I had to eat government surplus food before the advent of food stamps. I remember one day, home from grade school, I was eating Oatmeal with powdered milk and looking at a dish of food in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine that my mother found in someone's trash. I imagined I was eating that dish of food, and it somehow made the Oatmeal taste better. I never forgot how my mind could do that.

[@andreeastanciu9961]

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen. Hands down. I still wach once every couple of years.😢

[@allisonle8596]

America’s shame. We should never have hungry children

[@crand20033]

But 'homeless adults' is OK with you?

[@lindadriscoll5652]

This is from 2013. 11 years ago. So much worse now.

[@averagejoesmiling456]

If these kids can overcome this situation, they will be unstoppable! They will be strong and unstoppable.

[@SulaymanNjie-nk2yk]

@@averagejoesmiling456 we know that in Africa

[@thomasanders1314]

I was happy to grow up in a family where there was always food on the table.

[@neverloozehope2238]

@@thomasanders1314 same here. My mother was a homemaker, my dad was the provider. We never had to worry about food or roof over our head. We lost our dad with cancer at 41 and after that it went downhill.

[@jacqueline8559]

​@@neverloozehope2238I'm so very sorry for your loss. For your mum,too, if she had no training or ability to care for you. She'd have been very reliant on your dad

[@cjhoward409]

My mom worked but also had a big veggie garden every year and we grew lots of good food. My parents didn’t smoke or drink alcohol which is expensive. It’s always amazing when I see people complain that they can’t feed their kids but they got money for smokes. 😮

[@dbz9393]

my dad comitted suicide when I was young, it left me and my 2 sisters under the care of my mom. She worked so hard to keep us fed and happy, sometimes I feel we dont appreciate the sacrifices she made to keep our family together

[@btw985]

I wonder where these kids are today. Hoping the best for them.

[@loriemerns5741]

You can check em! I made a comment about it summarizing what I've seen but if you look up "Poor Kids USA: Update", there's a bunch of info on what's happened since the doc

[@MrLisa35]

No matter what, always feed your kids no excuses, not feeding them is child abuse

[@bryanmelton5538]

Yes true

[@chris-ub8in]

Having them knowing they will go hungry is child abuse too.

[@Smile-j5p]

What I don’t understand is how in America families don’t pull together. Like why aren’t families living together? Pulling resources? Smaller space but more resources. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents… why is more better and selfish so good that people are left to fend without like these families?

[@maggies88]

Many families do.

[@Smile-j5p]

@@maggies88 statistically speaking they do not in comparison to other countries

[@Smile-j5p]

@@maggies88 Americans are brain washed into thinking that independence is far more important than generational living. Where everyone pitches in, forced to work together, get along, enjoy the company and fruits of labor together. So no one is forced to over work or go without. The old saying that it takes a village. It takes your family. Generations together. Solid.

[@neraksenoj2308]

Because no one can get along anymore there to selfish.

[@Juju-l3o]

@@Smile-j5pExactly, parents expect their children to move out once they hit 18, what they don’t realize is times are way more rough now that’s why there’s a lot of boomerang children, I still feel like 18 is a little too young to get out on their feet.

[@myharrybalzahk]

I found Kaylie on Facebook and she seems to be doing well. That's all I know from these people in the documentary.

[@Spadesshovel]

It's 4am here in New Zealand and I've been bitchin to myself about my life. Watching these young kids go through early life like this is an eye-opener. That girl Sarah's words about life being a maze and what ya gotta do 😂where did I lose that outlook in life. I pray for better days for them ahead.

[@kellygunner7625]

@Spadesshovel it's so much worse in USA 🇺🇸 for the fact that they don't have universal health care ..so they have hospital 🏥 bills too

[@pam9690]

Just a few minutes watching this & I feel so sad for those kids!! Bless their heart talking about how hungry they always are. I wish I could win the lottery & help people. God bless everyone.

[@horrido666]

Greedflation is making it worse. Much worse.

[@GratefullyEducated]

@@horrido666 Greedflation?

[@brighteyes4927]

@@GratefullyEducatedfigure it out. It’s obvious.

[@GratefullyEducated]

@@brighteyes4927 Get bent, whiner.

[@dbz9393]

@@GratefullyEducated It is companies price gouging to make more profits off the back of inflation, calling it an inflationary increase in prices when really they just want to use the current inflation to make more money which disproportionately effects low income households.

[@GratefullyEducated]

@@dbz9393 thank you for the kind explanation. 😎

[@danityvanityinsanity]

My heart goes out to all the people and families struggling out there just to eat and have shelter. It’s so sad that in the richest country in the world the TRUE criminals are criminalizing homelessness instead of showing charity and compassion!

[@s.b1243]

@@danityvanityinsanity is true

[@AD-dg6ds]

my dad passed one month before i turned 8, without a father figure and how society is, it's tough.. im 34 working at a hospital

[@Tanya-je2mi]

I think it is well and truly established that having children is no longer a natural next step as it has become unaffordable and unfair on them. It may be unpopular opinion but I think young people should take a stand. No. More. Babies. Its the only way to show those in power just how difficult life has become. My husband and i both work fulltime and have 2 children, one of whom is disabled. We have a mortgage and we get by, just.

[@GovernmenMagnitude]

I am more than disappointed seeing such heartbreaking moments in the country sending billions to foreign countries. The people owed these children for being silent while the government squandered the country's wealth damaging the kids future.

[@zacquelinebaldwin2555]

Low income people matter in a system that needs poor people. And children ALWAYS matter

[@user-tm5em4vu7u]

How old is this? It’s much, much worse now!! Cost of rent and food has gone up 50%+ in my city, since 2019! Wages have gone up by 5-10%, if that. We are much poorer now. Most people in California are struggling paycheck to paycheck.

[@azff]

Move out of that Communist run dystopia.

[@buch434]

@@user-tm5em4vu7u let me guess you blame Biden.

[@user-tm5em4vu7u]

@@buch434 no, I blame pointless wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the $400+ billion sent to Israel and Ukraine. Plus, the $800+ billion spent on military every year! Both parties are at fault, in my opinion. Both parties are funded and corrupted by the military industrial complex and the banks.

[@danim8188]

There is an update video on KZbin when these kids are teenagers.

[@user-tm5em4vu7u]

@@danim8188 thanks. Do you have the link? Did their lives improve at all? I hope they’re well. I was also a child in the early 2000s. I’m probably 5-6 years older than most of these children. I’m 35.

[@danielmoore94]

WE ALL LIVE IN AMERICA, AMERICA! IT'S WONDERBAR!!!!!!!!!

[@CL-kn1rq]

This is global, and poor people get poorer every year.

[@CountryKindOfCrazy]

Children whom have it hard growing up turn into adults who know how to survive

[@joelhall5124]

Thing is, the poorest kids in the US (like here in UK) still have wealthier families than a lot of the world. The problem here is ridiculous policies, social changes that rely on technology, regulations that require excessive bureaucracy, and poor quality goods to maintain an ever growing retail sector. And don't get me started on corporate and service industries.

[@kisia156]

Not true . The rest of the world lives better. I have been all around the world. You live in the past.

[@joelhall5124]

​@@kisia156 if you say so mate 😂

[@chocolatecoveredants]

I've seen this documentary before. I wonder how they're all doing. I wish we could track all of them down for updates. I hope they're all doing well. 💜

[@loriemerns5741]

You can! I made a comment about it summarizing what I've seen but if you look up "Poor Kids USA: Update", there's a bunch of info on what's happened since the doc

[@user-yj3ee2bj3i]

"People can't stop you from believing in your dreams". I just hope that no one stands in the way of these kids dreams. They learned and are insightful and I hope they will go far in life

[@JayJay-ki4mi]

This is tragic. I can relate to their feelings of hunger. I'm an adult and feel these feelings. Those kids are resourceful, and smart. These are the kids that can make a difference. They know a hunger many have never felt.

[@TheSesilye]

Im sorry but the moms here whats the problem why cant they work? I would scrub toilets and work for minimum wage before i let my kids be homeless. They're not doing enough.

[@Theintrovertednow]

@@TheSesilye agreed i seen my mom work 2 jobs cuz she didnt want me hungry or homless

[@sarahzachattack]

The Medicaid issue is the same where I live. It’s a “small-ish” town with too many people, one hospital, and no one takes Medicaid or “new Medicaid patients”. So we can’t get ANY help ANYWHERE

[@vixeliaOG]

It's worse. I live in small town, 45k. The hospital has secretly gone under. The hospital has less than 1 nurse per floor at 9am the hospital is dark and empty no one in sight..and the er is flat out ignoring patients until they leave. Those that can afford it are driving hours for er. Medicare pt are always denied treatment and services are no longer covered AND medicaid is being treated like a cash grab via fraudulent charges and abusive billing practices. I truly believe we are in a healthcare collapsein small city America.

[@steveknight9187]

So sad. Breaks my heart to see these families struggle so much.

[@cjhoward409]

And what I didn’t hear is … where are the grand parents ? Or the father ? Or aunts and uncles ? Friends ? Cousins?

[@mikeythesquid1427]

Your dad was MY mother...she did the exact same thing. I joined the service at 18 and never looked back.

[@lynnesroufe8068]

This is just heartbreaking, something's got to change...

[@normanocampo4466]

Even here in Australia, this is HAPPENING, sad reality, children are MOST affected individuals, BLESS these children

[@theo._1522]

the two girls living with their mum in san Francisco is so sad because the from is also messy. and maybe the mum is so sad all the time that she cant find the strength to clean up but that would help their mental state so much..i wish I could clean for them, I would love to help with what I can

[@ad_ventures369]

22:29 Sarah is wise beyond her age! 🙏

[@mathiasdreke180]

In the European Union even the poorest child gets 3 meals a day and has its own mobile phone. In some ways, when it comes to providing citizens with food, education and medicine, the USA make no difference to Russia or Iraq.

[@user-kf4ce4xc9t]

bless especially the sweet children, and the mothers.

[@Red-ct6wx]

It’s heartbreaking to listen to the kids talk, but I get it. I was a single Mom when mine were growing up the difference between me and these other Mothers. And NO DON’T COME AT ME….I had a full-time job and two part-time jobs I waitress part-time and I cleaned vacant apartments where I lived at I was busting my butt exhausted, but I got no help from the state. No child support. So yeah, it can be done!! Close the borders they do more for illegal immigrants than they do our own family with children who are on the street and this should never happen in our great country!! 🇺🇸

[@handlingthehowards9543]

I saw this on PBS back in like 2011 2012, but this has extended things that I never saw on the other one

[@Smiley-yt8zy]

Maan I'm from California (Mexican was born in da USA) I also grew up without a father and without money as a child I'd go 2 skool wit torn shoes and torn jeans my mom barely made it threw her job 2 feed us now as I was growing up 2 be an adult I kinda went da wrong path (became a drunk) started wandering da streets what not in and out of jobs so I learned what it felt like 2 be without food in these last yrs of struggle I'd eat 1s a day I finally got a job thanks be 2 God (again) I eat 3 times a day witch is normal meal I'm much better so yes it does break my heart 💔 2 c this God bless da hungry....I can say I doing a lil better.

[@mountstephen6810]

With 8 billion humans on the planet, it’s sad we can’t help all of them.

[@dmnguye69]

It starts with the parents bring kids into the world, if the parents do not have a vision then it'll be the same cycle passed and taught to their kids that way.

[@valentinacardona173]

At least they have shelters and the US help them with food , roof , free public schools and even money like in the pandemic . In my country there are not such thing, poor class in America are medium class in Latin America. But no matter what it is so sad to see people struggling , parents and kids suffering for economic situation

[@whatkarmasays8663]

En Colombia los niños son violados y traficados hasta por su propia familia por no tener para comer 😢

[@BrianThomas]

Thank you for saying that. However, there are children and families that are not in such places that US government programs offer because the need is greater than the supply. With as much wealth there is in the world. There really shouldn't be one mouth left unfed no matter the issue. Food-water, shelter, clothing, and healthcare, are basic needs human needs that every man, woman and child should have. No matter what your status is. This is possible to accomplish, but greed and selfishness get in the way. People blame God for all of things like this. I say God gave us all the ability to do something about it.

[@lynnecook847]

So sad. No family should live this way. But it does sadden me they have animals which generally suffer also.

[@cjhoward409]

Seems like most of these families have absent fathers. That’s really sad.

[@brentsummers7377]

A sad but wonderful documentary. Thank God the family cooped up in the SF Tenderloin district finally got their lovely apartment.

[@donclowers7666]

We had tight times growing up but thank God it was nothing like what these kids faced.

[@egosinenomine7038]

wow so sad. this world is so messed up. no one should be suffering so much. tax the billionaires and corporations, make them pay!

[@gudrunsykes486]

Sara from San Francisco I would adopt you in a heartbeat❤ I hope you have a bright future ahead of you! Such a smart girl:-)

[@Junkyard_Dog]

@@gudrunsykes486 She's definitely grown up by now.

[@lvega5606]

I think anyone would love to adopt her. Last I heard she did very well in school.

[@crisemm5207]

Omg look at this people's clothes and houses, they're DEFINITELY NOT POOR AT ALL! This people have never seen poverty ...

[@jasonmuller1199]

Look on the bright side, all the Mexicans are doing great in the US

[@ellenthom34]

Grew up very poor. Our staples were beans, potato, eggs, milk, something green or orange veggievsuch as carrots or sweet potervings peanut butter small servings of meat and gardening and canning. Homemade biscuits and corn bread. My parents bought in bulk and relied on delicious gome canned jars during the winter. We also picked grapes, blue berries and blackberries and fished. A little hunting. At school we had plentiful homemade healthy lunches cooked on the spot. How lucky we were. It was thin at times but at least a Sunday dinner. Cold cereal only Sat mornings and pancakes Sunday supper. Never went to school without a hearty breakfast.

[@Mark-gr8jb]

This is sad we need leadership that is America first let’s start taking care of our own!

[@isaiahmajka3030]

My wife and I always done very well in life and when we was raising our children. We live in America we raised our children in the early 2000 and throughout. But our children love the thrift stores and yard sales. They loved going up too the old Walmart and Mall don’t get me wrong but they couldn’t tell anyone which place they got their stuff they couldn’t remember and even today they love the thrift stores and yard sales and so does my grandkids and their mom is an RN and their dad is high up in the oilfield but I don’t believe if they knew if they was rich or poor I don’t believe that children should know big people stuff. I don’t believe children should know mom and dad’s business. Our children or grandchildren doesn’t get too set and listen too big people talk. Just like that little girl didn’t know about the “Great America Dream” I realize they will know some stuff like when moving or going into a shelter but them children know way too much big people stuff and they shouldn’t half too hear big people stuff. I couldn’t imagine being a child and having all the adult madness on me their school has too be harder. It just so sad all the way around it! This is America one of the richest country’s on the planet and children should never be homeless and with all the money and everything else being donated how does this happen? Children should be able too go to school and learn and not worry about the life back at home. And I’m sure these are old and I would love too know about the little white boy in here because I noticed he hits on his sister a lot and I don’t understand why that is going on with him. I hope, he didn’t grow up and become a lifer in the prison system. But children you should never hit on any female no matter what! We should never lay our hands on anyone but a male hitting a female isn’t right at all and they should be taught this at a early age. Like that little girl shouldn’t know there is rice left for just the night. This documentary is just getting too me! I don’t want anyone too go out and get on drugs by no means but they are not all bad people most of them are going through something and homeless people are not bad either these children just know why too much adult stuff.

[@UnitedThrive]

Long story too much too read

[@maggiesanford8324]

This motel looks nicer than a lot of places we stay on vacation. We're not rich, but we budget. We're not given anything (despite me having a mental health condition that makes it impossible for me to keep a job).

[@richlew7768]

I wonder how these fams are doing 14 years later. I was homeless at 11 for 2 years. Can't ever forget. Two billionaires could literally fix the world's homeless problem. If they stopped giving all their money to scam charities.

[@Sparker408]

I grew up poor but not because of the economy but because I had very lazy parents

[@teresabarrett3266]

Heartbreaking in every way

[@carolgeorge1071]

Problem is, there is no industry in this area of the country. Unless you can find something that these areas have someone needs, there will be no creation of jobs. Eastern Montana was the same way for decades until they started drilling. Government has nothing to do with jobs in this area.

[@ILoveEnglish477]

I didn't know there were people in the United States going through these difficult situations. Because what is passed on to the rest of the world is a simply magnificent United States with its rich people, because it is one of the richest countries in the world.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

this was just awful, such a sad situation, we live in a world with true abundance, this is just a result of the system and attitudes that control it all, and THAT is what makes it even worse to think about.

[@gauravampire2201]

0:53 This is really heartbreaking that children’s of even middle class families can also end up in roads given such short time notice…The money should be spent to ensure their well-being so that they do not fall prey to abuse, drug addictions etc rather than those illegal immigrants

[@MonaMarMag]

That is right I do not watch at all so- called media on tv . I wonder why these topics are not discussed and why they are not shown in tv ? Instead they" feed us nonsense " and lies .

[@sammiesue3556]

This was filmed years ago. These kids are now grown.

[@vixeliaOG]

And that means what exactly????...

[@KikiSanders-qr5pj]

22:24 i like this little girl..so smart

[@Soren_Caique_xD]

I really like this little girl i hope all the best for her in the future.

[@alpogi7570]

Life is hard because government officials are living in a lavish lifestyle... and it is happening anywhere in the world

[@raloofrancesca]

They still live in a house, imagine these who live in trailer or on the streets...we're waiting for such documentary!

[@margiehornsby5702]

Doesnt matter where they live!

[@kerrynight3271]

Nothing wrong with living in a trailer as long as it has heat and doesn't leak.

[@jaycee4899]

I remember as a a little kid ,my mom would take me and brother and sisters and walk to the church pantry every week. To pick up food for all of us. Dad had two jobs and mom a janitor. Both hard workers. I’ve learned a lot from them. My sisters and bro learned a lot…Hard times. My sis a RN other sis business owner bro IT and myself instructor / Firefighter / National guardsman. So yea, hard work pays off.

[@user-kf4ce4xc9t]

so where are the socalled men, the absent fathers, in this whole family failure?

[@MartianAmbassador69]

80% of divorces are initiated by women...

[@audreyallen6335]

The little girl in the hotel is cute! A producers dream. Every question she circles back to being poor and hungry LOL I see a future actress

[@JimKat5646]

I think America needs to take care of America

[@jessicapabon2105]

Woman in Iowa who has two children she lives in a somewhat rural area really small tiny town and looks like she's got a good size yard so why doesn't she Garden and maybe have a handful of chickens for eggs or fresh meat you can have chickens and you don't necessarily have to feed them grain from the feed store how did they used to do it hundreds of years back just let chickens do what chickens typically do and that's for worms and scratch the ground for their own food

[@michaelesper5960]

THE YOUNG GIRL FROM FRISCO IS VERY ARTICULATE AND SMART..THERE IS NO DOUBT SHE WILL FIND A WAY TO THRIVE. STAY POSITIVE YOUNG LADY.

[@danykl9030]

Unfortunately the world is not getting better but the exact opposite.Watching this makes me greatfull for what you have and that i am able to give my kids what they need.

[@Rose-xe5fy]

This shouldn't be happening anywhere, let alone America.

[@4chrstrobins]

Does anybody know any updates about the families are they still homeless did they recover ect. Are there any updates video of them if so please send link

[@actm015]

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