Brian (Full Episode) - FIRSTHAND: Homeless

Brian walked into St. Leonard’s Ministries with the goal of leaving homelessness behind him. He’s taking advantage of his new life and repairing broken family relationships after years of couch surfing and sleeping in vehicles. Brian is making his voice heard through advocacy work with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Homeless at interactive.wttw.com/firsthan...
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About FIRSTHAND: Homeless
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Homelessness is a widespread and complex issue in Chicago and other American cities, with no quick answers or simple solutions. While the public, media, and even policymakers often look away from the problem, WTTW spends a year focused on the challenging experiences and unique perspectives of unhoused people across the Chicago’s neighborhoods in Firsthand: Homeless.
FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago.
www.wttw.com/firsthand
#FIRSTHANDwttw

[@wttw]

FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. www.wttw.com/firsthand #FIRSTHANDwttw

[@VeronicaWynn-ec6gw]

Amen ❤

[@valeriebrown7946]

The cousin is like, "I'm glad I looked out the window and thanks for stopping by." In her mind, "BUT you ain't coming in here!"

[@kristelgpe]

True I thought the same

[@sanaaniz]

And why would she let him in ?

[@thamp94]

Yep😂

[@drb215]

clearly!!!! I totally picked that up.....she had a defensive stand so he knew he wasn't welcomed inside.

[@agoodgurl2k]

Well, there's always more to the story but that's life, messy.

[@elisabethdorrer4831]

Brian, do you realize how eloquent and well-spoken you are.? You would do well recording audio books, doing vouceovers, being a news reader, a radio host, a motivational speaker or even a simultaneous interpreter.

[@UTP504]

Yep, he has a good voice.

[@magicworld3242]

Notice how his cousin wouldn't let him in her house...........

[@margaretmukasa2998]

She does not trust him. He probably burned all the bridges

[@scottrogue946]

@@margaretmukasa2998exactly. You have discernment. As you can see people are so gullible.

[@cynMalMaz]

It may take time to rebuild the trust that may have been lost🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@C.Elisha]

I did and she said bye

[@back2the80s]

Maybe did not want cameras inside?

[@diamondis4ever]

I know your Mom and Grandma is smiling down. Keep doing well, Brian.

[@acajudi100]

are

[@autobotdiva9268]

Brian didnt know his YOUTH would flash by!

[@betsylynnvedrine3784]

He looks youthful and mature at the same time

[@user-cm2ux2pz3y]

Hes preserved

[@autobotdiva9268]

@@user-cm2ux2pz3y hes alive but thats it. Life zoomed right pas him

[@acooksla]

A beautiful,smart man, I wish him all the best. He deserves it

[@zeniyawellsprettygirliscut2571]

He’s a handsome humble man, I hope he takes this second chance and make the most of it.

[@theclasmalls4406]

This is where that 70 million dollars should have went, these folks who have been out here struggling, where's the hand up for them

[@kmyles8599]

Mayor Johnson's Bring Chicago Home was designed to raise funds to build affordable housing and lower taxes for 90% of Chicagoans. It failed at the ballot box due to low voter turnout.

[@giftedone831]

​@@kmyles8599No, it failed because it was a lousy and misguided piece of legislation. He should focus his efforts on citizens and stop throwing away millions of dollars on illegals and maybe people would be more supportive of his weak legislative agenda

[@NotfromDetroit]

That is the truth!

[@donnaallison7462]

The mother didn't give him a FATHER

[@TrippyTrappinProductions.100]

💯💯💯🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

He grew up in a absolutely beautiful house and neighborhood! He doesn't talk about why he went to prison many times. I wish he would've been more specific. I'm guessing drugs had something to do with it. He's well educated and not mentally ill. I hope he turns his life around forever 🙏

[@tiedtruth1071]

Chicago in the 80s, I'd say the call of money to the streets. Crack was profitable for young inner city men.

[@gwenxoxo7671]

Stay off of drugs, stay away from criminals! and life will see you through.👌🗣

[@moniqbal29]

Simple

[@user-hy3vu6sq1i]

Not true all the time

[@kellynorvell5714]

​@@user-hy3vu6sq1i You are 💯% right (seriously).

[@bellacairothehookqueen5373]

I am so ashamed of my country. This is appalling we give billions to other countries and ignore our own people.😢

[@Jackieincolorado1969]

You’re so mistaken. You should do your research why as to why we give foreign aid to other countries.

[@Arizona_lilly]

People have a lot of help here let me ask u why do immigrants come here ???? Why are people fighting leaving their countries to come here ??? For the freedom and chance to work and make money …. even if money is given to immigrants…. They aren’t poor for ever yet people on section 8 well fare etc will be on there til all their kids exhaust it….. my parents don’t even speak English well…. at all … but we have everything paid off home land cars money put up. Yet the ones who are born here …. don’t even have half . there food stamps here there’s housing here but it’s on their terms on the term of the government etc and it keeps you on a POOR mindset . do you know if you were to go to India or china or any place and say “ give us ur arm one arm and you will be able to live and enter America with citizenship “ do you know how many people there would take that give their arm … and still come here sbd make it. People who aren’t from here just want a chance want an opportunity to make money freedom to just stay alive… in North Korea your limited on items in your house when woman menstruate they still gotta use cloth and hay and leafs … yes even today in 2024. Your limited here in America we can buy anything we want eat everything we want love how we want NOBODY is coming to grab us sell us and force us out the house the house we own . There’s help but there’s rules ….. but think about that how are immigrants coming here ??? but don’t even speak English …. Yet have business and homes ? how

[@KayIsGreatful]

Exactly

[@easyenglishwithrachael1931]

Idk what you mean…at least here he was set up with housing, career help and also got in a second chance career program.

[@vivalaleta]

Great to see someone getting real, life changing, assistance

[@ohiosbestpeach770]

Brian is doing a great job.

[@jaeloves9472]

Does he sing? He has a radio host, show host, commercial voice and a baritono voice for singing background or lead. He is the job and he's going the rightdirection period. Good luck my man.

[@chocmilk10]

I was thinking his voice alone could be lucrative. Advertising, radio work, etc.

[@qur4334]

​@@chocmilk10😅 His Voice is what you / I call a Smooth Operator 😂

[@Arizona_lilly]

Yes yes he has a good voice

[@parler8698]

He's not on his second chance. By his own admission, this is about his 10th chance after depending on female relatives.

[@susieadams3305]

I met a 32 year old black youngman who has no criminal backround never did drug so humble rerespectable don't rob steal or sell drugs never been too jail just homeless😢

[@25oxendine]

becoming the norm

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

Do you know how he ended up homeless?

[@cortashaelam320]

Anybody can end up homeless. It's not about stereotypes like society says.

[@Anthonycapone8146]

What is his career?

[@saleemahmuhammad6656]

@@cortashaelam320 True especially if you lose your employment or your rent exceeds your income.

[@gallen2101]

I am so glad for you Brian and I don't know if anyone else has said that you're a handsome man 😊. Wishing you all the best, you can be the change!

[@patriciamoore6530]

I am so proud of u Brian. God is with u and he won't forsake u. Blessings to u.

[@drea4360]

Amen 🙏🏽

[@lordcron]

I'm blessed to have never been homeless.... I came close once but I figured it out and dodged the homelessness. I'm inspired to get involved to help people after watching this. I will never understand why this is a problem in the country that loves to brag about how rich it is. If we're that rich then prove it!

[@qur4334]

😢 GREED IS A REAL ISSUE. ❤U

[@Naturallyshe77]

Very good short documentary, wishing Brian the best. Its a common pattern amongst black men to rely on the black woman for everything and when those resources those women provided for you are no longer there, you have nothing. He got too comfortable and thought his mom and granny was always going to be there to take him back in. Where was his father? Having a good father in the home could have prevented him from the prison system.

[@courtneysands6646]

Now he's looking for a program or government services to give him a place. Still not looking to be self-reliant.

[@sandrawright5229]

Keep up good work Brian

[@8ofwands300]

These wonderful grassroots advocacy organizations and this fantastic documentary series, as well as the profound and eloquent people featured, give me hope for this country. 💗💗. Thank you.

[@thecommunityofpeace6905]

This brother is very intelligent and he has resources. I would HATE to see the plight of the other brothers and sisters who don’t have his educational level and resources.

[@NotfromDetroit]

Brian keep your head up my brother! Sending love and prayers from ATL❤

[@zen8102]

Great film , great man

[@barbaracampbell7747]

I'm glad that there is help for people who have been incarcerated

[@vsamoht2254]

Wishing him much continued success.

[@daniellebrooks3670]

I love this documentary series. Way to go Brian! You can do this!

[@matthewevans3021]

Glad for you to have found a way to thrive

[@Kaysway2003]

Keep it up on getting up. To all the negative judgmental people we have all fallen short at one point rather it be academically, mentally, emotionally or financially we have all fallen before in one of those categories.

[@ankae76]

Great job Brian . You will thrive, it doesn’t matter your years around the sun. You are making great strides with great assistance

[@dldl3966]

Bro you good looking and well spoken . You can be so much more ! Praying for you

[@typeorulz]

May this gentleman continue his journey onward and upward and continue to bring others along with him 🙏❤️

[@CC-oq2mj]

You're doing a great job Brian, keep up the good work.

[@mliloblackfire657]

Handsome guy😊

[@dinahawouragai2701]

Wish him well....❤

[@agnespilot9497]

This man💪is a role model in is community🙏keep going on Bro🤗💜

[@lawuanaclark1497]

Keep up the good work

[@incoco2]

Prayers Up and Out for Brian . His cousin as well she seems like a generous kind lady . Taking Care of Our Own need to Be Prioritized

[@Iam_Pex]

I am so proud of you Brian ! God bless you 🙏🙏🙏🤍

[@sewl385]

This was very motivational and encouraging. Great story I wish you well, sir.

[@marilynlopez5734]

Proud of you , don't give up,God bless.

[@agnespilot9497]

God bless🙏this man💙may the Good Lord💪keep him safe💜👍🤗🤗

[@blahblahhhh2801]

Brian good work man… you motivate me and many more. Don’t give up and keep striving.

[@stephanie6851]

He's gorgeous! should go into acting or something

[@lovereconciled4210]

I'm so proud of Brian, his progress, ambition, and his heart. Brian, please stay encouraged, hopeful, faithful, and God will do all the rest. Blessings to you.

[@acooksla]

I worked the homeless in nyc for years, it’s mostly not their fault. I agree, a home is the key, it’s number one. I feel for them, it could be any of us.

[@Anthonycapone8146]

"It's mostly not their fault" Unless some major catastrophe that was out of your hands happened to you! It absolutely is your fault!

[@AshleyMarshall-cf9on]

Sending prayers from Louisville Kentucky

[@jollymollyramram9702]

BRIAN you should contact a radio station or do voiceover for books comercials - it would be just right for that. Good luck👏

[@Yayayaya-rq5sw]

Wishing all the best all over the world, in Jesus name Amen.

[@DLeadVox]

God bless you Sir. Continue in you're most important work!

[@darncash2056]

This is really good. Proud of Brian. I think he finally found his purpose.

[@teemadarif8243]

I just don't hear people speak of their fathers much at all anymore.

[@chocmilk10]

Sad. A great male role model in his youth could’ve made all the difference.

[@jacquelinefransaw6911]

​@@chocmilk10Youth have to accept It goes both ways

[@nononsense7019]

@@jacquelinefransaw6911Brian mentioned his mother and grandmother growing up. That's two generations of females handling responsibilities with no males in sight....😏

[@sxceve25]

Watching this, I wish nothing but the best for u .Brian..❤

[@TeyannaWilliams-pu6uu]

Good on you Brian from Australia 🦘

[@delaciwoods8864]

Please stay grounded brother keep praying stay away from negative people God will assist you with helping yourself and others like u

[@johngrantham5508]

I am happy for this brother. God Bless Him.

[@varnvaschristofi8178]

This is a brilliant interview. What an intelligent man. I wish him all the best God bless you BrIan London uk

[@BohemianRhapsody324]

Cuzzo was like "Oh hell naw, let me get my ass out front before this ninja tries to come up in here"!!! 🤣😂😁

[@user-fk1dy8pu4q]

Trust nobody but God always.

[@daintyflygirl4va]

Good job man.Keep on going.No turning back ok

[@natashadallas5085]

You are truly blessed listening to your gut, taking this step and finding your purpose. For this you’re are truly blessed Brian.

[@EvelynLopez-kc1lq]

I loved his story it’s very inspiring he seems so kind and well spoken and you can tell he appreciates everything..

[@kingblake2490]

Keep going strong, Brian! You got this, man ✊🏾💯

[@savannaht6550]

I loved this! Brian you are an inspiration to others! Keep on the right path brother! Very Handsome intelligent man!

[@juvenesmith8356]

Praying for you Brian! Keep up the good work!

[@baddazzdebbiej4662]

Proud of you.Sir❤❤

[@kishawelch2146]

What a tremendous Blessing your life has become! Proud of you!😊

[@mtb4657]

So proud of Brian. Keep going.

[@sparksers4355]

Stay up brian ❤

[@acajudi100]

I was born in Chicago in 1942 Southside, and happy I obeyed my parents. I live in Queretaro now since 2021. I wish you the best, and stay away from drugs, drinks and lust. Be honest. Do not marry, shack, or have babies. Live alone is safer.

[@wwilliams3278]

Very inspiring story!!❤

[@denver.d7030]

HE IS VERY BLESSED TO HAVE GROWN UP IN SUCH A TIGHT KNIT FAMILY I DID NOT HAVE THAT GROWING UP

[@ishaspeaks4536]

I’m proud of him 😢❤

[@sakora.j]

This is such an enlightening episode!! I wish Brian well and I hope his movement grows across state borders because it's such a powerful thing he is doing.He's an inspiration fr💛

[@rakeemjohnsonwilliams]

Amazing content, Very Inspiring ! 💯

[@Juicyk201]

Brian you got this ❤

[@mosimosi630]

Amazing keep it up guys

[@omazz1965]

Hopefully Brian is doing well. Inspiring.

[@qur4334]

😮 Sometimes When MOTHERS RAISE THEIR SONS THEY TREAT THEM LIKE GOLDEN ♂️ BECAUSE OF THE 🇺🇸 JUDICIAL SYSTEM.. YET♀️ THEIR DAUGHTERS HAVE TO STRESS AND STRUGGLE.. YET, AA ♀️😢 ARE NOT PROTECTED WHICH MAKES HER💪🏽💪🏽 🥶 And 👿

[@ManifestingMillionaire369]

He sounds like my bio dad. My bio dad grew up bougie and spoiled. He said he wanted to have fun. He got hooked on H and he could never shake it. Unfortunately, my bio dad never grew up. RIP.

[@Arizona_lilly]

But no dad . Only grandma only mom he had nobody to show him how to be a man …. Damn

[@kellynorvell5714]

I was thinking the same thing 🤷‍♀️

[@Tuyabebe]

God Bless U Always.. keep ur head up stay positive u will B-Ok❤

[@itsnoahonfire]

Brian continue to press on God is with you.

[@drea4360]

Godbless you Brian you can do ALL things through Christ 🙏🏽 I’m proud of you 🫶🏽

[@euphratesjehan]

Beautiful house and lady

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

🙏🏾

[@ronaldharris53]

❤❤❤

[@machruk]

We should judge our society by how we treat the most vulnerable (homeless ppl, mentally ill, seniors etc) individuals. How are we doing?

[@lazapololapolo9824]

Yep..."change your consciousness and you can change your world."

[@sondrajean955]

Homeless because of what he did and did not do. Where is Dad? Raised by Kieshas.

[@mightyfineanderson]

Did you not hear him say that he grew up with both parents?

[@norr9765]

God is good this is a amazing 🤩 work for ppl

[@drb215]

this is why i don't drink anymore....cause my biggest fear is being homeless and my drinking became problematic after a gastric bypass surgery...tragic. I'll have 8 yrs sober this month! praise God and thank you Sharif (RIP).

[@Arizona_lilly]

He’s a handsome man he stresses well Wel spoken …. but damn

[@jaywatson9476]

😊🙏💜

[@terryflowers7837]

She lucked up on a beautiful house

[@joevigilante2073]

Put a suit on the man. He is arriculate and well meaning. He coule inspire others in waya to be stronger. Hopefully he achieves his goals

[@shannonlewis3214]

🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@delaciwoods8864]

America loves sending their money to other countries want help their own lives