Donna choses to live in a tent instead of staying in a homeless shelter.

Donna is a single mother of five children. She has been homeless for about a year, choosing to live in a tent by the river instead of staying in a shelter. Although she has encountered unthinkable dangers while living outside- vandalism, assault- she still prefers this over staying in a shelter. This may seem counter-intuitive to those who have never been homeless. But remember that shelters have increasingly become overcrowded, so the lines for a bed, food, and showers have become longer and longer. Besides, Donna says she doesn't feel safe anywhere.
I met Donna at the Prado Day Center. She caught my attention because she was there both as a client and as a volunteer. She was doing laundry for other homeless people using the day center. She mentions that she has gone weeks without clean clothes, so she appreciates what clean clothes will mean to other folks at the center.
My heart breaks for Donna and all of the other women I see living alone on the streets. Nobody wants to imagine their mother or grandmother living in a vulnerable situation. But the sad reality of homelessness today is that many ladies living without a home look just like my grandmother.
________________________________________________
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About Invisible People:
Since its launch in November 2008, Invisible People has leveraged the power of video and the massive reach of social media to share the compelling, gritty, and unfiltered stories of homeless people from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. The vlog (video blog) gets up close and personal with veterans, mothers, children, layoff victims and others who have been forced onto the streets by a variety of circumstances. Each week, they’re on InvisiblePeople.tv, and high traffic sites such as KZbin, Twitter and Facebook, proving to a global audience that while they may often be ignored, they are far from invisible.
Invisible People goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages can understand, and can’t ignore. The vlog puts into context one of our nation’s most troubling and prevalent issues through personal stories captured by the lens of Mark Horvath - its founder - and brings into focus the pain, hardship and hopelessness that millions face each day. One story at a time, videos posted on InvisiblePeople.tv shatter the stereotypes of America’s homeless, force shifts in perception and deliver a call to action that is being answered by national brands, nonprofit organizations and everyday citizens now committed to opening their eyes and their hearts to those too often forgotten.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way we think about people experiencing homelessness.

[@XdirtyjerseyX]

It breaks my heart, and brings tears to my eyes, that this woman has sent two of her 5 children, to fight for a country that would let her sleep on the streets. Its pathetic. Its disgusting. Its one of the very few things that I loathe about my country. We should all take a real hard look at who are, and what we have become ?

[@kkooloo5781]

Cannot argue with that at all

[@stephaniee8909]

Yes so sad all her kids would let her live line that . I'm praying her kids take her in when they have that pow wow

[@overcomer1921]

Be very careful, you are only hearing 1 side to this story ... what if she is a bad mom, what if she abused her children? What if she abused the help because she has love of SIN rather then love of righteousness? So many of these people do not tell the whole truth, they think they are going to help me and give me money or a place.. you can help someone but truth be told are they wanting it and will be a good steward of what is given? Have you ever taken a stranger in your home? Have you ever went to the streets and spent your own money to drive others to get paperwork done, appointments, housing programs, jobs, donations.. until you do.. say nothing.. because it's not what you think.. I want no one to be in pain.. but REALITY is its painful to be set apart and free of SINS.. it is a everyday battle to CHOOSE wise from foolishness.. but I'm a witness of 16 yrs a WICKED SINNER to 18 yrs a born again child of God being lead by the holy spirit and not my flesh.. when you play victim you ENTERTAIN wicked demonic oppression. When you FORSAKE SIN and walk righteously you ENTERTAIN God and allow him to reward you and redeem you.. I'm a witness!!!!

[@chilyfeforever6252]

@@overcomer1921 🙄

[@How.Dare.You.]

Shame on their children!!! I would never allow my mother be on the streets!!! Disgrace! !!!!!

[@alexmontano9448]

@mark hart makes me wonder who's out here buying all the houses

[@tammieheister5764]

alex montano I’m buying a Rv to live in full time. Today 11 years later seems more and more people are choosing the nomadic lifestyle. I’m super excited to be getting my home on wheels!

[@jamielee7404]

But then again maybe there's something else going on. She said they'd been looking for her and couldn't find her. Maybe she has suffered a breakdown and just chose to kinda hide from the world. Maybe there's mental illness, depression, or smth. I have a relative with depression, we helped her beat it but it took a lot of time and effort.

[@moreofawave]

We don't get the whole story just her side. Maybe there's a reason they don't take her in. Don't judge.

[@drewjenn9819]

This woman is absolutely precious. Reminds me of my girlfriend's mom. Boys, please get mom under a roof!

[@jonord84]

I was thinking on this! Like HOW does she have 2 sons in marines, and they dont make sure shes safe and housed?? Or the other kids?? I know DAMN sure I wouldn't let my mom go through this!!

[@yulyasevelova769]

@@jonord84 Yes ! Absolutely. If grown children are able to work, why can't they accumulate enough money to get her into an apartment for seniors ? I never allowed my parents to suffer this way. They lived with us until they passed away.

[@amandacountryman8024]

Recently I've spent all my KZbin time watching "Invisible People." My absolute favorite part is when I get to hear their 3 wishes... this one broke my heart. I just celebrated 4 years clean off heroin and opiates this month, my brother has been to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times and I have been homeless with my 4 year old son living in my S-10 pickup. To hear someone wish something about mankind and not themselves brings tears to my eyes! EVERY TIME! Thank God there are still good, humble people out there!

[@243wayne1]

Dear Amanda- I just stumbled upon this "Invisible People" Site today, and have spent my entire day watching the videos of various people. VERY powerful. I too love the 3 wishes part at the end. What I find most intriguing, is NOT ONE person that I have seen so far spent the wishes on themselves. Each thought of other people, even though they have a rough life. In fact, the one that reduced me to tears as well was "Tilly" Who said that for her 3rd wish- *"Everyone should have 3 wishes. Don't you think?"* Touching to say the least. I'm proud of you being clean for 4 years Amanda. Take care of yourself. God bless you as well.

[@drewjenn9819]

Amanda Marsh-Countryman I hope you're well Amanda!

[@robo5391]

Same here Amanda ,I've been watching these quiet a bit .I was homeless several times growing up . 13 years later its still tough for me to talk about .

[@terryestepp2615]

I hope that you continue your road forward without addiction pulling you back. Congratulations on taking control of your life. Peace.

[@chicagogyrl7849]

All these kids and none of them could help her? Unbelievable!

[@all4u100]

SHAME SHAME SHAMEEEEEE on her kids ...especially the one who's the engineer.... their mom spent her whole life, every penny , to take care of them n HOW CAN DEY SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THIER MOm's ON THE STREETS......its a shame shame shame....

[@smilyblessings1315]

all4u100 i was thinkingthe same thing its ridiculous

[@jshipp6756]

I wonder why one of her sons wont come and get her, she needs their help.

[@coolcat1684]

dachicagoan why don’t you hold it with the insults people are just reacting in a human way....

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

How can her 5 kids (5!!) allow her to live on the streets? if they all contributed a little bit, she could have a much better, safer life.

[@heathweather5995]

Jim Vines Presents... . 5 sons that has good career jobs.

[@carolinaspasteldiary7195]

my mother was homeless. she has schizophrenia no drug addiction. my sister has helped zero. they are older with money and big houses but they couldn't give a shit. they see my mom been mentally ill as if its an inconvenience to them . i have gotten her off the street and stable since then and I'm in my early 20's . some kids are just worthless honestly.. idk why😔

[@tuffryda]

i wouldn't let my mother be homeless for a minute! smh some people are despicable and ungrateful

[@YouTubeDeletesComments]

@@carolinaspasteldiary7195 That was exactly like me. Then we became Homeless for no reason of our own doing, and my Bro and his Wife wouldnt let her stay at their House, in the Spare Room. They were more concered about her letting a Cat out...More worried about a fuking Cat, than your own Mother/Inlaw?! Insane fucks

[@trinajames7222]

I couldn't sleep knowing my Momma was on the street. I just couldn't deal with it, I don't know how any of her children can live with themselves knowing she's in danger, assaulted and exposed to all the elements. This Is Your Only Mom, Take Care Of Her!!!! May God have mercy on their souls, because the Godsmack they'll receive would be more than they could handle for doing this.

[@Elena-er7zp]

Trina James she could have been awful to them. She could have been drinking and on drugs and sleeping around while they were growing up. She could have been ignoring them so they ignored her. Then she became homeless during that time...not every one is a good mother. my mother is a good mother. I talk to her every single day to check in on her. If these women’s sons lost contact with her some drama went down.

[@antonarcane2836]

Typical idiot where you blame the victim not knowing the real circumstances. Get an education.

[@calderarecords]

"NO MORE WAR" - You heard her. Wisest sentiment if ever I've heard it. Her kids are looking for her but I surmise that she bares too much shame to let them help her. Donna here is a good person. Give these people a voice. #TheVenusProject

[@itsjustrenee1320]

Why aren't her sons taking care of her? They all sound like they're doing pretty good.

[@maryellwood3653]

God this is sad, Donna I think has had a hard life raising 5 kids on her own and is now emotionally broken by her circumstances and her physical disability and she is worn out, she is only 53, I hope her family get her out of this mess their mother needs love and protection and compassion. It sounds like she has done a good job with her kids - but she is worried sick by 2 of them being in the military. What about the son that is married with a couple of kids, surely they could help her. However I do know we don't always get along with who our closest family members get married to, in-laws can sometimes make life very difficult with their own selfishness.

[@How.Dare.You.]

mary ellwood people are fcking selfish. Bastards

[@arleneaugustahair8393]

mary ellwood the ones who are in the military can easily add her on as a dependent. The military will give them housing on base or BAH to provide for her. I don’t understand why they have not done that.

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

how come her sons don't help ?

[@silverbleak1645]

looking for? and they let her sleep outside? any of the 5 cannot take her home?

[@silverbleak1645]

dachicagoan ok maybe they try to help, but its not enough. They should simply take mum home. How can you let your mother sleep on street? But maybe she is not that good woman, and if she stayed with sons she wouldnt get housing by her own in some program

[@kenciolek843]

I like her....sons ..she's your mother... God says to honor her....I disowned my dad because of his ways when I was strong and now I deeply regret it and he's been gone 20 years

[@Elena-er7zp]

Ken Ciolek if he would have moved into your house, you might not have. some people are just awful people.

[@debbieharriman9044]

yes theres more older ladies . and society treats them.horrible . hopefully there will be nicer people.

[@thedarci1368]

My three wishes would be no more War, no more hunger, no more homeless in our country.

[@Calverts399]

This was 11 yrs ago. I sure hope she is off the street and safe, warm, fed and loved.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

She has all of these kids, why aren't they offering to take their mother in. She did a great job raising her kids, because, it sounds like their all doing good. Lord, bless her. It's interesting, because, those are my three wishes.

[@RM-fo9qh]

Any updates? I always wonder the backstory. How children could allow their own mother to be homeless blows my mind. Either a lot of bad behind the scenes, or a serious level of selfishness, or both. No non-evil parent should be alone and homeless.

[@Elena-er7zp]

Rosalie O'Rourke if you lose contact with your mother, than there has been drama

[@RM-fo9qh]

Oreo Emesis true...I mean I’m sure it’s not impossible that she just had incredibly selfish kids, but most likely a ton of her own behavior contributed to her being where she is now.

[@terryestepp2615]

Sometimes the mother is and was a very good person. Sometimes there are mean or strange and controlling daughter in laws . Sometimes a child will belong to a cult religion like Jehovah's Witnesses and will completely ostracize the entire family. Sometimes the children grow up to be selfish or controlling and cruel themselves. Sometimes there is no money or room in the children's homes. Sometimes the mother may not be comfortable with the lifestyle of the adult child. Sometimes the child or spouse have mental problems that make living with them intolerable. It isn't always that the mother was a bad person.

[@AD-hh8tv]

@@RM-fo9qh www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-10/homeless-housing-chatsworth-nimby the woman in the first picture looks a lot like Donna, same first name and age.

[@sandranoisewater6093]

@@AD-hh8tv It does look like her, TY,

[@donnaeve6084]

Those kids of hers better get her housed properly or they should be ashamed of themselves,karma is a bitch!

[@francineproulx2535]

Beautiful women so honest and loveble

[@tonyvolfgangmarashay1668]

What a good lady God bless her

[@chrisadams1379]

She breaks my heart

[@moriah1394]

Sad. She describes how time consuming and exhausting homelessness is. Updates? Ten years after this video is made homelessness is more rampant than ever.

[@jshipp6756]

Homelessness, also ages you, the mental stress is terrible

[@elainediack889]

I know those tears only to will. God bless the rest of your journey my lovely

[@hopeforchrist7772]

Her wishes were my fave so far. So selfless!❤

[@JaniceTrades777]

Beautiful soul

[@Lovepeacejoy..]

Heartbreaking......I hope and pray she is a home by now

[@CYV214]

🙏

[@James-lm6wt]

Why would her sons not fix her up with a place to live

[@chelseac2190]

I hope Doona finds a home soon. Lovely woman.

[@caryntbay1726]

Bless 💛

[@bonniebester606]

Just Wow!

[@toddruss100]

shelters are no different than volunteering to go to county jail overnight, then, at the crack of dawn, GET OUT !!!! be back in exactly 15 hours or tuff shit, shelters don't give a damn about homeless people, I tried them but its worse than "tent & under bridge" type surviving, I have no idea why they stay packed, ive tried both ways of surviving homeless & I choose the "bushes" over a shelter any day.

[@victoriaevans2512]

I believe you I had a girl from my area in Va. Tell me that she got raped in a shelter.

[@mariahawthorne5931]

Jesus has set me free ME TOO. Talking from experience ..

[@fantasian00]

stories like these are heart breaking. the government should set aside more funds to expand shelters and programs to help get the homeless back into the workforce.

[@patriciahansenwithan]

i had two sons who got involved with the man who got control of my mothers money and had her declared incompetent drugging her to make it seem so. one son got about a quarter million from her estate. the other complains that david reid, the man who was her trustee, did not pay him the money he promised for saying i was abusive so they could lock me out of her life. i do get two hours a week when i take her out to lunch which is the only time she can leaves the house. that son is bitter, and he told me it is my fault he is a bum, because when i raised the boys as a single mother i made it look too easy. the other son hates me because he and reid had planned mother would die in 2008 when i got crazy and threw him out of her house. he told me , 'grandmother wanted to die, and you had no business making her well again.' this one just fathered a child and he wants to bring it to see her, but the mother would not let him. he has to work it out with her care giver so that he does not run into me because he can't face me.

[@Kitkatluv33]

Shame on their sons for letting their mom to be homeless. I know i don't know all the information but she shouldnt have been homeless to begin with with 5 children.

[@ayzc4164]

My heart breaks for her. I can’t imagine none of her kids will take her in. It’s sickening how men could grow up and forget their mom after marriage. If your wife tells you to push your mom or dad aside... LEAVE THEM. I really hope she’s out of this situation

[@memyselfimemyselfi4788]

Oh lady , God sees and hears and feels your pain ....call out to him...he's waiting...God loves you

[@gearhead2017]

I feel for her,I stayed in a shelter and thankfully everyone they interviewed was cool and didnt steal what things I had,anyway there was a guy there and his son and him dont talk,his son reached out to him and offered for the dad to live w him rent free, I let him use my cell to call the son and he said no,its a matter of pride,I said if my son offered me a place to live I would damn well take him up on his offer,he cried and said can I call him? I said go for it,you have nothing to lose and your son to gain,he left on friday and I left the same day to where I am now,a home that I've been at for 10 years and I love it there

[@eskiemax5133]

God Bless Her!!!!

[@laronbrown4645]

God Bless....

[@abrahamm1109]

I just pray for all the homeless people to be blessed beyond their imagination

[@mariahawthorne5931]

SMART LADY...Talking from experience, u are better off in a tent then in a shelter .

[@1972dsrai]

You only hear horror stories about shelters, it seems most homeless people choose to stay clear of them despite the alternative which is a damning statement. Clearly those who run them need to do more in weeding out those who make it hard for others to stay there. We don't know what kind of a mother she was to her kids, but if she was a good mother then her kids really need to step up. I'd never let my mother sleep rough, but we can't judge her kids without knowing their side of the story.

[@Starseed3]

She has older adult kids ... and they STILL hv not taken her off the street & taken her into their own homes? Thats simply cruel,, but not unheard of in this day and age. 👿

[@AtticTapes14]

How did she get homeless?

[@aishraa3212]

Awe

[@franciswoon2130]

Good thing her children are going to help her.

[@BillieJolene1]

5 kids!!!!!! They could at least pool together to pay for her an apartment. SMH.

[@rhonr]

I've been assaulted in shelters too! The staff encourages it ....for THEIR entertainment! Shelters are NOT run by common sense.

[@yulyasevelova769]

Shelters make a pretty penny on each homeless person ! Tax dollars at work, right ?? $40,000 for each person, per year ! Of course the agencies are a racket.

[@MrsBee-uo2lc]

How could her kids let her be on the streets!?! I hope they moved her into there homes....😟😢

[@laurenferrell8082]

Omg I want her!!! I'll take her in.... she is beyond precious!!!!

[@AD-hh8tv]

www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-10/homeless-housing-chatsworth-nimby is that her in the first picture? Fits the age, name and looks a lot like her

[@annward4149]

Why isn't this precious 4 son's get their mom an apartment. This is heart breaking!!!!!

[@weetzybat]

It's the true character of a society that shows in how they treat their most vulnerable members. There needs to be federal laws where people are not allowed to reach this level of poverty

[@tictoc5443]

How could any child let their mother be homeless?

[@veganc5028]

How can her sons not help her? Disgusting!!

[@James-lm6wt]

How can these 5 sons no club money together and get there mother off the street just don’t understand I would not be able to sleep on a night

[@gloriapalethorpe2312]

I wish you could live with a family member you shouldn't leave family homeless you seem so sweet I wish you the best

[@user-jy3mj3qh3z]

I though that our government cannot afford provide the lively conditions for veteran parents. And its a great surprise for me that the greatest Power earthly cannot either. With 1 difference. My Ukrainian governent can accomodate our homeless veteran and give them job.

[@user-pz1tn3ki6z]

Hang in there angel,i was born in san luis obispo,calif.worked in avila beach,just retired from there.i would pass the prado day center often ,but when i would return to avila ,on ontario road,every few months i would see sheriff cars,police ect.filling peoples( homeless).personal belongings,to haul away from the s.l.o.creek.why did they have to harass these poor souls,dear god cant they leave them alone?iam waitng for poetic justice to come around,when slo ,completely crashes, and there is no more tax money to pay to the local authorities,then they will be down on the creekside with their own tents,and the veteran homeless people will have to teach,the new comers how to survive,because most dont know how to clean their own buts.

[@debramiles5176]

What a sweet soul hope her children get her off the street I wish my mom or dad was still living someday we will have peace thank you Jesus if you stay right with God he promised that in the gospel 🙏 praying for you

[@greyjay9202]

To Donna's sons: Please, give your Mom a place to stay.

[@reenierossi3724]

I wonder what has happened to Donna in the nine years since this was filmed and why she's not getting alimony...

[@valeriependelton5819]

I can't say that I blame her, I've lived in shelters for 4 months at the last one. I didn't sleep on cots but a bed, however the hardest part is dealing with other women's issues and MAN are they intense! Some are unstable & cause trouble. So I don't fault this nice woman. She seems sweet.

[@sallyclay1974]

Your grown sons should be helping u. Getting up in age is no joke.

[@thikang7781]

The homeless are truly in touch with the things that really matter. How about giving her a job as a presidential advisor.

[@tildibu9087]

I hope this lady gets her disability and gets somewhere to live. She is helping others while her life is so hard, god bless her

[@todddebick9160]

The one thing about homelessness it can happen to anyone at any time.

[@m.thomas8819]

This woman Will always have a homeless mentality because of The excuses and blame she puts on others.

[@MOAONAABE]

im 64 and an empty nester, i cant keep up the house and I am just waiting for my 2 senior dogs to finish their time and Im heading south. i would give a bedroom in my home to a person to assist me with the general duties you might imagine i dont want to do.. i wouldnt trust anybody nowadays. in the 80s i let 6 different ladies stay with us several sets of sisters, and they never want to do anything. thats how they end up alone, they get the boot 4-5 times, thats a tell.

[@brentkereama4792]

i hope she get off the street she strong women

[@annielark6650]

We should have foster homes for homeless adults where people volunter a spare room or even garage or caravan in their yard to house those that are vulnerable....in other words house all homeless people. All are vulnerable out in the streets

[@adiscourse9489]

I hope Donna has been housed. Eleven years is a long time to be homeless (since 2009).

[@dhetrick2868]

You don't feel safe because that's what they want. It's a control. A tent hidden in the woods alone sounds pretty great. Even better a society that pulls it's head out..........

[@Mollyjayn]

I would never let my mom be homeless- shame on her son !!!!

[@user-mq6kg4fo5j]

She's right in shelter is loud at night

[@ilciavargas7318]

Is a very sad situation on which this lady is . On the other hand the government should provide a roof like social small houses away from big crowded cities and jobs. Also many people can not afford to feed their children and many end up abandon or in social service because the government they have chosen does not provide free contraceptives when is so easy nowadays to do it. Contraceptives' implants like the implanon can last 3 years and is introduce to arm. This would be the only way young people can keep on studying and have a better chance to get jobs and trainies.

[@dianebach1301]

No one out of 5 kids who’ll take her in?????

[@johnkimball5872]

No payphone anymore

[@tonyl6385]

What? Not one of her children can help their mother? Says a lot, pathetic.

[@michaelvance1118]

And this is how we treat our veterans!🤨🇺🇸 it infuriates me to know that shes hurting

[@franciswoon2130]

You mean to say people are that bad and where is the police and justice?

[@dendriller]

That were my mom she would not be in that position, no matter what!!. I would not be able to sleep knowing her condition!!.

[@tridentgameing6192]

I don't know other side of story but you should definitely help your mom or family when they facing downs

[@timothylaflamme8277]

so her sons are okay with their mother being out in the streets homeless??? WOW, what ever happened to being family? And having each others backs ? shame

[@ziprowoxer3607]

last wish was beautiful.

[@heathweather5995]

She has 5 sons that are well off. They cant take carev of her?

[@maggieoakley9020]

Nobody knows what has gone on in the past saying that she seems a lovely lady I wish her well!

[@jfranco3842]

Oh Lord Jesus please help her .to get a safe place to live with safe people around her. And her $ needs met.And salvation.healing, in Jesus name amen 💖🙏💖🙏😪others please pray for her and others as well.🙏💖

[@ericogle4159]

Hope she gets a job and apartment and on her feet

[@sarabower1]

@ihaveNegativeIQ its all relative

[@trblcleft]

Funny how people blame the children but we don't know the whole story. Be careful to judge

[@anayhiasmimi1409]

I don't know all the circumstances but just maybe her kids are ungrateful. Like I said idk. But I have 3 grown children and this is what I'm facing so never know.

[@dianebach1301]

Why don’t the kids help????

[@arleneaugustahair8393]

What is her update? I know the military allows displaced parents to be dependents, especially since she’s disabled. She would get full medical care, housing and a part time job on base.

[@sheldinemurrell5255]

Yes why is here sons not helping her??

[@ericogle4159]

Hope she gets housing and a job soon

[@fukurmomma6393]

Ya shes homeless with no fault of her own. Ok sure its everyone elses fault. And it sounds like goin to the shelter is like crossing everest almost impossible to get to

[@Hellbutterfly18]

@MsOblivionButterfly yes indeed lol nice name by the way XD

[@Akkk47JC]

@ProfessorButtcheeks LOL I love you man i have an xbox G-tag apachekid14 hit me up what you said was fuckin' gold man

[@kenturpin1554]

I’ll just bet her kids are so very proud of her lol