Exploring Canada’s Worst Street

[@PhilipSoloTV]

Thank you for all your kind and open-minded comments. Patreon: www.patreon.com/Philipsolotv Merch: philipsolotv.myshopify.com/collections/all

[@IncredulousTriangle]

PhilipSoloTV damn, you should consider being a journalist, you have some of the coolest shit on KZbin

[@luciferslettuce]

I can't work, steal or kill for $10! Hey man, you wanna do a interview for some cash? Yea. Exposing said thief and possibly murderer one day. Lol

[@reidk4795]

@PhilipSoloTV @alwaysmarco this was one of the best videos yet; hopefully people will take a moment to be thankful for what they have. U guys are the real deal; always giving us the inside scoop. Keep doin what ur doin cause it’s all been amazing, see you buckos next stream

[@brothersum1359]

Bro be safe, but you should do this again and find more people to talk to

[@legacyturbo8485]

500k subs very soon phillywilly 👍🏻☑️

[@bbbbbern]

"You wanna buy Heroin?" "No thanks, you wanna do an Interview for my KZbin Channel?" lmao

[@leathery420]

And the dude was pretty on point with what he said about the war on drugs, and cops.

[@Sepharite]

Maybe he gave them some cash... hopefully

[@davidseifferleinfilm]

Sepharite why.

[@davidseifferleinfilm]

Sepharite how about giving them a job opportunity and if they refuse then move them out of the city into the woods

[@omarservin9773]

@@davidseifferleinfilm cause our guy philip cant give them jobs, he runs a small channel and i doubt they have any skills/ commitment to get better, but he can offer them a small amount of money for their personal use bad or good, in exchange for an interview. Philip isnt trying to change their lives he never promised that, hes just giving us first hand insight, and them a quick dollar

[@okok72277]

This is the investigative journalism we all need

[@zbridgjpxupzm]

it was way too short but eye opening nonetheless

[@anti0918]

This is the scoop we need, but not the scoop we deserve.

[@Damidas]

Do we need it? Pretty sure everybody is aware that being homeless & addicted to drugs is pretty bad

[@tomatedesign1976]

Yeah, sure it's bad, but it's not known where, how far and widespread a problem it's becoming. This was an eyeopener for me, I've seen homelessness in Canada but not on this scale.

[@StarNBars94]

I think it's obvious being a drug addict and homeless aren't great life decisions, but hearing their stories first hand humanizes them so they are more than just "bums"

[@howtopasstime]

Bruh being threatened to be a human dartboard with HIV+ needles sounds even more terrifying than a with a gun lol

[@cdai216]

I rather risk 5 shots then a single poke from the needle lol

[@andrewreinwand4942]

no doubt! a gun shot (usually) results in pretty immediate death or passing out from the pain. but getting stabbed by an HIV+ needle (or having it thrown at you like a javelin or any other method) sounds horrendously painful and then the additional mental horror of knowing what you now have in your system... eeesh.

[@thedarkside1254]

Guns shots will heal, HIV however will not. Id rather bite the bullet over a dart

[@TheeKittyPie]

I’d rather get shot

[@DeKosta]

@@thedarkside1254 There is medication you can take that will pretty much prevent you from getting infected if taken a certain time after exposure like "crazy cakes" just wrote before you. It is what police and EMT use when being poked by needles or chewed on, spit on etc by HIV infected people. To add to the story, this method is pretty common by certain low life abusers. Ive heard about women having loaded syringes with blood in their purses as a defense mechanism against police/security when out shoplifting. IF they get caught by security they show them the syringe and say ive got HIV back off and then they run. Its sick.

[@michaelchevrefils5114]

I'm from the DTES. Was a junkie and drug addict for almost 20 years. Seen my friends die. Constantly harassed by VPD. Ended up homeless a bunch of times and i got tired of that life. So I changed that by going to recovery. Now I've been clean for over 3 years now and work a legit job.

[@AcousticGuitarted]

Well done brother glad to hear that !

[@oc5515]

Michael Chevrefils what do you do for work?

[@michaelchevrefils5114]

@@oc5515 built custom bicycles and repair bikes. Built custom audio systems. Built computers. Repair electronics. Fix phones. Anything to keep my mind busy. I tried to stay away from crime but sometimes drugs and crime cross paths a lot. But I've taken what I've learned and moved on as a person but I'll never be more humble as I am now.

[@datman2220]

Terrence Abate you need heroin?

[@bobbyjohnson7406]

Dat Man lool

[@liamraine1]

Philip this is seriously some important work here. Using your platform to give the voiceless a voice is a noble cause. And you do it with your usual humour and humility. Keep it up. Edit: everyone who sees this comment please offer to buy the next homeless person you see some food or water.

[@andreatommasi3287]

I changed my mind on homeless people thanks to him as well. Now I started talking to them and they have a lot to share. Philip is a truly good man.

[@liamraine1]

@@andreatommasi3287 it only takes a brief second of asking them if they're hungry or something for them to stop being 'homeless' to you and for them to be a real person. Good for you for changing for the better, my friend

[@andreatommasi3287]

@@liamraine1 :) yeah right? They're real persons with needs as you say.

[@ashtoncorcoran9478]

This guy with a camera has done what even CBC cant do humanize Hastings street

[@TheOfficialAgNO3]

Fucking right!

[@princessromanov]

Check out Through a Blue Lens. It’s a doc made by the Odd Squad cops who patrol the DTES. Waistings and Pain is good too

[@mrfingers4737]

The CBC works for the government, dehumanizing is their game.

[@willy3toes]

@@princessromanov through a blue lens is amazing!

[@KJAY2THOUSAND]

Watch through a blue lens you dense bastards its been an issue for years

[@kristensoprano]

Thanks Philip for sharing their stories. It's not often you hear the straight up truth about life on the streets, how they got there, how they survive. Not always good decisions but they don't lie, this is their life.

[@AKayfabe]

Yes exactly in fact I am going to do a series on my channel about homelessness because I used to be homeless, so I know a lot of the people out there.

[@totlyepic]

There's a channel dedicated to this idea called Invisible People.

[@theowineman1805]

That was me in the 80s. Strung out, crimed up and lost. Many years on Granville. The greatest struggle of my life. Without family, I'd be dead. I pray they all find themselves.... I wipe a tear now.

[@pacificfrontier3566]

Hakujin Keep up the good work brother. Stay strong 🙏🏾

[@hwqh]

i’m proud of you. i pray for you, your family, and these poor souls that they can receive clarity and a better chance. ❤️

[@whoisanyone6134]

Hakujin Granville, New York?

[@jordyb1131]

Good for you man, truly

[@lionofjudahlambofgod9132]

@@hwqh Right on

[@jacobelmore8865]

Definitely one of the most down-to-Earth KZbinrs I’ve come across. Always humble, and always keeping it real. Keep it up Philip.

[@zombiedino184]

the Canadian graffiti just says "I'm sad" with a frown next to it. Heartbreaking

[@ehcko.]

I saw that also... It makes me feel sad about the future of human society. :(

[@trashcandatnoobwut2246]

Poverty is breaking people up there instead of defining their character. That's real poverty, and it's only going to get worse by the looks of things.

[@evanponcelet5794]

@@trashcandatnoobwut2246 We're at the top of the business cycle (the peak of the various stock indexes) and the the major metropolitan areas are choked with poverty...Imagine what it will be like after the bust. Hooverville all over again.

[@nahnohandlebruh]

Internet dwellers have arrived

[@Hotdog_pimpin]

I ate a bucket of fuck you

[@beast_boy97]

Dude Phillip you're out here actually getting to know these people and not just use them for clickbait. I appreciate you and this was really an eye-opening video!

[@tobytylor5723]

Beast Boy it’s definitely click bait

[@benblack6937]

*Picks up hooker* Cop: Sir step out of the vehicle Philip: I'm just interviewing her

[@dankmheems290]

Money has to be exchanged and it used to be the John, had no trouble only the worker if they solicit sex activity. But really cops will bust one guy on Kingsway picking up street hookers but not elaborate, high end, "clubs" which are around for any ethnicity, 18-25 year olds. It's a little sad because the sex workers most targeted are the addicts and poor.

[@Rspsand07]

@@dankmheems290 Now it's the opposite. Highly illegal as the customer in Canada, but legal for the hooker. Though that's a technicality, they have better shit to do.

[@brittaolson6550]

TrucksR US shoot I should make my screen name Tricks R Us. There’s still Bustin women and men like crazy in the US. That’s pretty much our solution to anything... put it in jail or throw a bomb at it.

[@tylorchaffey9990]

I bet he pays for some of these interviews

[@dankmheems290]

@@Rspsand07 That's why money is exchanged afterwards as a "tip." Better to do it at the massage parlors or the upscale operations that are like special clubs, invite is needed to access their list, and girls are divided into ethnicity and if they RIM or CIM and they are all beautiful from overseas, some are even just students trying to get implants and are not drug users or street walkers. One girl hadn't even had sex yet and was reading a book the other girls gave her so she could get up to speed. And then she turned into a nympho.

[@GenevianFilms]

Dude this is actually some powerful, compassionate work.

[@BrytheP]

compassionate my ass.

[@Cat_main_apex]

I agree I really liked it

[@cwooistrash3012]

There is absolutely no compassion here

[@nickjamesaz1]

You dont think its compassionate to shed light on a terrible situation and reality? You people are soulless animals, This guys wasnt just doing this for clicks.

[@sizzurpmp3]

American Graffiti: East Side Canadian Graffiti: I’m sad :(

[@lazyg123]

Oh trust me, there's still American style graffiti in in Canada, just not Vancouver.

[@nickt4636]

and thats why I hate canadians

[@Edraxo]

@@nickt4636 you hate canadians because of thier sad graffiti? 🤔

[@sizzurpmp3]

@@nickt4636 You just described all of North America lmao

[@W7RSON]

It would be more canadian if it said "Sorry"

[@NowyouknowMusic]

Dude, you're low key an amazing journalist. Putting yourself in the field and connecting with people like that. You just stumbled upon your calling with this channel of yours.

[@maala7868]

So much memories, i've stayed in Hasting Street during 7 days when i was 17, needed to lie to sleep in Shelter because i was not 18, eating the free food, with only me and my big travel bag, i ran out of money when i arrived in Vancouver after two weeks of hitchiking around 4000km, i know the guy who pick up the trash, he was a really nice old guy! The only thing i needed for leaving this place, is 20$, and one of my homeless friend that we were sleeping in the same shelter gave me the 20$, he told me to give it back one day to someone in need, and i did, couple month ago i was in Vancouver Island, On Saltsrping Island , where i was with friends, still sleeping in shelter, i also had a homeless friend overthere, very silent but deep person, i gave him 20$ as a gift for his bday that i collect from playing music in the street, even tho that my Instrument was stole in Hasting street, my friend had one. Thank you Philip!

[@gabrieliacobazzi6236]

I live in Vancouver, and I’ve never seen a better video representation of East Hastings than this. Good job big bro !

[@bkc6873]

Gabriel Iacobazzi 100% agree

[@omginever]

You’re so local you call DTES “east hastings”

[@FOEKROKA]

@@omginever cuz thats what it is

[@mxbbeatz5690]

add a guy named Rennie Joesph [exactly like that] on facebook he does a way more hardcore view of it. he goes there nearly everyday & films in depth it's really grounding to see for me as a recovering addict.. it's good to see reminders of reasons not to go back. I used to live in vancouver & surrey until I developed a major addiction to fentanyl and i decided I couldn't stay I had to move to Kelowna with my dad to try and restructure my life

[@147salsa]

@@mxbbeatz5690 congratulations on making that choice... I live and work in Vancouver and its heartbreaking

[@iggyandhercat1856]

I thought this would video would be condescending towards people's unfortunate conditions, but it's the exact opposite. It's borderline investigative journalism. I went through a couple years of hard times in my own Hastings too. Glad to say this video is very humanizing, this man got enormous balls interviewing a guy who just offered him heroin

[@cheyunderwood7941]

iggy egg right

[@daddysunderthebed8608]

Why hes just a person

[@bolobuddy22]

if you mean Hastings England thats some crazy shit

[@NobleNemesis]

Because experience dictates that if you're a heroin dealer in that kind of environment, then you're probably at the very least, a lowkey violent person who can handle theirs and has nothing to lose. lol@@daddysunderthebed8608

[@twaintv9467]

Oh man. A needle with Hiv scares me 100 times more than a gun pointed at my head. Thats crazy

[@SlapRoundTheChops]

It shouldn’t. A gun will kill you instantly, whereas aids will take years to kill you

[@ogmattymusic]

J M i’d rather die right away then suffer for yours then die.

[@SlapRoundTheChops]

Ogmatty if you do your research you’ll find that you don’t suffer. You can live as long as you would have done these days

[@drizzy6302]

J M i think its 7years at most u can live but when u breakthrough 5years u are litrrly are a zombie and medicine dat shit expensive af

[@joshuajay673]

Hugh Mungus nope

[@mullyfla]

Dude, you are a good interviewer. You disarmed everyone. Great job.

[@Febard]

The best journalist out there :'D

[@SlideshowSaturdays]

"I don't do heroin.. so I don't get sick. ... I smoke crack been smokin it for 30 years" LOLLL

[@alcapone5791]

he means he doesn't get dope sick (aka withdrawls)

[@SlideshowSaturdays]

@@alcapone5791 Yea I know what he meant, I just find it funny because he made it seem like he was clean then said he had done crack for 30 years hahah

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

Well heroin is a lot worse for your body.

[@sega32xxx14]

@@SalvadorSTMZ Lol no it isn't, not for your overall health at least if you're doing it safely! It's not even a comparison, cocaine in any form is much worse for both your overall physical and mental health if either are used chronically.

[@thesaurus1523]

@@sega32xxx14 you're a fucking idiot who's probably a heroin addict lol

[@barrett9154]

It's so great what you're doing, Philip, putting yourself in dangerous and uncomfortable positions to show people a side of the world they don't normally get to see. I hope you know you're changing the world for the better. Keep up the good work, man.

[@KatieKaaat]

East Hastings is sketchy but it isn't exactly super dangerous to walk through lol. One guy was making me uncomfortable and like 5 other people came to my aid and shooed him away. Most are good people just sadly caught up in a world of addiction:/

[@Damidas]

He didn't make any mention of giving any of the ppl he interviewed any money, which is really fucked up if he didn't, Otherwise he's just exploiting their pain for personal gain, which is not cool

[@moarsaur]

Dangerous? It's not like he tried to walk into Gucci.

[@thislazylife]

If he tried this in downtown L.A., his camera would be stolen almost immediately.

[@Damidas]

@Vercetti It's content that will make him money once he uploads it. Employers don't make money from interviewing potential employees. Invalid argument

[@lukelass4099]

“I’ve done crack for 30 years and I’m fine” “Coughs constantly”

[@SoulGarry]

a cough is the least of someones problems when theyve done crack for 30 years

[@jacobgabriel1716]

Mate he coughed twice

[@TheStoicPath_]

Simon WoodburyForget thank you doctor for your input on this topic I’m sure you came to the professional conclusion that the ratio of two coughs per hour is a medical anomaly and should be inspected immediately as it is definitely a sign of illness that could definitely turn terminal

[@roger201288]

I dont think you know what "constantly" means

[@theshawnmurphyjournal2946]

Bet you the quality of crack has declined over the years

[@Adizzle235]

The woman at the end broke my heart

[@harmoneggsarmandlegs481]

Right!Its like how do you see that and be ok with it.Its like you wish you could help.Thats why people like me aren't millionaires.I would give it all away to help sad people like that.

[@PapaBrejj]

@@harmoneggsarmandlegs481 you mean modest people like yourself?

[@matei5921]

She really said "my parents died and my appartment burned down hehehehehe"

[@shegwin]

She's kinda hot

[@thexbigxgreen]

Me too, bro. I was eating, and I literally stopped mid-chew, I felt so fucking horrible for her, like I'm actually kind of tearing up.

[@foreignfoamer3592]

The scoop worth dying for.

[@CheeseCurdCommunism]

Man, Mary's interview was really sad. Its so hard to see people living in these conditions and then realizing one bad day could put you in this situation.

[@GreMLinSLoveCoOkies]

It can go that way but in her case it's even more inevitable... Her fucking mum put her on drugs

[@Deathgeist]

Yeah the whole thing was sad but Mary's story hit me like a ton of bricks

[@palmerprod]

he mom doomed her from the start...i hope this guy at least tipped her a few bucks for the interview.

[@elkaotik6790]

It is sad, but when someone is conditioned like that don't expect change

[@zacfarquhar6538]

holy shit..that poor poor woman. when it flicked from her to that street full of the homeless I just cried. your such a caring guy dude. keep it up.

[@MrThefrederic]

sum moner wrong

[@AASHISHKOSE-of6us]

I read u r such a caring gay dude lmfao

[@1210cool]

sum moner Wow what a trashy world view. I hope if someday your struggling with your life I hope you never meet a piece of shit person like yourself cause trust me you will disgusted too..

[@WestonEvans]

People who say shit like that are usually ones who end up addicts themselves. I know because I was one of them. 2 years clean in one week.

[@summoner1451]

@@1210cool If i ever become a cracked out druggie. I hope someone will be kind enough to put a bullet in my head.

[@ray.deathray]

Thank you for treating that last lady with dignity and for listening to her

[@thatguy3954]

Damn the old lady, i feel bad for her.. she just keeps talking and laughing to hide the pain..

[@NotSoArtificial]

Its called drugs, my aunt dose shit like that and it makes you looney

[@ChuckWood]

She's probably in her 30's

[@nico3727]

@@ChuckWood 😂😂😂

[@thatguy3954]

@@NotSoArtificial ye but still.. sad as shit

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

What did she say she did? I cant quite understand her voice.

[@benisaac4640]

Dang man, this video really hit me. I’ve never been more grateful for what I have than after watching this

[@ttop2385]

Check out the harmless farmer.

[@ezzelofficial7563]

Sad to see how a lot of them just got thrown into it because of bad parenting

[@Lilmountaing]

I also put a lot of blame on pharmaceuticals. I knew people who had great homelives but started taking opiates for injuries. Next thing you know theyre shooting fentanyl.

[@DerpAkAherP]

@Bill Anderson Almost each of them choose to end up like this, many didn't have good parenting and ended up good.

[@harrybalszak7526]

Bill Anderson of course they did. They are adults with the immaturity of 12 year olds. We make our own choices. These lunatics were all retarded aside from the heroin dealer.

[@broceollomon]

It's a cycle. Their parents lived this life for some reason or other and they got beat down, looked down on, and were surrounded by it their whole lives. Maybe it's a sibling or a brother or a friend, but people are usually pulled into it by a loved one. They think it's the only way to live.

[@betterdrugsthanyours]

+Bill Anderson You have to accept a certain amount of responsibility for your life though. Yeah bad parenting is a major factor but complaining about welfare not giving you enough to support your drug habit and hookers making more money than you is not going to improve your situation. A lot of people grow up with shit parents and manifest a better reality for themselves.

[@EveryDay-fc1fy]

My brother travelled from the UK to Canada for 3 months and the day he arrived this was the street his hotel was on. He was so scared but he said they were honestly some of the nicest people he’s ever met. Never judge a book by its cover

[@rollotomasi1873]

Yup. 420 people have abilities to see things. : ) You can meet VERY friendly who are really struggling. Lots of life lessons to learn down there.

[@rosetealatte9282]

That dealer had some valid points. His feelings about the cops also surprised me.

[@doswheelsouges359]

Why?

[@rosetealatte9282]

@@doswheelsouges359 I guess I would have thought he might hate the cops, seeing as how he is a dealer. It seems like you never see people who are involved in criminal activity that don't dislike the police as it interferes with their own objectives.

[@JustBeCoolxD911]

He might change his mind when he gets caught by the police for selling heroin, one day....

[@rosetealatte9282]

@@JustBeCoolxD911 Haha, yep. There's a distinct possibility of that.

[@bopper989]

@@JustBeCoolxD911 I was there last year. I'm not sure how you think the police distinguish who they are going to "catch". I don't think they have time to give a damn about any street dealers out there. The place is a shitshow. I've heard of Vancouver beat cops saying "I was a uniformed social worker without any of the education". They get trained on how to restrain, dispatch their firearm, keep themselves safe etc. But I agree that a lot are really just uniformed social workers without the Bachelor's degree or whatever other credentials. Unless they got that education before they went to become a police officer.

[@0axel078]

Hey, Philip, you're kinda fearless, you know that? Like, this channel kinda has some legitimately solid investigative reporting.

[@vjiced]

dude i've been all over south america and i would't walked in east hastings like he did i almost did but turned back i knew i was gonna get robbed

[@monishasamells]

vjiced huh? it’s not as bad as it looks everyone is fine and this is coming from a 5’4 20 year old girl

[@chanimarie6753]

Hes great isnt it. Hes approachable and extremely insightful.

[@yeetus8870]

he looks homeless himself thats why I'm just kidding

[@belixthegod]

living in BC my whole life I give you BIG PROPS for going down a street most are scared to walk down alone and interviewing these guys. these homeless people are treated like animals here. certain areas known to give these homeless people paid cabs to Hope or Chilliwack or even back to Vancouver just to get rid of them. we're living in a dangerous time where more people are homeless than ever and people care less than ever. Thank you for spreading the message about us here in BC!

[@k4wallday]

It's called a job, and being a part of the agenda. 80% of these people are just lazy, they dont wanna work, they just wanna make money for free so then can drink and do drugs. Some people hurt for strangers in these situations, most some people don't . Your better off not caring and going to hell with me, even though its not real.

[@GPxX14]

its not that bad, i live close and nothing ever happens to people who dont fuck with them they're either selling stolen shit or tryna get a fix most are nice people just had a lot of abuse and neglect growing up its sad

[@oullerslb]

Nothing scary about this place but yeah interviewing them like that is sketchy

[@darkmadder9897]

@Liam Harve Props, but getting willful haters to LOOK is Syssiphusian effort. Getting them to read more than three sentences?

[@ravsuv-help794]

@btf Yes capitalism made these people do drugs :thinking:

[@BudderB0y2222]

Damn that 27 year old looked and sounded like he was 50

[@jakedeutscher]

@Jenn Lovesbert its a shame because his life was screwed from the start. i dont think he will find good.

[@PaulMauser]

Brendan Berney “I couldn’t get money for drugs...”

[@madhausen]

That's what hard drugs do.

[@monkeypolicd]

@@jakedeutscher true, he seemed mentally unstable.

[@jezwc]

I’m his age so quite an eye opener but also refreshing knowing I’m doing just fine

[@Zortzico]

Mad credit to Phil on this one. Not only did he manage to show part of a city that people don't usually see, but the way he conducted himself and spoke to the people there was more sincere than any "professional journalist" i've ever seen. He spoke with sincerity, didn't condescend, and didn't make it exploitative. As a Canadian, seeing the conditions there, even here in Toronto breaks my heart. Nobody should have to live like that. We can do better.

[@runemoonstone8459]

Honestly dude you're so good at interviewing people. You're warm, charismatic and understanding. This type of interviewing and data collection is super valuable for sociological and criminological research. I love these types of videos from you! Thanks for doing them so earnestly!

[@ShawnaldGlover]

Saw the title of the video and thought "no matter where you go it can't be as bad as East Hastings", was pleasantly surprised

[@pahulgill6114]

Exactly, as soon as I saw the title, I knew it was East Hastings!

[@thenyanrobot4565]

You people should come down and see East LA.

[@jensavage9647]

I knew it had to be East Hastings. lol Vancouverites represent.

[@Dockhead]

come to the north of the UK, this place looks fucking lit! we have people boffing cans of butane gas and shooting heroin outside of schools at 8:30 in the morning, and that just some of the tame shit ive seen.

[@unclegameboy3397]

I don't generally comment on anything, but I really felt a need to after watching this. I don't see the homeless often portrayed with dignity or lack of judgment, but I think you did a really great job of doing so here. It's clear you made an effort to make the people you interviewed comfortable, and I found their candid responses extremely enlightening and moving. I'm American, but I'm sure there are many similarities between these issues in our countries. For lack of a better term, this is some real shit. Well done!

[@Bombay1618]

This is bizarre and very eye-opening. It is one of those times where a "true journalist" could never get this right, as the need to be too perfect would corrupt the very material he or she wants to present. Subbed and liked. Nice job.

[@Bombay1618]

@backtodafuture1987 That you have to look for this mainstream person in the first place demonstrates a contradiction in terms. Not that all journalism should be just one guy or totally corporate. A whole spectrum is good. But what I mean is that much of this content would never make it to the final cut on a cable or otherwise news show. And not just that, the delivery would be just the kind that (perhaps unjustifiably) we've all come to distrust: "Person dksfjslkadjf has lived in East Hastings for 27 years, and has struggled with ewriuoieruw. We sat down with person dksfjslkadjf to talk about ewriuoieruw". Well, thanks, we can see that.

[@Hotdogwaterspulp]

Sketchiest video to date bro. Glad you came out safe. And I’m glad I have what I have.

[@Momo-yj2cj]

The odd thing is the people on east hastings will usually leave you alone. They may yell stuff at you or ask blabbered questions because theyre having a bad high or withdrawing from a drug but ive never had to worry too much. Its a whole other story if youre also homeless.

[@justincooper2631]

@@Momo-yj2cj Can confirm. Last time I visited Vancouver I was near East Hasting and I like to walk around and explore a bunch so I ended up there quite a few times. I could tell it was pretty bad, obviously, but no one ever bothered me nor did I ever feel particularly unsafe.

[@cicada300]

The thing about Hastings is, no one will bother you. Park your car with anything visible in the front seats, say bye to your windows.

[@m.r.v.p.9026]

Hastings street is the worst I‘ve ever seen. I am from Germany and have visited many cities all across the US, Mexico and Canada. Very rarely I’ve ever discovered a street that dirty and hopeless before. When I was in Vancouver for the first time, I got so sad by seeing all this hopelessness even though I had a great trip ahead. This is one experience which made me realize how thankful everyone who has even a small, save place to stay, can be. I hope so much this situation will change very soon for the people and they get a opportunity to live a good life... Love from Germany 🇩🇪

[@rhino1876]

@Dee Vee do you live in Vancouver? Do you spend time at the DTES? It's easy to point at people and say "you are the problem". Many of these people are not their by choice a lot of them have system issues that led them to be where they are. I know because I hungout there as a teen. Minimum wage in Vancouver is not livable. Not for any quality of life. You'd get a crappy apartment with maybe shared bathrooms (sharing with God knows who) or not safe clean drinking water. A couple had mice that fall into their tub at night (they weren't junkies and they could only afford the crappy run down shit holes they are expected to live in). An apartment that barely is holding in is too much money. A lot of the times you have to commute for your work so money gone for public transit. Which is not cheap here. Then we have the other issue that two major mental health facilitues closed sending all those people out on the streets. We don't even fund our most vulnerable properly and than send them to the streets. So no. It has many layers of problems to it. Like that the government doesn't enforce this family that owns a ton of these run down apartment for building violations. Or the fact when greyhound bus was still a thing other provinces would pay their homeless to come here. Leaving our province to deal with their addiction issues too. Or that the rehab facilities that we offer for free have a significant less succession rate than those that cost thousands of dollars.

[@rhino1876]

@Dee Vee you saying "it won't stop until they stop destroying themselves with drugs" wrong. While the addict does have to have willpower equally they need a good support system. DTES needs more support. Period. It won't stop till we as a community give them the proper aid they need and deserve. 2nd you assume that addicts don't care about their lives and that's so far from the truth. Which is why I talked about systemic issues. They do care about their lives but a lot of them were raised in environments that set them up to fail. Not all. But a lot.

[@rhino1876]

@Dee Vee to me it seems like you need to research and understand why addiction in certain areas has become a literal epidemic. Especially within certain races such as first nations in Canada. The huge systemic problems that create this massive layered issue . I fucking wish it was as simple as "get them off drugs" and "care about your life".

[@rhino1876]

@Dee Vee wow what a sad way to view addicts. I feel sorry for you.

[@sross148]

DTES is a TINY area. It is only 2 or 4 blocks on one or two streets. And there isn't much violence there at all - generally you can walk through with no real risk. Quite unlike the ghettos in the US and latin american cities which sprawl for dozens of square miles and are really super dangerous with violent gangs who will shoot you for your watch or just because you have the wrong skin colour.

[@jermins6441]

Thank you for your honest and sincere journalism. You have a big heart for this type of work. You are an amazing man. Huge respect.

[@encinoman903]

Break a guy's leg for $10? Never mess with someone who has nothing left.

[@null6955]

couldn't that go the other way too?

[@chanimarie6753]

Nothing to lose.

[@Trioxiic]

Thats canada in other countries they kill people for cents

[@Niko-bf7nw]

thats the advice people gave me: when u do "that action", dont go overboard because as soon as people feel the ground under their feet falling away they start makin crazy moves. like what happened here.

[@cjvilleneuve1566]

it shows that you never met a guy that has everything to loose.....

[@i_b_winn2676]

i would like to congratulate drugs on winning the war on drugs

[@doreenorr6435]

The so called war on drugs is a farce, only the bottom few tiers of the trade get 99%of the arrests, the people making the real cash are separated from the lower levels, safe behind a wall of money and lawyers getting richer, and private prison owners lap up the helpless junkies and make more money, it's a sick joke

[@stmaurice2045]

De nada, senor.

[@lastcall3544]

IBWINN _ Oh shit... that’s fukking funny

[@kobinho1917]

No competition

[@thexbigxgreen]

Well said, Fred.

[@MrSoundScan]

Even the graffiti in canada is polite : "i am sad"

[@ZaKRo-bx7lp]

The price of everything is not polite, though

[@aydon1276]

as a canadian, fuck you

[@picassostumble8016]

Billy Banks it is just a part of the graffiti , the long version is : i am sorry to be sad !

[@Cornerkid82]

What's polite in the phrase i am sad?

[@picassostumble8016]

@@Cornerkid82 it is more polite than fuck you , a.c.a.b. , kill'em all or fuck the police.. well , according to 850 persons !

[@joshuaneilson]

Living in van, and going here for the first time made my jaw drop. The amount of people on any given day is astonishing. It really makes you grateful of what you have. Thanks for your respectful view on this place, I always hope that everyone on Hastings is able to live a life that is comfortable and acceptable to them, whatever that may be.

[@MajorMajorx2]

I walked down E Hastings by accident at 2am walking back to a hostel from a bar. What a trip. Blew my mind.

[@AD-ec3sm]

Glad nobody threw HIV needles at you

[@roryjohnmcguire]

@@AD-ec3sm i worked there for a few months the people are harmless ... just sad

[@BestEdmontonMall]

This is really sad to see.

[@CANControlGRAFFITI]

You should see it at night. I’m kidding. You really shouldn’t.

[@movingtarget4784]

if that's the worst of Canada, its not really all that bad.

[@Nomadmandude]

No it's not. They did it to themselves.

[@mattgayda2840]

Welcome to the progressive utopia

[@FubbleSmurf]

There are a hundred thousabd streets like these in eastern europe.

[@fartooshifty4u51]

Thanks for this man. I lived on the streets on the DTES for a few years and then on and off. It's been 7 years and change since my last syringe and 80% of the people I knew from there are dead now due to fentanyl. I've never seen your vids before so I half expected something less wholesome! God (or whatever you believe in) bless you.

[@amphlet-1668]

im proud of you buddy, keep going forward

[@aboyisnoone8265]

good for you man, fentynals the fucking devils creation man. anybody who does drugs is losing friends like crazy its insane

[@imJamesF]

It's sad because heroin junkies look for the fentanyl dope.

[@babobay6697]

James Sen nobody looks for fentanyl dope that’s ridiculous, it’s just cut into 90% of dope in BC so it’s fucked

[@fartooshifty4u51]

@@babobay6697 I wish that were true, but alot of the newcomers I get at my home meeting are people that were looking for fentanyl, it sounds crazy but it's true. People want what works the best, and that shit certainly does.

[@brookestash8737]

I’m glad that you showed that part of Canada 🇨🇦 I feel like people glorify it but theirs always that one really bad spot where you live. Very raw and eye opening

[@pureblooded7343]

Homelessness and Addiction is sad! The interviewer did a great job treating them with respect

[@amenthegreat3761]

Addicts don't deserve respect, they need to be shown reality.

[@coffin7904]

@@amenthegreat3761 fuck off lmao. Everyone deserves some level of respect. These people have been disrespected their whole lives, thus turning to addiction. Fuck you and your judgemental holier-than-thou mentality. I hope you grow up someday.

[@Lysergic_]

@@amenthegreat3761 literally the dumbest thing I've ever heard considering they live that harsh reality everyday.

[@amenthegreat3761]

@@Lysergic_ lmao okay, junkies are scum.

[@Ben-vn4bi]

Russian Representative Some are, some aren’t.

[@_Matsimus_]

As a Canadian. This breaks my heart. It truly does. I want to help, but not sure how?....

[@tprime2702]

The only help is helping change society. Canada is a capitalist heaven and these people are stepped on daily so that the 1% can be wealthy, healthy and find meaning to life. The rest of us, especially the destitute, turn to drugs as a coping mechanism because it makes their shitty existence easier.

[@morganghetti]

@@tprime2702 How exactly is capitalism responsible for these people being homeless and addicted to drugs? And "because capitalism" and "the 1 percent" isn't an answer.

[@FootyCrazyM8]

@@morganghetti bc of huge wealth inequality low min. wage and welfare that doesn't pay enough

[@tprime2702]

@@FootyCrazyM8 Don't bother explaining. Most likely a silver spoon born troll who gets upset when someone utters the phrase "Wealth and power corrupts".

[@luluskywo]

put pressure on the government (local and federal) to control the real estate market and stop the inflation that has been going on since the chinese buyers came into play. That, affordable housing projects, and higher minimum wage is the solution. Sadly it's hard to make a direct impact as an individual in this sort of thing

[@unktopia]

That was a fantastic video. Letting people tell their stories without putting your own spin or agenda over it. Great job.

[@trvpgame7710]

5:14 Something about this kid stuck with me, took me a day to think of the video and came back. Hope the kid is okay now seems like a very kind but also hurt soul. 3 days sober now and just remembered him.

[@lionofjudahlambofgod9132]

God delivered me from drugs. More importantly is your soul. If you were to die tonight would go to heaven. Do you know how to be saved. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heary that God has raised Him from the dead." Romans 10:9-10. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ7KhoOqZ7B8Zpo

[@Xeidasx]

My brother is down there... i wanna go home and see him again :( i am crying right now. I was pausing the video searching if i could catch a glimpse of him. That guy probably sold crack to him. I wouldnt doubt it. I miss him so bad

[@mikeejones6984]

Xeidasx kratom might help get off drugs

[@reedgfx435]

Go see him man, he may need you. You never know.

[@hazzmati]

Xeidasx help him

[@courtneypitts526]

@@mikeejones6984 itll help get off opiates like heroin, but now crack.

[@15npaz]

I know what it's like Xeidasx. It's not as easy as "going to help" if you need someone to talk to feel free to pm me

[@Schu_2k]

Seeing videos like this makes me realize how much I take life for granted. edit: thank you for all the likes :)

[@frisbe9279]

fuck your likes bitch

[@khalidm5939]

The last girl made me sad for her, what a miserable way to live...

[@joehostile4541]

She seemed to be having a pretty good time.

[@sirvelociraptor2590]

@@joehostile4541 she seemed to be having drug related mental issues

[@jasinbiggs7189]

Whip these bums into working. Work them to death! Or make them fight the illegals to death. We can’t have these bums destroying the world

[@TheAlexLamberty]

Bro that interview with her broke my heart.

[@theworldoverheavan560]

@@jasinbiggs7189 yep

[@alexcherroni3274]

I love all the respect and understanding you gave each and every human you met. You're an amazing character

[@baker099]

Phil, I've lived in BC my whole life and from an early age its hammered into us that East Hastings is where dreams go to die.

[@lorandliszkai7084]

That dude was 27 and looked well over 30.. Its crazy what drugs can do

[@WirSindZuGeil]

+ lifestyle in general

[@spiffyclip]

He looked at least 31

[@cosmicmoose6663]

He was also pissed of he cant sell his ass for more than 10 bucks lol

[@moarsaur]

Living outdoors is not great for you, either.

[@noodlepie666]

Vegans look old too and reminds me of homeless people.

[@sunspun017]

wow, the hustler knows more about the war on drug than the politicians, shocker.

[@X64813]

The politicians know. They just don't care.

[@TheMarkoPoloProgram]

@@X64813 Ordinary citizens know. We don't care. Sadly, there's not much you can do.

[@gotacallfromvishal]

@@TheMarkoPoloProgram you can start a revolution but we all know canada prides itself on not having/allowing any sort of revolution. i mean name me one free country where the police are symbolized and are on their currency.

[@GothboiKenzy]

Manas Sarkar they don’t have too

[@dillonmacpherson3350]

That's because the dude lives in the shit, the politicians and corporate dick slingers live in their mansions and Mercedes

[@otg8435]

Thank you Philip, I've been going through some heavy shit lately and I've been feeling down on myself. I appreciate the view you've given me on life. My shit I'm dealing with might not be great but it can be much worse. I love your content and I hope you continue for many years to come.

[@0TylerDurden0]

I love you man. Thanks for making this video. I live in Vancouver and work around that area. I see these broken souls every single day. And I respect you for showing and putting this out there.

[@djzipster147]

as a student journalist its this sort of content that really inspires me. raw, not overly polished, but focused 100% on the stories of real people who can provide new perspectives. keep it up!

[@caleviwin]

Lmao when i saw the title i instantly thought of Vancouver.

[@naomibp9537]

lmao saaaaame i immediately knew it was hastings

[@MrByoung82]

Probably because this is one of the worst streets in NA let alone Canada

[@slammer3140]

Vancouver was also my first thought, but then I had to give Winnipeg some consideration as well

[@thedailylifeofjay3822]

Same

[@darrenwoloshyn]

Slammer Higgins and Main

[@RevertiveDeath]

I lived on East Hastings in the brand new condos across from the Balmoral Hotel for a whole summer. A lot of these people aren't out to get you, they're just down on hard times.

[@---hb2vz]

I used to live near there last year. I'd drink by myself at that park or with random's, anywhere and everywhere really. I know that the homeless, addicts, mentally ill, are nice down to earth people. I could identity with their life journey. Thank you for sharing brother, very thought-phil, wonder-phil, and phil-osophical ;)

[@diaryofacarny]

I lived down there in the mid 80's, it's always been brutal. I remember when Expo 86 was on and the influx of people, junkies, down and outs, was unreal. It was a topic the media avoided but I was there and saw it. Once you end up at the bottom of that barrel it's hard to get out!

[@bpw126]

Doubt

[@manuelcumerlato7543]

Philip honestly you'd make a better journalist than 99% of fakes out there. Been following since like day 1 keep it up!

[@sleepykotori8541]

The lady at the end absolutely broke my heart. I've been homeless, this hit me in a dark spot. Thank you for doing this man.

[@claytonpederson6547]

I live in Vancouver about 15 mins from Hastings, and it's exactly how its portrayed here. Has been like this for years, and every city within Vancouver has a similar grouping of homeless/drug addicted individuals

[@eltiggy7031]

this dude could be a reporter for VICE

[@moch.farisdzulfiqar6123]

Yeah, Phillip > the bong guy

[@Jack_Straw]

He's too good for Vice

[@Roshkin]

He's better than vice

[@agniveshF]

Vice copied his idea

[@coginthewheel779]

Except way better because he would never purposely leave something out because of political beliefs or any garbage like that

[@LM-nu9te]

You’re such a great soul. I live in South America and, belive me, the shit we see EVERYWHERE is outstanding. Your video shows the dark side of Canada, and it is a lot different from what we are used to hear about your country. Very brave of you. You have my respect ❤️ thanks for the awsome content and love from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@LM-nu9te]

matt g yes! It really makes me so happy to see someone is going out there and helping others 💜

[@bluelambo5]

Its not the dark side of canada its literally just downtown east side Vancouver lol

[@dankmheems290]

Hastings and the east side is also where hipsterism started and it gentrified the area hence why all the poverty in a small spot. It became an area for underground clubs at one point. A place filled with homeless and hipsters drinking dollar pints has turned into fancy pubs, whole foods and high rises. The homeless have nowhere to go and there are tents set up where people can shoot up safely because the opiod epidemic is causing tonnes of overdoses every night. And yeh the weird drug hookup apartment thing is real. My buddy ended up in a crack house and said he fought some dude, my friend has one arm, so it was a bit of a funny story. He toke his fake arm and smashed the guy then ran

[@snuff6387]

Dank Mheems now it’s all main steet

[@dankmheems290]

@@snuff6387 Yeh there were those fires that ended the Salons, and restaurants, and they built condos. My friend used to live on Main and Broadway and it was sketchy, dark. Now it's bright and people are paying 12 dollars for Mac and Cheese

[@snuff6387]

@@dankmheems290 Don't forget all the craft beers, right now I'm around the english bay area and since covid a lot of the streets are dead, especially granville so a lot of the homeless are apreading out

[@PkmnInfernoo]

Dtes is still a hotspot for underground clubs.

[@USMCLP]

The Lower East Side of Manhattan is pretty much just like this. Huge amounts of thriving businesses and tourism, with a bunch of spots in between filled with homeless people hooked on drugs. Some selling sex. Like seriously, 2020 in NYC and that’s how it is when you walk down there.

[@AndrewCordescordsfam]

“I can’t get the drugs that clear my stress”

[@samannthaswtnss9397]

Guts Same bro. Five years fucking sober man I got my life back and shits good.

[@SuperSreggin]

Just smoke weed

[@christianparker326]

@@samannthaswtnss9397 Congrats, dude! That's a huge accomplishment

[@soCanadianEH27]

@@SuperSreggin if he wasn't already smoking crack he'd probably be smoking weed

[@erikseavey9445]

Lmao only get 700 in free money so now I got to go steal xD

[@davidgaster]

"All my amenities are covered. All I gotta do is supply my drug habit and my cigarettes."

[@wardogMMA]

thats fucked up dawg

[@kyles5513]

Ya, by ripping normal people off. Screw that guy.

[@realmongolianhours816]

Kyle S literally. Leeching of the taxpayer

[@diamondfailer11]

@@realmongolianhours816 He's also screwing over local business owners and employees. He's ruining their wages so he can continue contributing nothing to society.

[@realmongolianhours816]

Aperture Science exactly. I used to be a drug user and I got clean. I have no remorse for people that leech of the good people of society. They should just either OD and die already or grow a pair and get clean.

[@AM-ok5lf]

Stealing at HIV infected needle point. Damn son, that's intense.

[@funonvancouverisland]

Great video brother. I have met many people that had no idea this was going on right in their back yard.. and when they see it they are shocked . I've been homeless and beat it, now I live a good life and own my own business. The stories of the people always hit hard, no one wants to be homeless when they grow up. Thanks for sharing my dude 👊

[@jonnybreakz]

deep vid of a serious problem. thanks for bringing light and talking to the people who live this reality Keep scoopin Philly!

[@khylemyster]

You're fantastic with people my man. Keep it up, you're doing great work.

[@BrandonB]

I love how solo never looks at the person he’s interviewing 😂

[@robin7318]

hehe looking people in their eye´s is overrated man :P

[@ShiftyTribes]

its actually a thing people do to show they are trusting of someone funnily enough. people who are very close actually don't make a lot of eye contact when they speak, so I think maybe it puts the person getting interviewed at ease subconsciously.

[@Animetion293]

@@robin7318 no it's not.

[@DavidWMiller]

@@Animetion293 Yes it is.

[@robin7318]

@@Animetion293 who are you to decide that?

[@brianjohnson1290]

Never realized how good we had it here. This was peak Phil, now all we have are face tats and music videos.

[@Borat_Sagdiy3v]

After he met Brett everything went downhill, maybe it was drugs. Brett gives big drug user energy

[@blackirish781]

You are a good man Philip. So many people treat these people like trash, but they still deserve to be treated with respect and basic human decency. Thanks for everything you do.

[@gabo20091]

I discovered your channel because of your food reviews, but the expansion in your content and videos like this, makes the subscription worth it. Keep it up man. Blessings from Ecuador. I hope my comment is understandable, I'm bad at english.

[@Offroadcircus]

gabo20091 perfect English 👍

[@IslanderJerYT]

You’re actually better at English than a lot of English people

[@grandmother8809]

I read the title My mind; “Nothing’s worst than East Hastings”... I’m from Portland, I whiteness homelessness on a daily and all I can say is after experiencing a drive through Hastings, I grew some sympathy for my city... I really hope homelessness is solved in the near future, and these people dealing with addictions, would eventually have free access to rehab facilities or something... I just can’t bear to see these people living in such poverty. My heart goes out to them.

[@applsauced]

I'm from Portland, too homie.

[@Westcoastweeb]

I'm from Portland too man. Salem is pretty bad for homeless people too. I hope they fix this too man.

[@RyanCreatesThings]

@@Westcoastweeb they? Be the change you wish to see

[@Westcoastweeb]

@@RyanCreatesThings I say there is a lot of homeless people in salem because I have walked with many of them myself and given out water. I do my best but I as a broke college student I can't do this everyday. I always vote for people that are in favor of helping homeless people. This is the best I can do for now.

[@top5facts-o]

Alright Portland represent!

[@ou8my58]

Hey brother, I just want to say you did a great job with this video. It's the best way to get the message out there in Canada. Just like a tool or a resource, it can be used to get a accurate and honest look at what really is happening out there on the streets. Again fantastic work mate.

[@MrCrockaG]

When I was in 6th grade, I had a teacher who told me about her son's experience in Vancouver. He was walking in an area like this and was essentially mugged in the street by a man who told her son that he was HIV positive and he had a dirty syringe with him. This is fantastic content Phil, and as a Canadian it really brings to light the darker aspects of our country and our great cities. Please make sure you're being careful out there.

[@spike00221]

Just by reading the title, I knew this was going to be East Hastings hahaha

[@aaliyahrose7203]

LOOOL if ur from the lower mainland and metro Vancouver u know damn well he was about to talk about east hastings💀💀💀💀

[@andrewpeters8021]

Word

[@Yuri-uq6nd]

Same dude. I remember going to vancouver and just driving through there and being like wow, this is the worst place i have ever seen. Saw people shooting up, dealing drugs, smoking crack, it was bad. I felt so bad.

[@2001paws]

Anastasia Brovkina it's a very sad place and unfortunately, mostly seen as a joke and something to gawk and laugh at it if you're a local. im born and raised in vancouver and my dad (who was/probably still is addicted to crack, meth, heroin, etc) spent most of his time in the downtown east side scoring. i think many people from here have a loved one or know somebody who knows somebody who has been affected by addiction/mental illness and spent time on east hastings. it's just so common here that most of us are desensitized to it

[@Yuri-uq6nd]

@@2001paws Yeah i can imagine it being very tough if you know people who are in those types of situations. And i'm sorry to hear about your dad being addicted to hard drugs. Btw nice profile pic, i love the 1975!

[@Mac0SXTutorials101]

Props for doing this man, I wanted to do something similar when I first walked the street but I didn’t have the guts to approach some of these people. Quality content man, subbed.

[@redsoundthundra]

Went there for a week when I was 16 with a “scared straight” program in a group of around 20 of us after writing grants and gathering money to cover the $26,000 in expenses it took to make it happen. One person in our group was a undercover police officer to protect us as we all walked the streets with our “guide” who lived on Hastings for +40 years as a paralyzed drug addict. We all had a chance to talk one on one with people we met as we walked during the daytime and during the night. Every single night for a week. We also created our own care packages to hand out to those we met along the way. Talk about a life changing experience. I have family that live on the streets there so personally the trip and what I learned will stick with me forever.

[@osiris654]

How’d you turn out? Who are you now?

[@zjktz7782]

I would never allow my child to take part in something like that. Shame on the school

[@ee6753]

Philip I love your content bucko but I rly hope you don't get stabbed

[@saltysax]

I hate your name

[@George_McLovin]

especially with an hiv knife eh

[@brodyestes6326]

Lukewarm jar of tomato sauce.

[@ee6753]

@@saltysax thank you

[@annar220]

Or hepatitis

[@buyerofsorts]

Are you even serious? He picked up all those needles off the street in only a half an hour?

[@iamthespy9808]

buyerofsorts Something tells me he knew where to look

[@Shockking21]

there are people using drugs all the way up and down that street all the time

[@Crazymanwithhat]

I live on hastings not even a bad part and I usually find heroin needles everytime I head out

[@Momo-yj2cj]

@@Crazymanwithhat i walked through there on my way from work at 12 or 1am. It was crazy the shit youd find on the ground.

[@damiencharette1685]

Ya man Vancouver's fucked I walk down the street and will spot at lest 6 needles in 10 mins

[@chakitaklla1114]

When you said East Hastings I was surprised by the fact that one of my favourite bands made a song with that title (Godspeed You! Black Emperor). Thanks man Now I understand why it is named like that.

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

Bless you for talking to everyone like regular people, because they are. I go to concerts in Vancouver a lot and usually have a few conversations.

[@budstep7361]

Thanks Philip, that was a dark scoop... That really does make me grateful.

[@SzaTweek]

"here you get robbed with an HIV needles" im dead thats so effed up

[@dalaimommadrama8929]

I watch you because your funny.....then this video comes along and I realize that you also are capable of bringing us very raw, very real, very serious content and you did it with great compassion and respect. Kudos to you.