Living 7 Years in the Vegas Tunnels - Man Shares His Amazing Story

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Las Vegas, Nevada - I’m not the first person to tell this story - there’s some great documentaries online that cover this unique human crisis - and as always, some versions tell the truth well others are meant to shock you, either way my goal today is to give you another angle… to shine a light on the people who are trying to make a difference - based on their own life experience. And one man in particular who’s in the trenches and at the center of these efforts is Rob Banghart.
The Las Vegas tunnels run all the way to Lake Mead, and in total, there’s more than 600 miles of tunnels that run under Las Vegas.
While their main purpose is for flood control, at one point allegedly they were used as mafia escape routes from different casinos, and now more than a thousand people call them home.
Recently, The city’s trying to clear all these up to look good for major events like the Super Bowl, F1, and a potential new Major League Baseball team, but if you search deep enough you’ll come across many people still living down here.
I was lucky enough to spend the day with Rob and the Shine a Light Foundation team to learn more about the homeless people who call the Las Vegas tunnels home.
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--- WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ---
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful solo travel. I have spent the past 13+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
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#garethleonard #traveldeeper #lasvegas #dayinthelife #dayinmylife #adayinmylife #vlog #adayinthelife #recovery #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment #shinealight #lasvegastunnels #homeless

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for tuning in! 🙏 Watch more from Las Vegas here👇 🕯 Shine a Light Donation ► bit.ly/Shine-a-Light-donation 💰 Life of a Casino CEO ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3SVeGiglLB1ppo 🍔 Vegas Late Night Eats ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3jPnJRnbbRjfdk 📬 Join my Newsletter ► newsletter.garethleonard.com

[@GarethEats]

YES!!!!

[@mahinaluna6998]

Gareth i have watched pretty much all of your videos on Both of your channels & i have to say this by far was my favorite. It is so touching that you not only felt compelled and wanted to share the truth behind this epidemic, but that you were also able to Shine Light yourself on the "Shine a Light" foundation and all they do on the daily to provide outreach services to the Las Vegas Community! Keep up the great content! I know this wasn't an easy one to film and experience first hand so thank you for not being afraid to be vulnerable and share some hard truth with the world! Mad Respect

[@FREEdomofSPEECH-j3z]

You’re wasting your time trying to save all those drug users, sir

[@erinjohnson8117]

Wow. Rob is an amazing human. What a story. He can articulate this life like no one else. I am a police officer in Washington. I am going to use this video to train our officers in order to offer an insider perspective to this life in a hope to generate more empathy and understanding. Thank you all ❤

[@GarethLeonard]

I love to hear that Erin! Thanks for tuning in 🙏

[@RSVD84]

That is very sweet.

[@robertwilson822]

Solid 🤘

[@epi_diet023]

My respect to you guys helping the helpless.Keep up the good job .Watched the video till the end without skipping ads .

[@garybarr1045]

I lived in Las Vegas for over 38 years, with 37 years as an architect. I worked for the City of Las Vegas for 23 years. During that time I indirectly connected with many tunnel people. I am a disabled veteran of the Vietnam War and I could, in a certain way, connect with these people, many of whom were also disabled either mentally, physically, or both. I could remember how close I had been to their same plight on numerous occasions. I have no great recovery story to tell or write about except on a certain level I understand their plight. America disenfranchises many millions of its citizens and could care less about them. The American cultural setup is "survival of the fittest" and "our way or the highway." I joined the cultural rat-race we have as an architect with the intention of trying to make changes in life, to make our culture more inclusive, more beautiful, more enhancing for good, and for health, harmony, etc. Essentially, I did little to nothing in this manner. My disability finally forced me to retire. I live in a Northern Nevada rural community now next to an Indian Reservation. Unfortunately, I see the same things with the Indians as with the tunnel people. They are in a country that will classify you as "in need" and will sometimes offer some assistance, but to see you as a capable person able to contribute to society seldom happens. Why? Our culture is not spiritually advanced enough for this level of brotherhood and humanity. I say no more than thanks to Shine A Light Foundation and similar orgs for making a difference to so many people.

[@SunnySD34]

Love this story! So good there are people to help others. I have volunteered and gone out in the streets to help the homeless. It’s heart breaking and you can’t force them to take the opportunity! Because the bottom line, they have do it for themselves! But when they are ready for change, we can only pray and hope, there are others who are willing to help. I’m so glad G that you saw their plight. Keep shining stories that are impactful and useful! 😊

[@garykleinberger3704]

Amazing story that's very emotional. Kudos to Rob and his organization and the fine work he is doing

[@nickygrex]

Wow. Rob and the Shine a Light team are doing amazing work. Great video, bud

[@RobbieUtah]

Shine A Light foundation is amazing. ❤ love you guys. Thabks Rob. 😊

[@GarethLeonard]

True Story! 💯

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another great video Gareth. I salute you and all who are involved in this noble cause. Stay Safe & Healthy... Abrazos

[@bunnzini]

@GarethLeonard This is one of your Best Stories. Touching, moving, inspiring, very informative. Well done! Following Shine A Light 💡 now.

[@sherryl1275]

You all are earth angels... #WeDoReCoVer The lost ones just need to be heard,no they are worthy to come back an be great, to be loved,and just a hug can. Be someone's change ..thank u all for what you do for these lost loved ones...Because they are loved by someone they are missed❤

[@Jenn79579]

This was a very educational and touching video. It was quite emotional. Thank you to the Shine of Light team for all they do. Healing and sobriety are not linear. I appreciate your videos showing the different facets of life. I saw a comment that said they were glad you did this video instead of the sex worker video. That’s just it….everyone holds value in this world regardless if we agree with or are comfortable with their story. People end up on their own path for a reason. Much of the time it’s due to trauma, abuse, etc. Who are we to judge anyone in how they handle that. Not everyone is equipped with the tools to make what others perceive as the “right choice”. This is why it’s so wonderful to see a program like Shine the Light who wants to help not just with supplies, but also with the counseling and mental health aspect. Gareth you’re truly a beautiful soul doing amazing work!

[@Baydestrianfilm]

Man this brought such real perspective to the homeless situation. I live in SF and its so much more complicated than "cleaning the streets" or "free housing" sounds like the investment should be in rehabilitation and community support.

[@larainimagine1]

Thank you for doing this. My daughter and I did this in Phoenix, AZ area...they closed a shelter and the people were on the street...then my daughter at age 20 started Direct Aid and delivered to the streets.I met the best people on the streets. We moved here and same unbelievable stuff going on. So glad you are doing this.

[@kristinahusak370]

Thank you for this video, it was very powerful and eye-opening 🍀

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for tuning in! It was definitely an eye-opening day for me as well!

[@SteveReneMedia]

❤❤ Super video to share the truth about addiction violent attack on train tracks and recovery after touched by an angel on forehead amazing story book movie deal for TRUTH. Thank you Gareth... 🎉🎉

[@SteveReneMedia]

I will advocate for housing treatment and hope to visit your program to volunteer soon...) SteverenePR Fatherhood GOV Mentalhealth GOV Schoolsafety GOV

[@simplysyndilou6768]

Beautiful Souls....we're all wandering...until we find ourselves xo Great video guys....if all you can give is a hug and understanding...you've made someone smile inside❤

[@marzenamlynarski]

What a compelling story!!! Wow! Thank you!

[@bethanyrosner1477]

Amazing video! It's the first video I've watched that I'm going to share. More people need to see this!

[@ProfessorEchoMedia]

This is what the channel is all about, not that sex worker stuff. Yes, that's a story of a day in the life too, but it's not all that interesting or introspective the way this video is and it sure means something more to our shared humanistic outlooks. It's the difference to listening to a rich person talk compared to a poor person; one has little to say but so many ways to say it; the other, a lot to say, but few who seem to want to listen. I think your channel proves time and again it's the latter that is the most worthwhile. Anyway, thanks for this video and for caring.

[@calicj7541]

Thank you for this video. (Atlanta)

[@jay702kidd]

I needed this today, you gave me hope. I’m going to seek help with shine the light. Thank you. Your doing gods work

[@GarethLeonard]

Man, I LOVE to hear that! That is exactly why I wanted to tell this story so badly!! 👊

[@Shelly58485]

I’m here Florida we have thousands too,this church by me feeds them m,w,f every week it’s so nice you all do that I thank u❤❤❤

[@janwarriner6554]

What a great video! Inspiring.

[@travelbookpro]

15:10 - You really get that sense from this documentary. Well done Gareth. Great episode as usual

[@GarethLeonard]

I appreciate it! 👊

[@amberhayes25]

Thank you for everything you do. Please keep an eye out for my little brother Jesse Rogers he’s a white male 25 years old and struggles with addiction and chose to be homeless. He is with his girlfriend. I would love for him to change his life.

[@RSVD84]

Wow. This is amazing. A while back I did Peter Santenello do a video of being under the tunnels but he got to walk way deep in there. This is awesome because I get to watch a different view.

[@ChristopherVanDunk]

Another great and interesting video. I bet there were so many stories that wouldn’t fit into this one video. Shine-A-Light sounds great, and good to see they let people know they are there for them when they are ready to come in. Sometimes the you don’t have to say much and the stories tell themselves. Ah, shows just how lucky many of us truly are. 👍🏾🦊

[@Lemonporkchop]

GOD. bless you all ❤️ SHINE A LIGHT GROUP 🙏🏻

[@philipculbertson55]

Very powerful and enlightening.

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching. 🙏

[@lauriehale2933]

Awesome video

[@pattscollectons1234]

An amazing video and organization ❤😊

[@UnrealisticHD]

Loved this type of video! Great job and production🙌

[@GarethLeonard]

I appreciate it. 🙏

[@mikef3631]

God bless this man, what an insight into the varieties of life.

[@GarethLeonard]

I appreciate it! 👊 Thanks for tuning in.

[@bassclefpaco]

I love all your content, but this one hits. I hope your health is well.

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much - it hit me as well! For me, I can't complain slowly back to full recovery!! 🙏

[@dorrengilbert804]

Thank you Gareth this was very powerful.

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for tuning in to this one. 🙏

[@erikknudson3077]

saving lives is what we need. Thank You!

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching! 👊

[@T-Mo_]

Channel 5's vid about it from 2 months ago was great

[@GarethLeonard]

Yes! I watched that one after I had already come. Great story and different angle for sure.

[@e2u20]

That was deep Mr. G

[@GarethLeonard]

It sure was!

[@sandrachalmbacher3726]

Thank you

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for tuning in! 🙏

[@MichaelHighlure]

Amen

[@Bloodreign137]

If you’re struggling with opioids like I did for oh so many years please believe me - there’s hope. Methadone changed my life and I thought I would never be sober and die addicted. It’s possible ❤

[@nar383]

Come to Egypt 🇪🇬 again we miss your videos

[@riosRED]

Where is drew with the guitar

[@ericmehlberg672]

AMEN!!!! PRAISE YASHUA!!!!!!

[@zunaidmahomed6768]

This brought me to tears, I wish not to live any longer

[@kwfown]

Damn @ 4:00, Casey Neistat’s uncle is a bad ass!!

[@khaloood199]

Brother what happened with your legs you still not give update ?

[@maryvv00]

He stated if you would like to know to go to his patreon. He will not update on KZbin.

[@khaloood199]

@@maryvv00 thanks 🙏🏻

[@Badstu]

What amazing people, just imagine if Caesars and MGM gave 1% of their profits to create a free area for these people to live safely on the outskirts of the city with healthcare, drug rehab available. How great would that be.

[@cynthiadameron1399]

God bless these people

[@GarethLeonard]

Yes!!!

[@brendanbower547]

Plato's allegory of the cave.

[@Baydestrianfilm]

You need a show bro!

[@GarethLeonard]

I have one here 😊

[@paula2908]

The drugs, alcohol and cigs are doing such damage, addiction, hopelessness, loss of everything!

[@lysetteknudsen3082]

Thanks ❤🇸🇪

[@marioahu5000]

I am 60 years old and still taking care of myself. WTF...dudes can't even get it together...you have to know how to get ahead and survive....you live in the USA. Nuts.

[@PaulMacalusoLV]

I've lived in Vegas for over 20 years and it's a sad thing to see however the large majority of folks on the street suffer from addiction. Dope is the problem put a zero tolerance in place and have real consequences for using and it will change dramatically. Forced treatment is needed, it will save countless lives and clean our community up. Feeding these folks and giving them supplies is only enabling them. Your hearts are in the right place but this isn't the answer. Me and my wife use to do community outreach by providing non perishable, food and resources to help people get off the streets. We ultimately stopped because the people didn't want our help and just asked for money. After seeing people throw the supplies & food we gave away or complained about not giving money we stopped. Give them a hand up not a hand out. What most people don't know is Las Vegas is one of the best cities to get resources to help you get off the streets. The night a city ordnance was passed to criminalize public vagrancy there were over 500 empty beds at the shelters.

[@GreenWitch1]

Much better content than talking to a sex worker. Really appreciate this video! I had homeless friends several years ago in Siesta Key, Florida. I managed to get one of them into a recovery program & now he’s running it. Don’t give up on people.

[@robertwilson822]

Bodhisattva comes to mind when I see this mans story

[@MichaelReibke]

Top

[@seannotaro473]

Poweful stuff this organization is doing...wow

[@GarethLeonard]

They are incredible! 🙌

[@TL....]

did you run into stephanie sadorra down there

[@GarethLeonard]

No, should I have?

[@TL....]

@@GarethLeonard yes , stephanie sadorra aka jenni lee she got evicted some years ago from her apartment and moved into the sewers blew all her 'actress' money on meth, clothes, etc

[@jerryfox143]

great vid, the thumbnail is porb hurting the reach

[@GarethLeonard]

Yep, I gotta change it again.

[@strawberry-jq9fu]

❤❤

[@GarethLeonard]

🙏

[@davidleuver9967]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7Ef42EfN-FrKM: this streamer has your footage of this exact video - not sure if this was a colab or not

[@narrisfarris]

whooooooooooo!

[@GarethLeonard]

Yep.

[@kwfown]

Any Jenni Lee sighting?

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Casey moved to Vegas?😂

[@FREEdomofSPEECH-j3z]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I don’t feel bad for those drug users one bit at all They’re there because they want to be there

[@Bellbell01137]

You must be so proud that you have used these homeless people to make YOUR money to live on. How lovely for you. You even said on this video, this is how you make money, like so many others do. 🤮. The only part that touched me, was Shine non profit organisation helping these people which is fabulous. It’s sickening you make money from filming the poor homeless people. 🤢🤮. Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Yes I’m being sarcastic. You get a meal, shower, comfy bed, those things are luxurious items for them. 😡🤮

[@terriweaver6981]

💖💘💖

[@GarethLeonard]

🙏

[@changyone]

Still you need charity. So still people needs to give you things and if we do not see the reductions of the amount what is the purpose? And if you think god wants you to dumpster dive which god will wants that?

[@mattdangelo7861]

Exploiting homeless for views

[@LakeConstan]

Your photo is a grotesqie racial caricature and you're lecturing Gareth on ethics? Mary, pulleeze!

[@johnnytx45]

EDUCATION, which you lack.

[@juliejones974]

Do you go out and pick up the trash and waste left by the homeless?

[@beckiruther1213]

Move it bro! 🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♂️

[@kristylynn1329]

Thank you. Well done video❤️ Be CAREFUL assigning blame with statements like: “They could get help if they wanted it” . Shelters are not always better or safer. If not run with true compassion and respect these programs are in danger of being hurtful and shaming instead of helpful and healing. ❤️‍🩹 If all you have left is your own personal sovereignty, it is daunting to jump through all of the bureaucratic hoops waiting back at the headquarters. Outreach workers are kind and generous and amazing, but they are not running the show …

[@shellystewart9023]

❤‍🩹💖💞❤‍🩹

[@GarethLeonard]

🙏