Homeless and alone in Toronto, he’s determined to get his old life back | Before & After

Not long ago, Roger was a proud father with a full-time job living with a woman he loved. Today, Roger sleeps alone outside in downtown Toronto. An unfortunate turn of circumstance has led him to where he is today - but he’s determined to get back to the life he once had. #Before&After #documentaryChannel
UPDATE: Roger has found housing in Toronto in recent weeks and is doing well.
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From surviving a mass shooting to going to space, some events in life are so impactful, they change everything. Before & After dives into the pivotal moments in our lives that forever change who we are, and how we see the world.
Watch 9/11 Kids (www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel..., a feature film about the untold story of life in America for the schoolchildren who were with President George W. Bush when he learned about the attack on the twin towers on the documentary Channel.
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[@198634]

I never have and never will look down on a homeless person - it can happen to any of us ! They are human beings who got sidetracked etc ! They need love and understanding - not be shunned and looked down upon .

[@robg8784]

I see that little kid that wants to be loved play with his friends and grow with dreams in his pocket,,,man breaks my heart .....

[@joshmakeshift]

same i ended up homeless when i was 20, all my fault burning bridges, drugs and what not. i ended up on the right path and figured it out but many dont. one thing i do is i never spend coin change, i throw it in the counsel of my truck and let it build... if someone approaches me asking for bus fare and they look like they actually need it, i give them a hand full...nothing to me everything to them.

[@Byteable]

So true. Although I never been homeless, but everyone deserve respect. I think every one of us is a great humanbeing starting out.

[@danfield6030]

Not me. I've been stacked ,I've been spat on by bums just cause I can't spare change. Now I despise those pathetic excuses for human beings

[@198634]

Dan Field sorry to hear that ... perhaps in the big cities it’s more common for homeless ppl to become discouraged / enraged .... but in the end - if in fact you can’t spare change - try a kind word instead :)

[@barzinlotfabadi]

"I still deserve another chance" Imagine actually thinking that it was your fault that you grew up in traumatic conditions and fell through the cracks and then indulging other people's ignorance for thinking less of you for it. What a world.

[@MarcGoudreau]

Roger is an extraordinary example of intelligence and a sharp intellect shaped by decades of poverty, drugs and violence. Perhaps Rogers' story will give us all cause to question our reasons for complaining about our "less than perfect" life.

[@jamescrud]

4:55 "I stay under that bridge because it's the suffering I deserve" No. You don't deserve that.

[@danzodamanzo8192]

That was hardbto watch. Its bad enough people suffer, it's worse when they feel they deserve it.

[@vivianjackson8063]

That's why we dont judge people . Everyone has a story of the past in different ways. Thank you for sharing I believe your testimony will help other right now ! May God protect you and give you the strength to endure again and put good people around you. If I see you I will give you a hug .

[@83056]

If I see a person panhandling I usually drop a couple bucks yet I never thought of asking 'How are you' and show I'm listening. Thanks Roger for the reminder.

[@PipenFalzy]

Problem with panhandling is it usually goes to drugs. Give them food or socks or clothing. I hand out socks.

[@eldeluxo]

It's nice of you to support their drug habits.

[@mnkwazi]

@@eldeluxo lol

[@2bit661]

and then they use your donation to go buy some crack and support a drug dealer who is destroying your community.

[@joaniehiggs6575]

Sure as hell hope cbc is following through with and for this guy.

[@team419]

don't well they're profiting off him with the ad revenue and he won't see a cent of it. bienvenue à la capitalisme, mon ami d'ontario.

[@jeffros6739]

They're concerned with their tax payer funded bonuses

[@jacobrocks7]

He had such bad luck but never gave up. Unfortunately drugs came into the picture. People deserve second chances. Best of luck to him.

[@srbsilver3693]

drugs came? no he chose the drugs. deserves luck, from where, he should go and get it . sorry sounds hearthless but its the truth

[@gmackinnon648]

Try not judging to harshly, I'm sure as with us all., you're no angel. Bad luck, hard times can happen to anyone at anytime. And yes he deserves a 2nd Chance.

[@shari9721]

@@srbsilver3693 I wonder how you and your life would have been if your Mother took her own life and the lives of your brother and sister and had no Father and were left all alone at 7 yrs old dealing with that kind of traumatization, PTSD , agony and heartache for the rest of your life? smdh

[@Babrooker]

May God lay his hands on you my brother. We are all the family of man. You are never alone. Be blessed.

[@dhfishing2867]

Hey, I’m an Army medic and this man has absolutely broke my heart. I just want to know where I can personally write to him and donate a little bit of money to him. I won’t give my sob story but I want nothing more than to see this man smile again. Thank you guys so much for posting this, I’ll appreciate a link. God bless

[@colleenmcwhan7509]

You are a beautiful person. My heart broke with you,for you. As you shared about the passing of your mom, brother and sister at 7. And for the heartbreak in the path that followed. I see who you are. Honest and meek. Kind in Spirit. I could see the joy and hope lit inside of you to become a father. Bless you during this time and forever always. You're a good man.

[@jasonmcmechan2072]

Colleen McWhan God bless you

[@mitchluke1929]

For Roger’s daughter, please give your father a call if you’re watching this, as your hello means a lot , a lot to him, mean more than one million to him .He is a good father indeed, and you’re a good daughter too, 1/2 DNA of good man .

[@fern]

See how his eyes light up reminiscing about his $22 hr job and truck being 'king of the castle'. Would be great if we had a program in place that provided work/pay/shelter for homeless people to have an option instead of just the streets because once you go there and have nothing, the road back I imagine is near impossible.

[@Jaws69]

Obviously True With the future of this world according to science being inevitably rotating pandemics we need basic income for all!

[@StarHarvestOfficial]

Heartbreaking story that shows the necessity of maintaining compassion for our society's most downtrodden.

[@daveymorgan909]

What a. Great documentory. I can see he has a good heart and just needs someone to care.

[@jenniferyoung8665]

Great message! "Start caring more......"

[@woxineaucrows7355]

Get tested and get to Orillia Lighthouse and they will call me I have a full room/private and clean and furnished I have done this before and am an ex-addict myself 17 years and my wife saved my life as I was on the way out too. Roger if you can get here we will help NOW ok man, be safe and may the creator watch over you~Man I can't stop crying you touched my soul I hope we can work it out.

[@bonecholampworks]

Woxineau Crows I can chip in for bus fare if it comes down to it...not much but who knows? Damn kind of you Crows.

[@dr.trixiecp5651]

Bless your hearts, both of you 🙏❤️

[@mikaelav8964]

@@bonecholampworks you both are amazing! i went to school in gorilla, quaint little town! lots of social service support! hope you guys can update us! a bus or train ticket is approx $10-15 bucks!

[@h.a.sparky984]

God bless you

[@hannajovin6508]

CBC UPDATE: Roger has found housing in Toronto in recent weeks and is doing well.

[@jennikeet5877]

Roger really touched me, what a sweet and vulnerable man, he deserves his second chance, I hope that he can find his way back to his daughter!

[@janealexander9482]

Bless you Roger. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@philippamullins7647]

He has great insight and I hope he always keeps moving forward. I want to give him a big hug❤️

[@livinglifeinaluggage]

How can you listen to that heartbreak. I felt that, his heartbreak and I am crying because his world have fallen apart and I just want to give him a hug.

[@christianfrueh7600]

Just want to share this. It restored my faith in humanity. I went grocery shopping last week and came across a homeless person outside the store pan handling. I dropped 2 loonies in his cap. He promptly took one out of his cap passed it back and said pass this along to someone else who could use it. It really lifted my spirits. We all need to act like that. Pass it forward. Greed is the very reason we are all in this mess.

[@clearsailing7993]

Nobody deserves suffering. You deserve to be happy and loved.

[@cathyrennie6528]

Much love and peace

[@malasingh3427]

I am just speechless. we need to come together and do more for people. No one need to go through this. we need to pay attention to what is going on around us and do something. stop talking and more doing. this guy deserve the very best in life. love you Roger, you are a great person, and a beautiful soul.

[@ABb-xw6jy]

Wow so touching. I pray that God have mercy on his soul. He is the only one that can help him, restore him, mend and heal his heart from all the pain he’s had to endure. God is the father of the fatherless.

[@britz3864]

No one deserves this. So sad. Good luck sir.

[@maryannchaisson6742]

I hope everyone who sees this does something positive for another person. Can’t help financially, but I will pray for you! May you find and accept the help you need! God Bless you!🌹🙏🏽

[@dr.trixiecp5651]

It’s called Universal Basic Income...it’s what is needed, more than ever!!

[@tiborpurzsas2136]

Praying does not help though ! I hate to say this but nothing fails like prayer . There is nobody out there who would listen to prayers . It's all wasted words and wasted breath..... Sorry for being so negative but every time I read or hear the term "I'll pray for you " just brings it out of me....

[@hummingbird2254]

@ MaryAnn Chaisson - Amen. I believe in the power of prayer !

[@unclefrankindia]

Tell Roger i feel for him, and his mum and brother and sister. Tell him never never never give up. He can help people like himself one at a time

[@buenavistadream]

Roger, thank you. You are a special man. God bless you

[@daydreamride8223]

Thanks for sharing this story. I can feel his sincerity and truth. It’s what we all at different times absolutely need -treated with dignity and care in the hard times when life leaves us feeling like we aren’t worthy and can’t cope alone. A beautiful heart and all the best in this life journey to him and his daughter. Their hearts are already deeply entwined. 💞

[@augustine.c8204]

this breaks my heart. Thanks for the documentary. I do pray that you get back to your daughter, and find the greater purpose in this life and know you are loved by God.

[@MS-gy7bk]

Don't quit moving forward ..... You have what it takes to succeed with that second chance ....and you will !!!!! XO

[@mountain5623]

Blessed Be Brother. Your heart is opening. It is in the giving we receive. Your story will start a wave of Love through the planet. That wave starts with you, and goes on to heal this land. Much love from the Mountain. 🙏💜🏔️

[@dayleblair3494]

You are still a dad and no one can take that from you!! Mistakes are done and life is all up to you! Chin up you are loved. xoxo

[@lighthouseflower5871]

Thank you for sharing your life. May God keep you healthy, safe, happy in your new life. Take care🙏🙏🙏

[@kelseyking1710]

This breaks my heart. I took took drugs as an escape and having my two boys saved my life. It tears me apart when I hear any addict suffering cause I know theres a reason why they chose drugs as an escape.

[@unclefrankindia]

Drugs suck. I hope he gets his life back. I know what its like to be stuck in a bad habit

[@williama6237]

Dont give up Roger...god sees your pain and through him there's salvation

[@Lucy-the-chi-N-debz]

Thank you for sharing your story, wish you all the best, God bless you

[@jayg2725]

Only 7 minutes long but filled with everlasting life saving messages. Thank you Roger for sharing your story. You have remained hopeful in the most heart- rending circumstances. What an amazingly strong spirit you have! Hanna and all of your colleagues, The Redeemer, The Common Table, thank you for reminding us of what humanity is. No government can do what love does. This up to all of us. God bless you all

[@mikebasil4832]

Best wishes to you, Roger. 💖&☮

[@robertworsley307]

Love this Man, his honesty and his survivability !

[@LadyAtoli]

I can relate to the self hate :( feeling like I deserve to suffer for my past mistakes. I feel really bad for this man. He's going through so much pain...

[@cycletrade2276]

I would say awesome... simply because he is a beautiful man. Thanks for sharing. Hope he feels loved!

[@bikinggal1]

What a gem of a human you are. Thank you for sharing your story. So much heart break.

[@walterbutt9220]

God Bless you Buddy. Good luck.

[@richardchang40]

My prayers are with you Roger! We all have made mistakes and we all deserve a second chance. There is hope, don't give up. God loves you!

[@javoc2967]

It’s heartbreaking how he thinks all of this is his own fault

[@fridahalliday2375]

I've struggled with homelessness for a long time. I'm blessed to have a job right now.

[@bumblebeechris]

this was one very touching story thanks for making this

[@gordont6409]

Prayers for this man. Hope you figure it all out, sooner rather than later

[@johnrenton7871]

Powerful words from someone that's been slapped around by life.

[@staceythompson1606]

Thank you for this post

[@markheithorn3905]

Its horrible to see the pattern of alcoholism/drug addiction passed on from one generation to another. I ve learned a lot about addiction from listening to interviews with Dr Gabor Mate. Thanks you Hanna.

[@deborahmccall873]

Hope now more than ever.....it could all be lost at any time, hard to except but true. Now more than ever.......give.when you (can). 😇

[@jojoJojo-vw2bu]

My heart is so broken man o man it should not be like this please patriots help one another in god name amen

[@susanxyz]

I have a "used to be - homeless" friend( I consider he's my friend)whose name is Lambert. He comes around from time to time at the place where I work. He had rough past and he used to go to jail, but he smileds so sincerely everytime he sees me. He made sure I got his name correct and I'll never forget the way he talks.

[@keepers7768]

What an amazing guy.

[@bdf49]

Thanks for sharing Roger! Hope you're doing okay this winter!🙏

[@bostjules6176]

Handing over a Loonie or a Toonie or a Fin or a Sawbuck or Whatever is nice and a very caring gesture, but believe me when I say that also giving a genuine "Hello" or a sincere "How are you doing?" with a heart felt smile, sure makes a lonely, homeless person feel lots better. I've lived both sides of the situation.

[@lambchoppa.]

God bless this man. I truly wish him the best of luck and prosperity in the future.

[@gvestalattv]

Where can I find him I could try to find him a rideshare to quebec but if someone here could rest would try my best even if group effort to trip to see his daughter

[@hannajovin6508]

CBC UPDATE: Roger has found housing in Toronto in recent weeks and is doing well.

[@hummingbird2254]

@@hannajovin6508 Thanks for the update. That's awesome !

[@PrairieDodgers]

Never Give Up! #Believe !

[@lynnkim9163]

I have watched this video during my LINC classes. I was touched because he is trying to get back the life. I was getting emotional. I can have a chance to change my stereotype about homeless people. After watching this we have a time to discuss about what some barriers to him getting a job are. I have a meaningful time. Thank you my teacher, Wendy!

[@michaelcampbell6327]

Roger we are all one step way from not having security and yes we all deserve as many chances we can get, keep trying never give up and all the best bud.

[@maryannevitale2515]

What an awesome clip & such an honest testimony! Would really like to see his life turned around but it would take a 24/7 mentor & I don't know if someone has that capability to give that much attention. If it wasn't for Senior Housing I'd be on the street. My addiction is food & buying love. I'm heavily in debt with Credit Cards & I was scammed $ 20,000 by an Daughter in Law. If there's someone out there help this man get back into life

[@Newfoundland56]

That's a fact of life. Thanks for your story

[@catherinewilson9894]

Yea, everyone deserves a second chance.❤❤❤Roger❤❤❤

[@kbderek610]

Heart goes out to this guy

[@Suhkuna]

well spoken, deep.

[@celinescrappassion2184]

I hope you get the help you need... and yes, yo deserve another chance, it is never too late. I wish you love and peace. stay safe please.

[@mrg9393]

Thank you for opening my eyes Roger ❤️

[@johnewen3112]

I went to school with Roger, i remember that he lived with family but never spoke about.his mother. Coincidentally i was thinking of him recently. He was snowblowing a driveway and tied to clean out the slush from the chute, he cut he fingers up pretty bad. I visited him in the hospital everyday. His girlfriens he speaks of was Loni. This was a very difficult watch for me. Myself and a few people that knew Roger would love to reach out to him.

[@annmarie9163]

Dear Roger, you are loved and you a fierce survivor. If I see you one day, we will have a coffee. Never give up. LIfe hurts, yes it does. But I never gave up and neither should you. YOU count ! hugs

[@anthonyk4453]

This made me cry.

[@CDN1975]

Roger, I admire your strength, courage and resilience. May God richly bless you and protect you. I supported a woman who was in a shelter. I met amazing women in there that are there due to circumstances beyond their control. Homelessness can happen to anyone. No one is hopeless or worthless. Keep moving forward. You are a survivor.

[@Sunflower-nx5en]

Take care...really hope you make it..God bless you ♥️

[@maximpestsolutions3696]

Take care brother🙏.

[@beverlyann9929]

Bless your heart and soul

[@codyrobinson1982]

Bro I was kidnapped by the government at 12. I was place on a reservation foster home where I was bullied, had penises rubbed in my face and used to mule stolen goods. They destroyed my life. Now I’m 40 and homeless. We out here. Stay strong. Much love

[@paulinecallahan6888]

How is Roger doing today? Update?....hope he is safe and healthy. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance. Be Kind. 💕🙏😊

[@johnmccarthy742]

What a tangled web we weave.

[@darrylsmijan9123]

God bless you my man

[@barbaramatthews696]

Such a very sad story Our family lost a brother to alcoholism in January 2022. It was so heartbreaking for our family to see him live most of his life this way. He was found deceased in his bed from organ damage from Alcohol He is missed but knowing he is finally at Peace is a comfort.

[@WinnerofWorldsYoutube]

I have seen you before, :) you are awesome. God bless this man :)

[@puddlesplasher7]

Damn, these CBC documentaries have me crying at my desk.... Stoppppppp

[@demiurge1608]

there is so much need in our sterile western lives to talk about death, poverty, depression and vulnerability and the courage to utter that one is not doing well..and caring for people who didn’t have much of it.

[@CherishTheChildren]

You are an amazing Father and man no bull your an inspiration to our world keep shining I hope you get stable very quick not many could make it thru all you have and the drugs is just self medicating hopefully you will not need them love light

[@lanedowhaniuk6758]

Heartbreaking 💔 We never know peoples stories as we walk by them......... This could happen to all of us... Wishing all the best for recovery and a new start 🙏

[@patricasjoli4107]

I hope & pray for those who chose paths that cause destructive choices really pay attention to this video what this man endured When u chose alcohol or drug addiction to num your pain and dont get help for it , u bring up your children to believe only in negativity specially about love When u commit suicide the terrible terrible effect these children have to carry around that will effect thier judgement and BELIEFS that they Can Make A Difference in thier lives as well others The terrible abuse whether its emotional , physically , financially, Or substance I KNOW THIS ITS FACTUAL I been there , seen it...IT TAKES ALOT OF WORK TO GET BETTER CAUSE OF SOMEONE ELSE'S CHOICES....Thank God for His Grace And Guidance To know Someone Cares Someone Loves U AND THERE IS HELP TO GET BACK ON TO HEALTHY MIND & BODY TO HEAL YOUR SPIRIT GETS BROKEN For me I CHOSEN FAITH IN GOD FOR THAT NOT MAN GOD DOES ANSEW PRAYERS ALWAYS NOT ALWAYS ON OUR TIMING'S BUT THATS WHERE PATIENTS IS NEEDED YES I PRAUED FOR THAT TOO ..I AM NOT GOING TO SAY ANYTHING MORE ABOUT THAT I KNOCKED I ASKED FOR HELP I GOT IT MIRACLES HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT NOT LIKE THE WORLD TEACHES " ON STAGE " SO Those who r watching """ PLEASE ,,PLEASE "" DONT GIVE UP OR CONTINUE TO GIVE INTO NAGATIVE CHOICES THERE IS HELP KNOWING U WANT HELP IS SUCH A BLESSING TO SEE THAT AND GREAT ON U FOR WANTING IT ☺️ ITS HARD NEED PATIENTS TO FINNALY GET IT JUST DONT GIVE UP PLEASE YOU R ALREADY MAKING POSITIVE CHOICE FOR YOU... SOMEONE SAID TO ME ONCE "" IF OTHERS OR EVEN ONE CAN GET BETTER HAVE SOME WHAT BETTER LIFE AND UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE I CAN TOO 🥰 I FOUGHT FOR IT I GOT IT...💝

[@elapaszczynski8292]

Roger get up you still have life ahead of you

[@stelas9307]

Heartbreaking. They all have a story.

[@kathyhenry2362]

I hope his daughter sees this~

[@chrisv7607]

Sad story for sure

[@lizbrown8219]

So very 😢

[@robertarnott1368]

Please my friend. Take care. Look up. You are an amazing person. I wish I could do more.

[@Tony-qk5wp]

Everybody deserves another chance. Always! Every dog has its days.

[@gloriadeschamps2529]

so sad I feel for him

[@canuckeh782]

wow I wish you the best

[@alelectric2767]

“It’s the suffering I deserve” I hear ya.