Homelessness Truth Bombs: 41 Years of It Only Getting Worse

[@RabbitWatchShop]

Back in 2007, I was homeless for about two weeks. It was horrible. I averaged about 2 hours of sleep daily due to fear, noise, and sleeping on hard surfaces. Had to eat out of trashcan and the soup kitchen. I have no been homeless since, because it was such a horrible experience, I did everything in my power not to be homeless again. I don’t want one person to be homeless in America. At the very least, everyone needs housing and food. They say judge a country by how they treat and help the poor. If we judge America, we get an F

[@rdallas81]

Thanks for sharing.

[@punkagrrlzero]

2 weeks???? Dude, since 2015 here. All because I'm disabled and the benefits don't pay enough for housing. There are MILLIONS of us in this situation and there is no way out. It's just gonna get worse since they're gonna let Social Security die due to inaction.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

@@punkagrrlzero this isn’t a contest. Chill

[@karendalsadik7119]

Agreed and the advocate in the video is on fire!

[@darylgholson1754]

By far the worst atrocity, making it illegal to be poor and or homeless. People with nowhere to go should have somewhere to go. Illegal to sleep outside, illegal to start a fire when cold. Where is our humanity?

[@debraallen63]

It got thrown out when America threw out God.

[@charovazquez2452]

​@@debraallen63 The same lack of God in Spain, where people are unaware of what's going on in this world we have...

[@debraallen63]

@@charovazquez2452 And it's a Total shame because you can't have FREEDOM without the God Who Gave It.🙌

[@davewolf8869]

The most glaring proof that the USA is a decaying country is the "Supreme" courts ruling

[@luispolanco5966]

Criminalizing homeless is demonic and a society lacking in anything good. Welcome to USA.

[@azimuthbusinesscenter]

you can’t live in a shelter, you can’t live in a car, you can’t live in a tent, you can’t live on the street. People in these situations are existing at best. Existing is not living. To live means you have enough money to choose what to do and you are not having to interact with “the system” social workers, housing authority, food stamps, SSA, police, and government workers who absolutely do not have your best interest in mind. People in poverty are employment for people who work for the system. You are not really living until you have a house on five acres, you get to choose who you let into your life, and you are not someone else’s project.

[@janejones5362]

Perfecccct. Thank you for your post ❤❤❤❤

[@Jake-mv7yo]

I lived in my car for a few years during college to save money and it worked out pretty good. I used some plywood and memory foam to make an actual comfortable bed in a Honda Civic. I had my mail sent to my parents' house though so I did have an address. I can see that as the main problem for people but maybe there are ways for them to get an address that I'm not aware of.

[@chadkline4268]

😂 say it like it is brother 😊

[@luispolanco5966]

Greensboro North Carolina has a parking lot designed for the homeless. It is a step in the right direction.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Living in a vehicle, whether it is a car, or Van - really depends on the mindset of the person and for some - How well built out it is. Do you have pets? 🦋 With Planet Fitness you have to only pay $12 a month.You can shower every day. Is the vehicle temperature independent? That really is a big key. 🌿 The Nomad movement has shown hundreds and thousands of videos to showcase that lifestyle. Again, it depends on the person and what their needs are.🌺 And for some - one's pocket book and how built out the vehicle is.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

Paul is fantastic. I'm so glad whenever you have him on. His voice should be elevated everywhere.

[@InvisiblePeople]

I never ever wanted to do a podcast. There’s too many of them. Most of them are just fluff. But this is an episode that reminds me of why we are different. The goal for this podcast is to amplify many different voices, not just the ones that push the status quo

[@krystle8534]

"What's wrong with me? Well, I live in a society that's lacking in justice, that's what's wrong with me." Exactly.

[@billya3628]

Only a care for "legality", but no concern for MORALITY....The American society has become totally demoralized.

[@kimberleedukes-samala6836]

👍🏼🦋

[@jimkelly4214]

No! You are living in a society that expects a grown man to pull his own weight!

[@yvonne.p]

Homelessness does not discriminate. It happens to those from all walks of life and we all need to remember that no one is excluded from experiencing it, for whatever reason that may be. No one is superior from another, we are all brothers and sisters, we are all human and its about time we start acting like it.

[@jacquelynn2051]

Exactly and the recent storms show how you can be maintaining in a nice home, able to meet your mortgage, rent, basic bills maybe a modest savings but then BAM! Now your home is floating down the street. People tend to 100% associate homelessness with being lazy or mishandled monies or on drugs but there are other reasons. I met a homeless man who didn’t drink or smoke or use street drugs plus he worked…his ‘fault’ was being in love and trusting a woman to pay his bills with his money he handed her. Three months later he got evicted.

[@thegroovypatriot]

So acting loving would be just giving anyone down and out whatever they need, without them doing anything to change their situation? Ever heard of healthy boundaries? And the man in the comment above who gave his money to someone else to manage - again, healthy boundaries. Without a sense of individuation, you could give thousands to some folks, and they'd lose it all because they have no basic sense. You manage your own money, not trust some other person.

[@lisafaust3801]

@@thegroovypatriotI agree--many are homeless due to a series of bad choices. Some just have bad luck. Others have no family--but many DO have family that can help. Did they ask for help? Are family members tired of helping? There r SO many variables and reasons they remain homeless.

[@susana-zi4cv]

@@lisafaust3801 Many homeless are senior citizens who don't get enough social security to pay rent and buy food or meds. What about them?

[@lisafaust3801]

@@susana-zi4cvI do feel bad for them, for the seniors. It could b they have worked thier entire life and SS is a joke for them. The issue there is that SS was never meant to b enough to live on. These people need to think outside the box. They can pool resources and live with other people if they don't have any relatives. They can move to a country where their SS goes much further. I have always lived with other people and in communities. One problem in the USA is that everyone wants to live alone in their own space and if u don't Make enough money here--that does not work well. The USA needs to rethink housing options in general. But for the seniors living on SS--I would suggest checking out options like Silver Nest--seniors looking for other seniors to live with... if u have some way of getting taxes out of billionaires and multi millionaires which could help equalize the damage done to society--then go for it.

[@terri90069]

Paul was a classmate of mine at Brewster Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Wolfboro New Hampshire (1976-1977) He was a cool and pretty mellow dude and unlike me, was very much part of the "in crowd" at Brewster. My Sister went to a very good college in Boston and graduated magna cum laude and ended up a homeless drug addict in the Tenderloin and has been struggling with sobriety and mental health issues for the last 30+ years. I thank Paul for all he does to help the Homeless. God Bless him...

[@rdallas81]

@@terri90069 Man. Much appreciated you sharing that with us. We all know someone going through the same situation- seen Pills and other drugs completely destroy family after family. What a terrible epidemic.

[@2FollowHim777]

Did you watch that happen? What happened? I learned that good grades could mean poor life skills. That's what happened to me. Excellent school skills, poor life skills. I don't have them. Had strong drugs prescribed: no difference. Quit, almost died, but I didn't care. In my case the Lord literally saved me. 5:24

[@terri90069]

@@2FollowHim777 No, I do not know what happened. Like I said, he was cool guy, very well liked and obviously a very smart guy. We didn't hang out in the same crowd but he was always a nice guy whenever I saw him. I hope he is doing well.

[@1st1anarkissed]

Our society is morally bankrupt. The power is all in the hands of people with no feelings, only a mad lust for power.

[@aussieman3582]

And money.

[@vivalaleta]

Only the people on top. Sociopaths seek power positions and are regularly found at the top.

[@bryandraughn9830]

It's over. It's long been over with.

[@thegroovypatriot]

Nonsense. Evil and Goodness run through the heart of every person.

[@punkagrrlzero]

Blame the churches since they control half the politicians who vote against an kind of social aide. They do this to FORCE people to ask churches for assistance. Which is weird since even they do it on a lottery system.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Just finished 126 days living in a tent at a county campground. I've been homeless off and on since 2012 after losing my job in 2010. I had bought a home and property in mid 2007, then the recession came in 2008. I was ahead of my mortgage by putting more on the principle each month. Burned thru my savings to pay mortgage while searching for work ( I was in my mid 50's). Went to job fairs with no success and part-time staffing agencies with no success. I'm on a minimal fixed income and a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran. My landlady just raised my rent 50 more dollars ( renting a small summer cottage for 8 months). I feel for all those homeless ppl bc I'm there and have been there since 2012. I'm tired of it all, but will stand-up for myself and those struggling. Be strong and know... you are worthy of greater things. Namaste. Semper Fi!

[@mariekatherine5238]

NO US veteran should be homeless. Ever.

[@gjrollie07ify]

I’ve been homeless for 6 years now. I started out living in a Jeep Liberty for a year while saving for a cargo trailer I could convert to sleep in. I’ve been in the cargo trailer for five years now. I’m saving money not being stuck with a mortgage or high rents. My new truck and cargo trailer are paid off. No debt is the way to live.

[@jimhoward6584]

Good for you brother. I would do exactly the same thing if I was starting out. It is more and more difficult to have no debt but you are living proof it can be done.

[@terryestepp2615]

I'm an older woman. I bought a Jeep Liberty with a plan to live in it ...I had the same plans for buying a cargo trailer to live in after saving money. Instead, against my better judgement but with encouragement from others, I got on a waiting list for subsidized housing. The housing was a nightmare and the manager didn't renew my lease to make room for her buddy to move in. My Jeep needed repairs that I couldn't afford. Long story short....after working most of my life and raising 2 children on my own...I'm homeless and vehicleless. Mexico is my next step.

[@Corina-dq2my]

I was homeless. And, I noticed in the last few years, that after getting to know co workers, that some of them also had been homeless at one point. I was surprised how many people who are Americans who've been homeless, and you would never guess by looking at them. We can house immigrants but not Americans.

[@chinookvalley]

Bullshit.

[@Allofussurvived]

Dang this guy has alot of awareness

[@davidwright873]

He has a lot of time to sit In the lirbary cause he ain't got a job

[@Skyrim35]

​@@davidwright873first learn how to spell second of all prove he doesn't have a job

[@davidwright873]

@@Skyrim35 prove he does.....dkhd

[@janejones5362]

I volunteered last year for a thrift store. They also had a program for people to contribute community service hours for various charges, which was an EXCELLENT program!! Some of the old crow volunteers were super snooty to the community service workers. One Brunhilda tried it with me, and just started throwing orders at me. I said, I can help you, but youre NOT throwing orders at me, nor will you be treating the community service workers this way. Im NOT community service. She never again told me what to do. 😂 And the lady who tried to accuse me of stealing a shirt she was working on, until the black lady who befriended me saying she was there, and no one "stole" the stupid shirt. Shortly after, the building owner kicked out the store mgr, saying someone wanted to put in a storage. One year later, theres no storage there. They lied. One more story. When I first arrived here, I got abused in a low cost store. For not leaving my backpack unattended at the front. The mgr was yelling at me saying "homeless people steal". I said, in a normal voice, So do store workers. Went home, wrote to the corporate office, they looked at the video, the store mgr got fired.

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

People die in the shelters due to a lack of trained staff or volunteers. The patrons have to take care of each other. The cots and environment can make the elderly homeless people die from uti's from the compression of sleeping on a sagging hard cot. Some people choose to sleep on the hard tile floor on a sleeping bag because your body isn't caving in on the cot. Coming in wet from the weather into an unheated building (a gym, for example) and get pneumonia or never able to get better because of no heat. Also, take into consideration the high stress kevel with being in close quarters with people from all walks of life, the germs some people bring into the same room you are sleeping in, and no security. The quality of food and how it is stored and for how long should be inspected by the health department.

[@luispolanco5966]

Shelters are dangerous volunteers dont check the people well enough they'll smuggle weapons and drugs in, and for sure you'll get robbed, maybe even SA'd. Very sick, evil place.

[@basedgamerguy818]

I lived in a shelter for around a year and in that time over 20 people died there

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

@@luispolanco5966 I could list a lot more things as well.

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

@@basedgamerguy818 how many people were in the shelter at first?

[@Robin-f8f]

I actually turned in a shelter in Portland, Oregon a few years ago and reported it for dirty toilets (potential hep A). Hopefully that shelter to this day keeps being checked ? Additionally a shelter I stayed at served sandwiches with mayo on them days later. Food poising isn't much fun

[@Mtnfarmer55]

The gentrification mindset just keeps getting worse. Several years ago, after I had to close my organic veggie CSA when my spine went, I approached my town government ( which oversees hundreds of acres of donated ag. land ) about volunteering to put together and run a community garden with one section being a children garden ( we had free children’s garden plots at the farm ) , another section as the regular standard community gardens and the third section, a “handicapped” section designed for physical special needs. It was turned down! A popular reason against it was because “community gardens were indicative of poor people”. I know of many instances where the exact same thing happened. Sheesh!!!

[@malimayaluna4362]

that is like any rotten monarchy, medieval cult mentality

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Awesome idea tho - wish it had worked out - that would have benefited the entire community, from homeless to housed on the high hill.

[@MauraCole-c5l]

@@newtuber4freedom43That’s why it was stopped.

[@lisafaust3801]

That is a great idea--too bad u don't live in Portland--that would have been successful here..

[@punkagrrlzero]

They want people to go to faith run food banks so they can force people into their religion.

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

It's a crime to be poor in America

[@aaronha994]

Forced to pay tax, never owns land, only allowed to exist on the kings land as long as you pay yearly property taxes. You have zero input on how your taxes are spent. Broken health care system, broken legal system, freedom? Free to refuse to pay taxes,...go to prison. Can't qualify to get debt for a home.... homeless? Illegal....go to jail? Debtors prisons? Indentured servant, or a free slave?

[@bradyshannon8452]

It's a crime to pass laws not allowing people to sleep. These unjust laws are no law..Get it!!!

[@rdallas81]

When I was homeless I worked at McDonald's and was promoted into management. Then I got a second job driving fork lifts. Now I work construction and do some automotive work on the side.

[@rdallas81]

Without struggle, there is no fight.. Without fight, there is no purpose. Fight yourself- because you are literally two separate entities always at odds with each other. You are a flesh body with flesh thoughts and desires, AND you are a soul. Christ is the way, always.

[@Gabriel-p1n4r]

Fair , still I would point out corporate greed is not a wholesome answer , working is noble though in general , depending on what means you're using and what your ends are.

[@cliftonbrown8764]

It is like homeless is what you become after the government chews you up like tabaco and spits you out

[@ey67]

Corporate government ownership

[@Homeless2013nov-d7p]

Anytime any one can be homeless

[@kimbeard756]

yep I am now never been in this situation I hate it

[@thewalkingdunning-krugeref9664]

How right you are. I'm very fortunate to be in the situation I'm in right now. I was unemployed and renting a room in the most rotten place I've ever lived. It should have been shut down. After having enough, I desperately reached out to my father (we rarely talk), and luckily he had an apartment he was renting out. That's how little we talk, I didn't know he rented out properties. So I just barely missed being on the streets. Then a few weeks later I was offered a high-paying job in an industry I have zero experience in because I happened to know someone who worked at the company. On welfare/government assistance, to basically living in a crackhouse a few months ago, to being quite comfortable now. Most do not catch a break(s) like that. When you're down and out and have no one there to help you, it really doesn't matter how much potential you have. Most privileged folks don't understand that.

[@thewalkingdunning-krugeref9664]

Rereading what I said, it sounds kind of like nothing compared to homelessness. When I say the place I lived in was rotten...I mean rotten. Had a corrupt slum lord and the tenants were some of the most irredeemable people you could meet. Name an infestation, we had it. Before that there was a "Center Of Hope" run by the Salvation Army where I rented a room for a year. We were treated like children and criminals at the same time. So when I say I was on the "brink" of homelessness, I really was. I live in a town of only like 15,000 people now so there really isn't a homeless population but I'm definitely going to donate some $ to a few organizations because if I don't catch those couple of breaks I'm on the streets right now.

[@QuintessentialJenesequa-u5o]

So glad you're doing better! ​Don't donate to places where you don't have any idea where it's going. And you cannot trust what they say. Help people directly. That will be the most helpful. Just like you would want. ​@@thewalkingdunning-krugeref9664

[@davidwright873]

But the true losers stay that way

[@chadriffs]

Paul is absolutely correct in his understanding the system of oppression of homeless but waiting for governments, local or federal, to help is the main problem. We need to have our own plans with private financing to create models that all cities can follow. After it is all in place and working then we can acquire gov subsidies and/or backing, because if we wait for them to figure out what to do we will never get it. Housing is our right and community is how we live in peace, not in pieces, scattered like the aftermath of a hurricane....

[@cececurry5287]

People have to learn money and how its used. But its really going to be challenging because we are running out of time.

[@lauriaktahi]

Ive been car camping in the forests for 8 years. I generate my own power. I have a water source from the aquifer. I have starlink. I use propane. I will never pay to live in a box, in a row of boxes, filled with people blindly serving 2 masters. I am disabled, and I am living just fine on my own.

[@lauriaktahi]

And Im ready to have my own land, undeveloped, in an unincorporated place.

[@elinorhawke-szady1198]

It's the same here in Ontario, Canada and all over Canada. In Toronto (population now well over 6 million), back in the 1960s and 1970s lots of subsidized housing was built in Toronto for low-income and poor people. NONE of that is happening now. The current Premier of Ontario keeps saying his Government is doing it, but he's full of crap. Development is out of control here, and the homes being built are all $800,000 Canadian or above, and that's usually just for a small townhouse. The quality of these homes is questionable as well - I've seen many of the builds; my Dad was a builder, so I know quality/what to look for. Buyers are being fleeced in many cases. Sellers are greedy (in my opinion). In addition, there's no such thing as affordable rentals here anymore - particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). If I were to move out of the apartment I'm in with my partner/2 dogs right now (2 bedrooms + den), I would be looking at well over $3,500/month Canadian dollars to rent something similar. I'm stuck where I am but at least grateful I have a roof over my head. There are tent cities in all of our major cities - Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal - and also in smaller ones like Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Halifax. I regularly donate to food banks and shelters to help as much as I can. I wish everyone would, and I wish our governments at the municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal levels would do something to end homelessness. NO ONE should have to live on the streets unless they want to.

[@aw1789]

I have all the sympathy in the world for the homeless. I could be out there next month. But at the same time I don't think it should be legal to camp in public parks and relieve yourself or drop needles in environmentally vulnerable areas.

[@elliemeh]

I think the difference is that some people just wanna put them in prison to charge the tax payers 10x what it'd cost to just house them normally. Just allocate some budget to have public janitors and public restrooms? Planet fitness is kinda doing it for just $10 per member. The federal government could do it for much less.

[@basedgamerguy818]

You try living on the street for years without access to mental healthcare at the same time you will be harassed by the police, citizens and gang members.

[@lisafaust3801]

@@elliemehit doesn't work. Portland put our ports potties--that created a bigger problem...the mountains of trash they call possessions are our control...the main offenders are drug addicts or mentally ill-which came first is hard to tell. The people who live in derelict RVs drag their trash around more easily. They all have hard luck stories-but at the core they remain homeless because fundamentally they don't want to compromise, or cooperate with authority.

[@StuartJuggernaut]

the way to prevent people camping in public isn't to destroy their stuff and put them in jail it's to provide them housing

[@T-lb8et]

Food, Shelter and clothing basic human needs. When did housing become a Luxury vs basic human need. Shame on them like stated in video we are all human beings. Million dollar Shelters keep people homeless all day. All avenues to fix homelessness are ignored. Inhumaine for human beings to suffer in streets unhoused crime against humanity.

[@mrdinosaur5669]

Yes hes absolutely correct. Keep fighting. The issue is the money in society has become more important than the people.

[@adamy.7053]

It's also VERY difficult to find employment.

[@troypropes1182]

We have allowed ourselves to be fooled into thinking we owe someone else to live, eat, sleep or drink. Your life is priceless and you don’t owe a single person a dime for your right to live. Food grows from the ground, water falls from the sky. The sun is a source of energy and housing is something that Humans have been doing before the concept of money. All people just need opportunity and resources to build sustainable communities on stable land. So many people have so little because so few people have so much.

[@jacquelinewelch7635]

Looking at the thumbnail, this man is an example of the saying: " Never judge a book by the cover." I would've like to hear more about his life's journey up to this point.♥️

[@redleo380]

He said "nothing ends homelessness like a house" 🤯 nail on head, bro.

[@darylgholson1754]

Swimming in this environment is just a lot harder as time passes and corporate greed finally mastered their craft of wealth transfer.

[@ey67]

Corporate theft. With convicted thugs as our president. Says it all. Demorats and rethuglicans.

[@nataliemcdonnell6473]

We have a huge problem with homelessness in Australia, it’s constantly rising, it’s heartbreaking to hear people’s stories. The councils and police are constantly harassing people who live in tents and vehicles. If it wasn’t for many charitable organisations , these people would have nothing. Australia is better off than America , but I have to wonder how long it will be before we’re all in the same position. Rentals are far too high and home buying is for the rich. The waiting list on social housing is for years. Many homeless here have no confidence, they’re looked upon as vermin and it truly disgusts me . Everyone should have the basics, able to shower, do their washing, food, clean water, medicine and a safe place to live. Without these basic things how can these people have hope, because many give up and society ends up with many people with mental illness, sicknesses of all kind and suicidal. I pray that one day this will change. It’s very demeaning and you feel worthless and a complete failure. I have been in this position myself. I don’t drink alcohol, do drugs or smoke and I see so much of it.

[@catthorn2973]

What a wise man. The root of most problems is that someone removed from the situation ends up in charge of solving the problem, and fails to consult the people most affected by the problem. If this man were in charge of constructing a plan in his community, I’m certain it would be succcessful

[@lorascelsi8102]

Who is in charge of the department of housing??? Do they need to be held accountable for enabling this debacle???

[@Crowmother13]

Having experienced homeless on more than one occasion, even with children, I agree with almost everything he says, HOWEVER, it is true that just providing housing is not always going to go well. Example : local homeless shelter program helped a family ( grandmother, adult grandkids, great grandchild / infant ) get a sec 8 voucher, convinced landlord to rent to them in apartment directly downstairs from me . They vouched for them, paid deposits, gave them furniture. In less than a year there was baby being neglected, screaming for hours, people arguing, drug dealing, people tweeking all night , grandma yelling and talking to herself all night ( I could here EVERYTHING) , and finally a dude attacked someone with a knife , threatened with a gun, broke a back window to flee, ran through our complex with the gun , blood everywhere. Soon after, they were evicted. Landlord found apartment completely destroyed. Had to replace carpets, kitchen flooring , fix walls, haul trash ..... he decided to never accept anyone from the shelter/ homeless assistance people ever again . K? These things do happen . Not everyone can be helped. Not everyone can be trusted to be a good tenant or neighbor.

[@InvisiblePeople]

I gotta push back a little. They were placed in Housing, it sounds like they were not given much support. I believe everyone can be helped. Some need more help than others. We just can’t put people in boxes and expect them to thrive after layers of trauma. Not only does homelessness cause a lot of of pain whatever led up to a person’s homelessness caused a lot of pain. There’s also a generational component to poverty that’s rarely talked about. I don’t know the situation you’re talking about, obviously. I don’t know of the people. But I do know that the stress of poverty, the stress of relationships, in poverty, the stress of not having Housing, the stress of not having support the stress of not having healthcare the stress of not having childcare the stress of not having what humans need to survive and thrive, can often lead to a negative situation

[@T-lb8et]

Also this stuff happens in million dollar homes. To only call out homeless is a prime issue. Rich people in mansions Also do bad things all the time. This shouldn't be a factor for human beings to be housed.

[@davewolf8869]

This happens with every community in existence, what the fuck is your point

[@Crowmother13]

@@InvisiblePeople yes. It's true. They DID have a case worker who , I noticed, checked in on them fairly frequently for awhile. Then , he just stopped .

[@Crowmother13]

@@davewolf8869 my point is that it's not nearly as simple as providing housing . There needs to be diligent, caring , wise supportive services provided. In SOME circumstances it needs to be mandatory that those who are receiving housing accept these services. I emphasize: CARING, WISE, AND SUPPORTIVE. I speak as someone who has been DOWN AND OUT , more than once , since I was 17. I've lived it. I've seen it. I know it. I'm 65 now. I talk with unsheltered folk , still. I hear their stories. I lament , even on local social media pages, the criminal lack of even basic shelter for those who want it( some do not want it ). The shelters in my area have a fucking waiting list. Meanwhile, folks can fucking freeze . And if anyone who does get in becomes ill with covid, they toss them out on the streets! It's fucked. I'm not naive. And yes, I'm aware that even rich people can be, and often are , ass holes and criminals. But we are talking about unsheltered folk right now.

[@2TROLL1]

I hope the hurricanes have taught us one thing 'we all need to prepare for homelessness' and hopefully we won't need it', and we can use it to help the ones that are already homeless❤

[@AnthonyTowler]

Embarrassing that the richest nation in history has failed its citizens on such a basic thing

[@Dreamsquasher0888]

Paul is correct,there's a low income housing where I live closed it up repair the apartments then sold it ,now if you want to live in there you have to Lease it now,around the corner from there torn down an motel where people where living,down the street another 2 closed up ,it's been going this way now lately 😢 If your low income on SSI you don't stand a chance ... people don't understand why you're homeless living a your rv ,car etc and people mistreat you.😢

[@Gshkent]

I feel I’m lucky to be on housing and didn’t have to wait for years, but what happened for that to follow wasn’t so lucky. Trauma and the moving in of management company kicked it off, followed by rent going up $100 at a time every 3 months so in 9 months $450 rent went to $750 with absolutely no upgrade to any apartment unless ppl moved out and that apartments rent for new ppl became 850-950. I used a credit card to pay my bills until that maxed out and I was forced to move out because it was unaffordable. My daughter and I were homeless essentially couch surfing for 8 months along with working with a domestic violence shelter I got on the housing lottery. At that time there was no funding in my county so I had to move to that new county, leaving me far away from my support system. So lucky to have help with housing but getting there took some devastating events.

[@JimSchmidt-h7i]

I hope things get better and better for you and your daughter

[@solskengroupllp2758]

The USA has given Ukraine $62 billion in cash that doesn't have to be paid back. That is enough money to build 650,000 apartment units for the disabled and elderly. In their 25 year lifetime, those apartment units could house 5.1 million people. The USA continues to go into debt, to give money to other countries and migrants, but does little to nothing for it's own citizens.

[@basedgamerguy818]

We don't send cash to Ukraine. You don't know what you're talking about

[@jackcoleman1784]

We literally don't send cash to Ukraine. We give them military equipment a lot of which was mothballed. Doing something about homelessness has never actually been about the money. It's always been about prejudice.

[@meggrotte4760]

Yes we do​@@basedgamerguy818

[@Sorayaclark1271]

This has a lot to do with the topic, so be patient with me. The USA national debt is 35 trillion dollars. It first surpassed 1 trillion under Ronald Reagan. A nation's ability to pay back its debt is determined by it's GDP (gross domestic product) this is a measure of products made through the labor force. The USA's GDP reached a record high in 2023. That all being said, the wealthiest American's are about to transfer their wealth from the boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z which is going to amount to roughly 90 trillion, the vast majority of that wealth at the top 5% of the population to families like the Walton Family of Walmart or the Koch Brothers, Jeff Bezos, etc. Much of that wealth was created by the labor force, but rather than it going to pay off the debt, it has been syphoned to the top and put into off-shore accounts or put into assets and acquisitions. If our labor was going to pay off the debt, it would have by now. Tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans has resulted in the government being pressured to raise taxes on ordinary Americans (most will see little to no wealth transfer) in order to supplement the loss in income from said tax breaks. The president does not decide the budget, Congress decides the budget just fyi. The president makes proposals which Congress can take into account or not, and then the budget gets approved or unapproved by the president after Congress has pounded one out, if it is rejected, Congress has to write a new one, and so on and so on. Congress and Biden in tandem approved the military budget (which has historically been way too high) and the middle class pays the most taxes. This, combined with a growing oligopoly which is largely responsible for rising living expenses for the last 20 years, private equity (Wall Street) intrusion in low income housing, healthcare, and all types of insurance is hollowing out the middle class to almost nothing, making homelessness, health problems, more hours working and less hours in leisure activities with friends and family the dominant reality for most Americans. Immigrants have little to nothing to do with any of the above, and have little to nothing to do with the overall discontent in the American working class. Automation with AI and robotics is a grave threat to the future of jobs in this country that millions rely on to make ends meet, from assembly lines, grocery store workers, all the way to middle management. The problem isn't defending the wider world from a corrupt Russian government, or Immigrants, the problem is we fell asleep at the wheel believing capitalism could do no wrong and so didn't need oversight. We were wrong. We are now dealing with the fallout of oligopoly that leads to mergers like Kellogg and Mars which will admittedly result in more efficient supply chains, but will make many jobs that were necessary suddenly obsolete due to that new efficiency resulting in layoffs. And because America is skittish about social programs, we have very little public safety nets which contributes the most to homelessness. We do not send cash to Ukraine. And if Russia got the agriculture might of Ukraine through conquest, many large continents like Africa, China and the Middle East could potentially starve. This raises the risk of disease and pandemics like Covid19 or worse, Ebola. Hope this helps.

[@jonathan0berg]

@@Sorayaclark1271 If the people you're responding to could read, they might have learned something from your comment. Unfortunately too many people are allergic to nuance.

[@meggrotte4760]

Honestly that's why I moved back to Taiwan. I'm a US citizen born and raised in California but I couldn't find a apartment It was easier to go back to Taiwan live in the countryside and get a job teaching English. That's what I've been doing for 20 years because even at that time it was difficult to live in California

[@joshbanks9261]

This is close to my story as well. In 2004 I moved out of Los Angeles California after finding a job to teach English in China. I was back living in a room under my Father and Step Mom and was desperatly looking for an affordable place to live. Now twenty years later living in a four story house in Hanoi Vietnam due to money from home and mutual funds able to live cheap and pursue my own goals not having to try and survive in corporate America. Slowly its changing in Asia prices are increasing quite a bit but not compared to the insane expenses back home. Think future investment should be retirement communities somewhere in Asia where they have a retirement visa available like Cambodia or Thailand. I've been over here in Asia too long to ever go to live back home. Now though only in my 50s but living the time of my life.

[@debbiedean3165]

Paul Boden thank you for so much information, I've been running into the reality of this ...

[@madalynnewton5488]

He's the goat!!!

[@ohdannyboy4727]

Paul is the most human human i've ever seen human. Great interview. Great channel. Doing some solid work out here.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Agencies mission is "screening out eligibility." Sounds like the VA too. Another similarity is that the vast majority of veterans are working class too.

[@quetzalt.v.1093]

I really appreciate people that tell it like it is, thank you for not beeping out every other word the man expressed. I left the U.S. back in 2008 never looked back thank God I´ve been living rent and mortgage free ever since.

[@InvisiblePeople]

Beeping out Paul would be horrible, and it goes against our authentic storytelling.

[@idessaoutlaw]

Where did you go to escape the matrix ? I've been looking around for a better place to go for awhile..🍷😎👌

[@quetzalt.v.1093]

@@idessaoutlaw I decided to move to Mexico.

[@charlesutley4539]

Thank you again for a wonderful interview. #Healthenation ❤

[@jimandsunshinethesherwoods8827]

THANK YOU FOR THIS MAN!🙏❤️👍 HE PUTS CLEAR AND CONCISE WORDS TOGETHER TO SPEAK FOR US!, AND THOSE WHO HAVE NO WORDS LEFT!😶 We are Homeless, (🍀with current private shelter🤞) in our 80th year and need SOME help! Lip service Health Care! Since retirement, we have experienced Government help!😱 We run and hide from Government as much, as is possible, to keep from losing our identity as American Citizens to just Subjects of American Authority! A really very sad😢thing to see, and experience near the conclusion of our lives!🙏

[@mikerwriter]

Thanks so much. I hadn't known about this guy before. It would be great to include a link to WRAP, so folks could learn more about the organization and make a donation. Keep on keeping on!

[@InvisiblePeople]

here you go wraphome.org

[@proudhavenot]

You bring up a good point about how towns/cities don't want to "see it". Get rid of it, I don't want to see it. I'm at a point where I don't want to see wealth, even middle class neighborhoods anymore, nice cars, nice homes and well dressed people, because they are at the core of this problem based on the culture they have created and continue to foster. This isn't a short term solution, but we need to start calling out the mental illness behind their ideas and what they have created.

[@Shewolfen]

this , we have create a world that encourages greed and glamorises it through marketing and consumerism. selling the fantasy to the masses that "you too can live the lifestyles of the rich and famous" "if you just buy this product you will be somebody and be happy". Selling lies and creating the diversion between the haves and the have nots. While these sick mentally ill money horders and war mongers rule. I see it everywhere and it is so disturbing. I take daily walks into the forrest to remind me of the reality of life vs the human created nightmare.

[@JoshuaTrinityWolf-dc4up]

I saw a shed community in Portland or Seatle ? The reason it has been working is that they have rules that keep the camp safe and clean. I could move a homeless person into my home but that won't work for 99.8 % of the homeless because they won't be able to live that lifestyle. When I worked for the Government for 23 years I had to come to that employment gift with the right attitude. Getting a job is one thing but keeping it is another.

[@lisafaust3801]

I hate to tell u--I know the community u speak of--it is gone now--they had major issues and it did affect the surrounding city neighborhoods--they started a bad fire--that was the end...these kinds of "alternative" communities of tents, campers and ramshackle sheds just don't work next to Niehgborhood..

[@chinookvalley]

We are fkd. Society is too damned cruel. How do we continue with this kind of hatred and ignorance? I went to upscale Littleton, CO the other day to shop in Walmart. Everything was either locked or torn up, aisle after aisle. Clothes and belongings were all on sidewalks and around stores and businesses, but I never saw a homeless person. They hide these people from view but we know they are there. People are treated like trash, and it's going to get worse. It's snowing today.

[@peggyowen3386]

Who is this guy Paul?? He’s very good!!

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

Private equity needs to be regulated from buying housing

[@thomasomalley7619]

Public property to include the beings on the property doesn’t specify how property management shakes out.

[@madqueensarai]

i got out of the psych ward one time and I told the staff i didn't have anywhere safe to go. SF general put me into a homeless shelter. The first night I had a man screaming at me, "You wanna f*ck me for housing?!" Lo and behold I did not feel safe. Luckily, I was able to find a friend to house me. The worst bed I have slept on in my entire life. I have had better luck sleeping on the floor.

[@tonyjones1560]

I worked with a man who had been homeless in Baltimore for a period of time. His first night in a shelter was HIS LAST NIGHT EVER in a shelter. Evidently, he spent that “sleeping with one eye open” to guard his few belongings from theft and to keep some freak from climbing into bed with him. The restrooms were a dystopia unto themselves. After that, he’d spend his days working to access the services to address his condition. Then he’d go to the park before it closed, find a hiding place and spend the night there (sometimes, in the snow). Dude had urban outdoor survival skills that would rival a military MOUT specialist. “I was safer in the park.”

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

❤ Your work is truly so Right On! We're also still doing this work! ❤❤❤❤

[@DuaneBrown-p2y]

❤ Homeless ness is because nobody makes money off it except the homeless industrial complex,,,there incentivized to keep there customers homeless,,,😊Best of luck 🙏

[@TheRehabKat]

I'm privileged to be a young adult that lives and is close to their mother with....a somewhat reliable job. I work in a cafeteria and it doesn't pay much but still has upsides , and I'm still very upset with how things are going here in the US. I try to help a couple of homeless online friends every so often but I'm running out of hope I can even do that. I don't spend much money on myself at all and I try to do without as much as possible , I've learned from poverty mind set too in a way... but I try to have hope and kindness and compassion but even I'm feeling the burned out on just even helping just those two people I sort of know . $5 - 10 here and there...sometimes even $20 or hell even a $30 on a payday.. I'm lucky I haven't many bills. But now even when I have lucked out with all this, Im feeling the strain of even just trying to be a sweeter and more hopeful person. Even my mother works to smithereens and helps all she can because homelessness has gotten to be such a problem and thats what she instilled in me now that we are technically in a better place then most our lives.

[@Krista-388]

Paul Boden, I would be so thrilled to meet you in all of your humanness if you would be willing. May you never be silenced!

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

My 3 wishes: 1. Let's fire all of the consultants and social workers that are supposed to provide assistance to the homeless and use that money to build new clean housing that they would even like to live in and have the GOV pay their living expenses for years to come until they are on their feet. 2. If housing isn't available, put the homeless in hotels with a REAL BED and 100% paid for by the GOV, just like the refugees get. And they have to be standard rooms, nothing substandard. 3. Have a studio where the community can create art, have a day shelter and a place to sell their creations.

[@davidgray1515]

No, none of my tax dollars needs to be spent on lazy stupid begging drug addicts. JUST NO! If you holier than thou people want to help them then take them in your home and provide for them. I would rather have a dog or cat or a mouse or a cock roach.

[@thegroovypatriot]

Hold on...have the government pay their expenses for years to come until they get on their feet? Why would they ever get on their feet if their expenses will continue to be paid? Furthermore, we shouldn't be running a day care for adults. No.

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

@davidgray1515 not all homeless are begging drug addicts. I hope you never end up like this. If you do, which I hope you don't, you would know what it's like.

[@icherishcrochetandknit309]

@thegroovypatriot the refugees get better treatment than homeless Americans, including homeless Veterans. That is what they get. And bring on the street for 12 hours a day in the elements and strangers, safe haven is what I was talking about.

[@happysheher]

Awesome expose!!!!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Pushing the rock uphill ... on roller-skates!! Oh this was a good interview!!!

[@preshisify1]

😷 thank you

[@Homeless2013nov-d7p]

Been homeless since November 2013

[@MagdalenaIsaiah431]

Evil is alive and well in this world and out to destroy the bodies and souls of humans every way it can😭 I almost died a suicide when I was homeless in America in the early 2000s! I struggle with chronic fatigue and low energy and can hardly work and resented and rejected by both family and employers. JESUS is my only friend but He's been the best One because I no longer want to die though life continues to be a struggle. I'm no longer homeless but only because I can live in my late Mother's house which is in need of repairs I can't afford, but at least it's a roof. Virtual hugs and prayers for you. May JESUS send Angels to watch over you and bring you supernatural provision and let you know you are loved and seen by heaven even if this ugly wicked world doesn't know enough to care😭🙏😭❤️❤️❤️💙🙏💙

[@rdallas81]

​@@MagdalenaIsaiah431keep your faith. Jesus showed us all he had everything even though he literally had no earthly possessions. We have everything in the Lord. He will never leave us or forsake us.

[@Shewolfen]

@@MagdalenaIsaiah431 Jesus did not have a home either but wandered from place to place teaching those with ear to hear. Many closed ears these days especially among people that claim to be followers. Otherwise all these people would be doing his work. When he broke bread and said "do this in memory of me" he didn't mean to sit in a building and eat bread. He ment go out and teach and heal and sarifice yourself for the good of all also. "on earth as it is in heaven" means make earth a paradise and heaven for all. But many people are using religions as a camoflage to hide their evil instead. But goodness still lives in small spaces and certain people of various faiths and beleifs who's hearts are true.

[@gaiasgrowschool3592]

Yes 100 we will fight for our brothers and sisters of America

[@isabellegarcia9205]

This man knows what hes talking about,he should run for president. 😊❤

[@drrbrt]

Power to the People!

[@alonawhalen]

Homelessness will only be a problem when it's profitable. - George Carlin What I descovered was this; there was homelessness and theft before there was a drug problem. Carl Hart Our Government counts on us having problems. There are quite a few Companies that make huge profits off our problems. The problem with these companies making these huge profits off these problems, what solutions they provide doesn't reduce the nubers of citizens with the problems. Seems like these companies should profit if there are proven reductions in the problem. The funny thing is covering ones aelf up with a blanket only targets homeless.qt a blanket out in a park for a picnic, covering yourself at aconcert when your chilly, baby in a stroller, all can freely cover themselves. Several States were working on their own Legislation and what State slips one through? Idaho. I remember handing over my caming without a permit tickets. Even going to jail for the Right To Rest homeless bill in Colorado. By the time the Supreme Court passed over that one Idaho court case that slipped through, Denver had cop cars blocking the streets and there was a no camping area placed so the overflow of people who didn't get shelter beds wouldn't camp around the homeless shelter. That one that slipped through that we all had hope for. For real,Idaho. Tons of content creators whining why is this happening for their own personal profit. A building owner in Venice talking about funding a Poloticians campaign because she prommised to remove the RVs, being interviewed because he's pissed she hadn't sone her job yet. All of them with their whys. I knew. I knew the hope the homeless communities in 3 states had in Idaho. That went to a Federal District Court and added Alaska, Arizona,California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Homeless who wern't in those States had even more hope. In 2019 the Supreme Ccourt fnally agreed and we had protection. That is why. 5 short years. 1 step forward took a giant step backwards. All that work and all that hope, smashed. All those people who quite honestly were hiding because of homeless laws, became vsible and now they have to slide back into the shadows to start one more time. Too many people with the cant's I really hate the OSHA book of can't. Can I do this pg. 35- nope hou can't. Then Ill be the first. The second one can write the rules. Rosa Parks, she looked into the OSHA book it said can't. She accomplished and left it to others to make the rules.

[@carolstockman7788]

I've been homeless 6 years, I am a disabled senior female veteran. Living in my minivan.

[@metehankaya1432]

thank you

[@thegroovypatriot]

You receive dignity and respect when you're dignified and respectful. You can't live on the corner shooting up and expect to receive anything. And no one is questioning the Humanity of an illegal immigrant. We're questioning their illegality! This 'victim can do no wrong' game is over..

[@pattichambley2779]

So right

[@IceLynne]

12,000 views so far and only 804 thumbs up? I can't see the number of the thumbs down but I'll assume it's more than 804...🤷‍♀ but why?

[@nevermore7325]

Would love to speak with either of you guys. San Diego local here. Been dealing with this for years and wanna start doing this kind of work.

[@lilbigbozo]

It's fun watching people talk about how to help the homeless while the homeless are starving on the streets for decades and many houses sit empty.

[@merbst]

thanks for speaking on the assininity!

[@Corina-dq2my]

They make it so that it's not simple. And then they insult you while at it. Life skills. No. Housing. Yes.

[@metehankaya1432]

I love this channel. Please keep doing what you do.

[@vivalaleta]

God, do I love this guy!

[@thomasomalley7619]

When my teeth were removed due to past mercury poisoning in dental amalgam my social life tanked to solo from a 1950 to 1995 type of wonderbread and Betty Crocker sugar diet I was fed by my loving mother who died with diabetes. We’re poisoned.

[@Fishmas_Tree]

Yo, how can I send a donation NOT over this platform? I don't trust YT. Thanks so much for giving us a VOICE! 💖

[@RandyBaumery-s4i]

Once you cannot afford rent and utilities for the lowest rent apartments in your city or town, youre on the streets. Apartments near where I live are now a MINIMUM of 1200 dollars a month for rent alone. These used to be 700. Ponder that!!

[@ileanahope466]

Homelessness is also a main symptom of drug addiction not only unaffordability.

[@InvisiblePeople]

West Virginia has the highest drug use of any state in the country yet it has very low homelessness. How? They have affordable housing. Most people using drugs, live in apartments and houses and never will experience homelessness in their lifetime.

[@ileanahope466]

@@InvisiblePeople Well not in California and New York most people cannot afford a place to live bc they spend it on drugs. West Virginia also has a drug problem but housing is cheaper. I saw a docummentary on West Virginia on homelessness and drugs.

[@InvisiblePeople]

Absolutely not true. The issue is housing in California is more expensive, which causes homelessness.

[@theimpulsivevulcan5346]

We have to build more housing, drive prices down so far this is never a problem again.

[@Kbcappetta377]

Yeah. Yes, talk about this.

[@MoneySavingVideos]

You can't talk about homelessness without addressing drug addiction, anti-social behavior, mental health, lack of savings, financial ignorance, and family.

[@InvisiblePeople]

for every hundred dollar increase in rent, homelessness increases by 9%. The majority of people that use drugs and suffer from mental illness, will never experience homelessness in their lifetime. They live in an apartment and houses. West Virginia has the highest per capita of drug use of any state in the country yet they have low homelessness. How? They have affordable housing. The leading cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing

[@kitcenkitcen3974]

Ok​@@InvisiblePeople But hypothetically if someone young spends a million dollars in gambling and bad stuff,must society value his emergency the same as this gentleman? Aren't in this case nuances we must evaluate? I appreciate your humanity and wish you the best.

[@lisafaust3801]

@@InvisiblePeoplenot in Portland, Oregon--

[@punkagrrlzero]

​@@InvisiblePeople❤❤❤❤❤

[@punkagrrlzero]

​@@kitcenkitcen3974straw man arguments are so passe

[@StardustShannon]

💖💖💖

[@bigsarge2085]

❤

[@cececurry5287]

I was addicted, homeless and lived a life that was based on survival. Thank God i was able to stand on my feet again. Than i worked for a homeless shelter downtown and let me say that it's the non profit's that give yet take from the ones who are supposed to help. It is too big of a problem for one person to take on, so i quit. I want to share that it is now against the law for anyone in California to deny you for having a voucher, so if at anytime you were denied for that; Take that to court and get paid. This is literally a blessing for the inequality. good luck everyone

[@thegroovypatriot]

What "inequality"? Everyone here has the same opportunity to work and prosper.

[@cececurry5287]

@thegroovypatriot What a beautiful thought. And to some degree, you are correct. If you have grown up in the hood, then only a few get that chance. You know you have the same opportunity as others. It's like a succubus it doesn't allow very many that opportunity

[@ThingsAreNotWhatTheySeem]

Homeless industrial complex.

[@Allofussurvived]

True homelessness only exists becaise of the authority we elect that have all the resources and funds but do nothing

[@debraallen63]

Politics is not the answer. Voting in a SELECTION is not going to help.

[@ey67]

​@@debraallen63true. The people in this country are being pissed away everyday without even knowing it. Until it's one of them.

[@debraallen63]

@@ey67 All the "Victims" of Helene now know the government won't help but still can't See it's the Enemy, can't See the Weather Warfare tactics used upon them. Heartbreaking 💔

[@thegroovypatriot]

Nonsense. There are deeper issues here than just blaming authorities and people with money.

[@WEARYBUNNY]

He speaks the truth

[@GeraldineDevlin-y8u]

YOU TELL THEM ❕🙏❤🙏

[@detailerslife8127]

Love this guy, has the Balls to say it how it is, something the Snowflakes of society don’t want to hear.

[@lerch122]

in new zealand this is happening to,cant survive on 40 hour working week.I have my own place and i never worked for it,lifes good

[@Homeless2013nov-d7p]

All program dont help one income married couple

[@PUNKMYVIDEO]

No one will escape

[@edwardelkins8723]

I could be fixed with a few financial tools and some decent case workers. A grant and loan program similar to the college programs, a homeless grant and loan program. Starting with those who have been homeless the longest ,

[@TheRehabKat]

And thing is, no matter what with the money, I don't think it's possible here for these people to even be able to do anything feasible at all with that money that would land them in a better place now. Yeah, they get fed for a day but....same thing the next and after and they jump through hoops. and theres a mixed woman in a sundown town somewhere in kentucky in her car with her 2yr old baby girl and I cant do a damn thing about that except hear her out. And I hate to say, but maybe even these couple friends may even be exaggerating or even scamming and I can't even judge on that because I get that perspective. BTW: I have no care and absolutely don't expect these people to pay me back for anything. That really isn't any skin off my back. I don't think about it like that at all. Im just fed up that they can't get what they need most of all.

[@SubtractiveMoves]

Paul needs a current youtube channel. I need to hear his thoughts and opinions........daily