Homelessness

This video essay will help you understand the homelessness crisis from the inside-out-what drives it, what perpetuates it, and why nothing seems to help.
I break down the dominant narrative and explain how cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles can spend billions of dollars per year on homelessness, but there are more tents on the streets than ever.
Transcript and citations available at christopherrufo.com/homelessness-video-essay.
Support: christopherrufo.com/support
Twitter: realchrisrufo
Facebook: realchrisrufo
Institution: discovery.org/econ

[@christopherrufo]

What is happening with homelessness in your city, county, or state?

[@BraddGraves]

There is little to no permanent homeless population in central east coast Florida where the weather would support it, though there are plenty of folks who don't have much money living in inexpensive mobile homes of which there are plenty scattered about, and drugs are readily available. Maybe you should come and find out what factors keep people from falling into homelessness or migrating here for the same.

[@christopherrufo]

@@BraddGraves Tougher policies. Most cities in Florida simply won't tolerate widespread tent encampments, drug abuse, and property crime.

[@finestcitycycling621]

San Diego isn’t in the spotlight as much as LA and SF but it’s pretty bad in some areas. San Diego just saw a major swing towards blue both at city and county levels of government so I suspect it’s going to get much worse. The compassion narrative is often weaponized against anybody skeptical. Care/harm moral foundation is hyper focused among those on the left whereas conservatives tend to value all moral foundations equally and libertarians focus more on liberty/oppression. I think this has a lot to do with why West Coast cities are seeing this problem worse than other cities across the country. There’s a serious ideological echo chamber out here akin to similar echo chambers in academia and media.

[@BraddGraves]

@@christopherrufo Probably, but I don't believe it's just a matter of toughness. There was a alcoholic old guy hanging around one of the beach entrances bugging folks for money for several months before he disappeared last year. Mobile homes ARE affordable housing, and city planning for a very long time has retained plenty of it a stone's throw from million dollar and up homes. There are also a lot of church-driven food / clothing drives. And as you may know, we've passed an amendment to raise the min wage to 15/hr by 2026, Who knew Florida would be more progressive than the west coast? I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve on the West coast. I lived in SF for 13 years, btw. Seems the economy there will have to collapse before they'll consider the simple and obvious fixes available to the homeless problem.

[@exilio2690]

San Jose is a mess and getting worse for all of the same reasons the four major cities you mentioned are struggling with homelessness. Perhaps “struggling” is the wrong word; more like fostering, incentivizing, encouraging.

[@JD-iu2xh]

I've been homeless twice in my life and I can say from experience that this guy speaks the truth.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I agree, the view of humanity seems to become a bit cloudy when you have no family or friends to help a human..... The experience of having nothing left, is something that develops a perspective that allow a person to "see ourselves as others see us?.....

[@morrisdavidmullings9833]

J.D so you was a drug addict and criminal, who should have been lockup and moved off the street.

[@JiggidyJives]

Same here. I was homeless because I chose to be a drunk and party everyday. It is so clear to see that the majority of homeless on the streets of San Francisco, where I live, are doing drugs. There is no way to deny that truth without being so deluded you are no longer living in this reality.

[@PhoneLosersofAmerica]

When I worked at a homeless shelter in my town, a lot of the local homeless people had a history with a nearby mental hospital that had been shut down years before. Seems like they've shut down a ton of them around the U.S. over the past 20 years or so. People need that free service badly. For a lot of these people, they grow up in schools where they have a support network of teachers and counselors and friends. But for a lot of them, it's all ripped away once high school ends and they enter the work force. I think some of these people need to not lose their free counseling services just because they turn 18. Nip the problem in the bud. Give people easily accessible counselors to talk to for their entire lives that can help them with decisions. Knowing how to behave and what to do doesn't come easily for a lot of people.

[@marilynwillett804]

CHURCH IS FREE. i met former drug addicts, former prison inmates in church. today they are new creatures in Christ.

[@faruksedef109]

As a person from another country in the world I applause you! I think free mental support and free counselors can help to solve problems! From birth to the end every citizen need free counseling! So problems can catch at the begining and proper support can be supplied!

[@jembry5323]

It started with Ronald Reagan's government in California....shut down mental hospitals and put people on the streets claiming all that they need to do is remember to take their meds...he and his wife "just say no" Joke.

[@gregjames2684]

Those free counselors you're referring to used to be called "Parents"

[@ELMENDORFX]

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.” George Orwell

[@marilynwillett804]

WRONG THE MEDIA TODAY PRINTS LIES AND SUPPRESSES THE TRUTH.

[@RandallHallKaizenReiki]

Unfortunately, we haven't had journalists for decades. Every station claiming to be "news" is just PR for a political party, special interest group, or some rich people.

[@skallawaymtnbike]

Brilliant quote!

[@berylgreen1973]

Great video! However, you neglected to mention the disastrous ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Martin vs Boise case, which essentially allows people to take over the sidewalks as their own personal space. The Supreme Court refused to hear this case, leaving West Coast cities at the mercy of the homeless industry.

[@JKB-qp6sf]

@Beryl Green Thank you for information.

[@jasonjames4254]

Yes, but this does not prevent these states from charging homeless drug addicts with drug/property crimes and locking them up. A short stint in the penitentiary is the most humane thing you can do for a drug addict that has mental health issues. Despite the fact that any correctional facility has serious shortcomings, these individuals receive far better health care and programming at an overall lower cost than anything these states are doing for them now.

[@wesleybullock814]

@@jasonjames4254.. Why broadcast your ignorance or is it stupidity

[@greglarson6293]

@@wesleybullock814 I know people who cleaned up off heroin and other hard drugs after getting arrested and serving time for property crimes. Given what the leftist establishments have created on the left coast, short stints in prison ARE more compassionate than the current practices of giving people needles and letting them die on the streets. This video is 100% on the money.

[@wesleybullock814]

@@greglarson6293...Prison is meant for violent offenders not drug addicts.... obviously you've never done time Behind Bars

[@Redfizh]

Our homelessness is declining rapidly. Apparently, when the homeless are given a home for free, it saves about 15k/year. God Bless Finland.

[@nashbruce4196]

♥️♥️♥️

[@timothybayliss6680]

Its not even a worthy comparison. La county has 8 times as many overdose deaths as Finland and an overdose rate more than four times higher. There is three times as many homeless in LA county today as there were in Finland in 1987. Finland started its housing first approach in 2008 and since then the homeless population has dropped by 30%. Between 1987 and 1992 the homeless rate dropped by more than 35% in Finland and the total number of people that got secure house is more than double the people that did with the housing first approach in the last dozen years. Without net migration Finland would also be losing population. There is less pressure on housing and most of the property developed for housing first was very low cost. The average cost of a housing unit in the housing first model is €10880, about $13k US or less than 10% what it is in LA county. So you have 5% the problem and 1% the costs of a single city in the US. If you couldnt solve this problem you would have to fire someone.

[@pamelag.00]

Reminds me of the days of public housing projects- they were huge failures too. I woke up years ago when I realized the answer given was always “more money,” but more money never made a difference. I agree- leaving people to live like this is cruelty.

[@OptimalOwl]

@Diana Laura The mental institutions were closed down because they were horrible. They've since become differently horrible. Now it's less about callousness and cruelty, and more about bureaucracy and avoiding liability. It's sometimes better than the next likeliest alternative, but it's not something we should want to put several million more people through.

[@OptimalOwl]

@ As I said, there is still inpatient mental care. These places are still pretty awful, though differently awful. "Do it better" isn't an actionable strategy. Institutions aren't awful because some mean person went "you know, I really hate the mentally ill, is there some way we can make them suffer more?" They are the way they are as a result of complicated incentive structures, which no one actor has the power to change for the better. I also think your expectations for the efficacy of mental care are wildly overoptimistic. Some people sometimes change their lives for the better, and we can and should encourage that as best we can. But that's something that happens on the margins, not something you can have as your plan for what to do with a million people.

[@royharper2003]

@Pamela the best comment I have ever read

[@OptimalOwl]

@Blaire Sovereign So it's just about people failing to care enough? If we just get enough money and political will, then we can apply the standard, proven solution on a large scale, and reduce homelessness to some small fraction of what it is now?

[@OptimalOwl]

@Blaire Sovereign Did I not just demonstrate that I understand perfectly well how it's _supposed_ to work? It's hardly a difficult story to follow, is it? Just not a very realistic one. The problem is that changing your life for the better is _hard._ Some people sometimes manage to do it, and there are some things we can do to help make it a little easier. But social interventions scale up very poorly. It's a rare and precious thing. Not something you can have be your plan for what to do with a million people.

[@neurolance1]

Chris, you're a brave man. You're speaking truth when truth is truly unfashionable.

[@rainbowkitten8990]

👏👏

[@thomasjust2663]

Brave? everyone knows drugs and mental illness is rampant in the homeless community, the issue is are you willing to pay more taxes for mental health clinics and free drug rehabilitation centers?

[@howardhamlin5091]

you gotta ditch the high pitch music, makes it nearly unlistenable

[@mylespop]

Atleast turn it down

[@missbee9140]

There are so many well connected people making millions off of these people via detox, rehab and group homes. Millions and billions.

[@johnpadgitt2198]

Rufo took the words right out of my mouth when he said on average these cities spend $80,000 per homeless person.....homeless-industrial complex and the thousands of "vultures" who profit from this crisis.

[@lisasmith516]

I have and HAD ABSOLUTELY "ZERO" ADDICTION. The sh*t F*x tried SO HARD to "induct" me. (Into their SHABBY "HOMELESS People OPERATION" FLEET.) F'M...

[@nikkili8944]

In other words: A business model.

[@nikkili8944]

@@johnpadgitt2198 Yeah, this model is pretty perverse and cynical...

[@517oceanfront]

@Patricia 77 Ann 11 Hine 9 equals 7 when I was in humboldt county,every store has huge signs saying NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS,NO EXCEPTIONS.And that was before covid,it seems the oblivious junkies were try to break toilets by clogging them with everything from paper towels to rocks! Which ruined things for everyone,that or leave needles and SHIT on floors,these are not sweet,decent folks,loving and just down on their luck,with a knapsack,and tiny pup,waiting for a train...storytime has to go.

[@neilf4128]

Thank you for being the only person to speak to this with Truth. I grew up and live in San Francisco. I see we have a culture that refuses to exercise personal responsibility, to be accountable for your decisions. It is always someone else fault, and we are all victims of some mass business, and wealthy conspiracy, yet no one is fostering personal responsibility, pride in healthy choices. We call bad things "good" and good things, we call "bad". When you take God out of the society, you remove moral compass. After which you have nothing left to follow except whatever feels good in the moment and feelings are waves that have no anchor, and just simply come and go with the wind. In the last days, men will be lovers of themselves, and as lawlessness increases, hearts will grow cold.

[@BitterClinger1947]

My late wife and I lived in SF from 1977 to 1989. I am a retired employee of the CCSF (1991-2008). The politicians and people of SF who vote for them have only themselves to blame. “Toleration”, generous general assistance, a culture of denial...where does one begin. Just think, these same people are going to save us from COVID by destroying your livelihood and the economy. God help us.

[@BraddGraves]

Good think your response is laughable, because the old time religion ain't a comin' back.

[@OptimalOwl]

@@BraddGraves _Why_ can't it come back?

[@sulpiciusgallusm7992]

Being on the street CAN CAUSE POST TRAMATIC STRESS...

[@jumboMIDGET]

so can war but we aren't allowed to support ending that

[@omarks]

@@jumboMIDGET +1

[@turnovertheleaf5505]

Hopefully enough NOT to return!

[@coreyanderson1457]

Studies show that this comment is true.

[@DopamineDecor]

I believe it.

[@smallstudiodesign]

Nice video. Except (SOUND QUALITY) - need to adjust the music levels do it’s more in the background .. or fade more when you’re actually speaking.

[@ValerieJean757]

Getting some empty lots and put dumpsters on them and restrooms and showers on them; and have lots of electrical outlets throughout the lots too. Have donated vans and cars towed to the lots and paint them nice colours. Have them lined up neatly in rows on the lots. Then keep the dumpsters emptied so they don't overflow. Have barrels to put the needles in too. Then the homeless can sleep in the cars and vans instead of in tattered tents and blowing tarps and on the ground in the dirt and filth. They will have a place to stay out of the rain, snow and mud. They can be dry and warm and have a place to keep their belonging and they can lock the doors and stay safer. They can have a place to go to the bathroom and shower. Have a place to empty their garbage instead of having it litter the grounds. Run electrical outlets to each vehicle. They can a little light. They can plug their phone i and have a little heater plugged in when its cold so they can be warm and dry. This would be so much more hygenic, safe, clean and humane plus compassionate. Its cheaper and will reduce hospital visits and police and won't look bad. Its better than complaining. Homelessness is not a crime. The people need compassion and help and love. Little studio apartments or tiny homes are better but vehicles painted and lined are better than tattered tents than nothing by far. Stating that drug addicts need to quit and should do this or that isn't going to change anything. People have been stating that for decades to no avail. Yes people want them to change, but if wishes were horses then beggars would ride; as the saying goes. Fact is they can't do it or they would. All the judgement, anger, condemning, and suffering is never going to give them the ability. Few can do it. Most can't. Complaning has never changed that. That is what addicts do. Furthermore many of them are not addicts. Many are physically and or mentally ill and simply can't work. Instead of anger or complaining which accomplish nothing, how about actually doing something? Something that will lessin hospital, police and other associated costs, save on constant clean- up, help reduce infection and disease, look so much neater and is far more compassionate to a broken and vulnerable population that has just as much worth as others but need some help. Just some simple things like to stay warm and dry, to have restrooms and dumpsters and electricity. Maybe some picnic tables and kindness.

[@jamezkpal2361]

I've worked with homeless veterans for several years. We provide temporary housing, addiction recovery, psychological counseling, and employment assistance. Our success rate is about 20%. You cant help people who are not willing to help themselves. One thing I've discovered is that the majority of our clients whom we've failed either have no family or are estranged from their family. Getting a client back in touch with family has produced better results than just about any other strategy implemented.

[@TheRisky9]

I remember reading somewhere about Hawaii having a large homeless problem. What they did is that they enacted a program where they actually tried to locate people's family. I don't know how well the program worked, but I liked the theory that if they had a support system of family members, they were less likely to return as homeless people.

[@nashbruce4196]

I spent a good few years homeless out Hawaii(not Oahu island). For me, what this guy says, didn't really apply to me. I worked the whole time....worked my ass off. Had a car to live in at one point but police harassing me...nowhere to park to sleep, and then getting arrested more than once for DUI. Before you go into the "addiction" sermon, trust me, mentally I wouldn't have made through that time, were I sober. Basically for me it came down to lack of housing/lack of affordable housing/lack of opportunity, period. So that's me.

[@jamezkpal2361]

@@nashbruce4196 Every case is unique, which is why it's hard to trust the stats alot of the time. I'm glad you were able to make it.

[@ndorobei4391]

People need family

[@jamesdodson2022]

As a recovering addict who was homeless for 3 years I can say this video is spot on.

[@pebblepod30]

I love a lot of Ruffocs work. What is the cause of the homelessness? Why not other countries? Bc the US is very Capitalist**. More Socialist** (Market Socualist, look it up) leaning nations like Norway or Finland do not have these homeless & huge medical bills problems. **Using terms in their historically correct way, and NOT confusing Capitalist vs Socialist spectrum with Market vs Command Economy Spectrum, which is both US & USSR propaganda promoted. Do you understand the difference? Second Thought did a video on it. Capitalism, also exact same thing. Candice Owens describes & calls "Communism" or did she say "corporate communism"? I have issue with her.

[@chrisyo4461]

The omission of even one fact or piece of evidence can make statistics monstrously inaccurate or misleading if not completely wrong. -Thomas Sowell

[@samanthagirikhanov2796]

Yes! He’s so good and sheds so much light on how stats are skewed.

[@u.s.a.citizen5590]

You forgot San Jose Ca. I ride through the city and am watching the homelessness grow. Living in cars is exploding in the last couple of months. Regular looking people who must have recently lost there housing situation. Were talking thousands of people just in San Jose. We need jobs!

[@ACDC4LIFE]

Come to Berkeley, Ca where there living on the freeway on & off ramps aka TENT CITY.

[@u.s.a.citizen5590]

@@ACDC4LIFE Hear what your saying. Sacramento, Monterey as well as other places. We need better Mental and drug social services as well. Lots to do.

[@williamschlenger1518]

When ever America doesn't have enough jobs,we go to war.

[@vizini2682]

@@williamschlenger1518 Tough for some people to get a job when democratic governors are shutting down their states.

[@muhamedjones122]

Jobs are very limited now. Hopefully I get this job in the hospital.

[@deniseedmondson6236]

I live in Portland Oregon and we are doing something right here because I would say at least 90% maybe more of the people who get into housing keep it and they do pay anywhere from 1 to $200 a month maybe more if they make more! Then they can seek mental health counseling / addiction Help Services/ get a phone so they can keep and make appointments plus plus plus! When a person loses their self respect yes a home in a shower and being able to eat is very important!

[@rlchardhanley5678]

I'm homeless in Portland.have been many years now.and i know what you are saying is bullshit.i know how to wipe my own ass,and i get absolutely no help because I'm not a drug addict.

[@erin6784]

Just because someone is placed in a house doesn't mean people will take up the mental health care. Just because some Can doesn't mean they will. Some lack the faculties, and others don't have any desire to change, whether because of circumstance. addiction, or otherwise. Portland might be championing self-determination and the agency of the homeless, but it doesn't solve the underlying problems, I'm afraid. Beyond this, policies have also made it very hard for property owners to kick out those who are placed because of these programs, irrespective of damage to their property, drug use, and so on.

[@alexandershick5465]

Being placed in alot of housing first programs involves treatment. Its not realistic to expect people suffering from addiction and mental health issues to be able to just pull themselves up by their bootstraps is honestly ridiculous to anyone thats gone fhrough it. You cant even begin thinking about dealing with mental and addiction issues before having basic things taken care of. See Maslow's hierarchy

[@dee5331]

Plus people can't sleep well enough to keep a job, treat their medical needs, get a job or take care of thier children if they don't have an address and feel safe! Since when did everyone on earth forget who caused the opiate and drug epidemic! Not one word is mentioned about the corrupt genocidal crimes of us fda agents and big pharma!

[@Sarah-ny3jt]

Subbed ❤️ when I was young like.... 5-6 I was infatuated with the homeless. I came from a very well to do family who shunned and degraded the homeless for no reason other then their social standing which I never could understand. By 15-16 I ran away to Venice beach/Santa Monica to explore more into how homelessness come to be. What I found was a bunch of homeless teens thrown out for either drug use or mental illnesses which gave me more hope that I was right in the fact that most homelessness is caused by not caring or even trying to understand the fellow human.

[@N.Sardone]

I'm just a mile away from the largest "city" in Maine. Portland. There's been bus loads of refugees brought up here from Florida and Texas. And there's nowhere to put anyone. There's only 2 shelters. I think they were using a concert venue for overflow for almost a year! The amount of camps I've seen in the last 6 months has easily tripled. Thank goodness for my dad! Honestly, I would never be able to afford to house myself. Before I moved to Maine we lived in the middle of the White Mountains in NH. About 11 years ago my ex took the kids (then ages 4 & almost 2) and went to live with his mom. We were both heavy into addiction. I'm glad he had his mom to help. As the years went by I became less bitter about the whole situation. I moved here just over 7 years ago. It was literally stay and die or move and have a chance. Anyway, as the years went by I kept pushing. I've done things I never thought possible! I was clean. I got a car. I worked. I was in counseling. Regularly saw my Drs. And I was alive! Able to make the 2+ hour trip over to see the kids every 2 weeks. I was noticing over the last year or so that the kids dad wasn't around much- just his mom with the kids. Supposedly working. I got a random call from an old friend of his that he was using meth. I made sure I kept in very close contact with the kids. And I knew how hard it was for them cuz his mom was a little loopy (there's probably better words to describe it) before.... But was just about off her rocker now. One weekend, July 4th weekend, I was visiting and SHTF! Like, really. Anyway, my kids who hadn't lived with me in 10ish years came to Maine with me until their dad could figure out a new living situation for them -- MINUS his mom. So we planned to get everything set by 3rd week in August. Ummm- well, they are still here now! It's been 2 full school years and this Covid school year. The whole point of that was to say that had I not lived in a house my dad owned I would NOT have been able to bring them up here with me - even just for the summer. It was a tight squeeze! My daughter moved into my bedroom (which wasn't even big enough for a queen size bed). My son and I slept in a small truck camper in the driveway. And as soon as my dad and I realized that the kids weren't going back he started building in our unfinished basement. In 5 weeks it went from nothing but a washer and dryer to being 3 bedrooms (big enough for queen size beds 😉), a small living room, a "hallway" where the washer and dryer are, and the 3/4 bathroom (toilet/sink/stand-up-shower). Still unfinished. But, had it not been for my dad I honestly don't know what would have happened. We are lucky. We are grateful. And we are strong. ***sorry it's so long-winded***

[@jazminj6512]

Thank GOD for our parents ❤️

[@ladystone7307]

That is Awesome news to hear. I'm glad you had your Dad to help you and let you move in and you became a fighter no matter how much was coming at you. I'm going to Pray for you and your Family and your kids Dad and his Mom. Hopefully she's okay. I Hope their Dad pulls through. Their Grandma was really nice for stepping up to help. I'm really Glad You had a good ending. God wanted You to share your story so others could see and hear about it so they can keep fighting or they could tell someone else to keep fighting. I'm so Happy for You 🤗

[@nashbruce4196]

As opposed to this guy in the vid who stands on only"people need to take responsibility for their own actions." Well, sure, but what if after doing so.....you're still homeless? 😅 Glad that it's working out for you! 👍

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Nicole that is a fantastic comeback into life with your kids by your side. I love those moments when your parents, in this case your Dad - start a project (renovation) to make things work out for everyone.

[@Dgoc813]

I work at a housing first shelter in seattle (DESC). While my work directly helps people on the ground, I have to say I agree with every point in this video. Seattle hasn’t gotten better since I was a kid.

[@rosemaryparker2567]

A homeless girl who was interviewed was asked,how many homeless where she was are on drugs. 100 percent was her answer. I'm sure many homeless are not on drugs,quite a few are though. That problem needs to be looked at now.

[@lisasmith516]

I got abused into homelessness. I committed ZERO CRIMES... ZERO. I did NOT Scam, hustle, steal, whore, drink or drug. I had my life destroyed through false charges, and innuendos gossiped/relayed to discredit and destroy me. It has been exhausting struggling against the abusers for they have "color of authority." Mental illness is a very "smooth" and CUNNING move to deny human rights. My mentality was nearly destroyed, and our government is a callous cause of much of this. There is a methodic and systematic induction into "homelessness," particularly if (you're a good "target") the enabling of the abuse of the poor, vulnerable and disenfranchised (Or ADDICTED) into abuse IS NOT UNCOMMON! Once snared, SUCH victims are USED AS "the cover" (Through "Scouts/Handlers systems") for national and local/government/ law enforcement "STINGS!" DIRTY/BLACK OPS. Getting someone LABELED "MENTALLY ILL" CAN GET THEM ON "DISABILITY" VOILA! A "CHEAP TO KEEP OR DESTROY "DUPE/PAWN!" I can document my allegations through what I experienced legally and personally. The latest "offer of help" boiled down to my having to sign a legal document allowing a "BLANK DESIGNATION" OF ANY MENTAL OR PHYSICAL ILLNESS SOME LIAR (excuse me, "Counselor/Social Worker") CHOSE TO MARK DOWN/ SIGN OFF ON! AND WITHOUT TESTING! I TOOK PICTURES ON MY CELLPHONE. BOY "THEY" WERE MAD! The PSYHCOPATHIC nature of our LEO's, Gov't "Alphabet Agencies" is in great measure culpable. The DISENFRANCHISED ARE "MEAT" to them. Cattle for culling after they are chewed up in illicit and covert "operations." NOT ALL OF THE HOMELESS JUST GOOD ""TOOLS." I SPEAK THE TRUTH. THIS IS STAGGERING, AND UNLESS I'D HAD IT DONE TO ME...I PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED IT MYSELF. IT'S A FACT. Lisa Rae Rousseau

[@basedsalty6970]

I was homeless for 14 months and theres alot of drug use out there and its extremely hard not to abuse alcohol or any other drug. Not everone is using though and many are dual diagnosis and practicing. Nobody knows how it really is unless it happens to you and at 54 years of age that was the last thing I thought would happen. I lived on the West Coast in California in a small Beach town called Santa Cruz California. Many of the people on the streets there were from some where else and came here with nothing. I was able to pick myself up with hard work and a little luck through a local program.

[@onewearycatfromtexas2066]

@lisasmith ma'am, if you would please elaborate. GOD 🙏 Bless you ma'am 💓💞💞💞💞

[@michaelvanhorn3271]

As a 30 year Truck Driver that suffer a massive off the job injury, the health insurance and Social security system has left me homeless and living in a motorhome, told just wait another year; I can say for about 2/3 of the homeless it is simple economics. Now, the reality is yes, homeless move, but not so much for services but for weather as the west coast attracts other demographics than Homeless for the exact same reason, if you live in a car in winter, choose Chicago or San Diego in January? Next most of the Junkies and alcoholics started AFTER running out of hope, it didn't start there homelessness. And mostly it is disabled and elderly no longer having the resources to provide necessities, do you provide food and Medicine or housing and utilities or pick one of the 4? In California for instance it takes 5 to 7 years to get social security where you lose all your assets and credit trying to survive but then must Live on $$943 a month if you can start over, $943 a month doesn't cover rent, section 8 will take another 5 to 7 years (and you have bad credit), and you have about a 1 in 7 chance of finding housing in the window of opportunity it provides. They first thing they need to do is discriminate and stop this one size fits all bs.

[@roljavi]

Yes, exactly my point why the guy is wrong. I lived in 6 countries in Europe and all countries in Europe have public healthcare systems. You went bankrupt, which wouldn't happen to you anywhere in Europe. In Europe nobody goes bankrupt because of medical costs. If you asked someone:"How many people go bankrupt because of medical costs?" people wouldn't understand that question, because the concept of going bankrupt because of medical bills doesn't exist. In my other comment here I said that my best friend from high school became heroin addict in his 20's. He was getting medical treatment for year and a half and being cured from heroin addiction. If he was in USA he would end up homeless and dead. Today he's 40, married, has 2 kids, works as a car mechanic. The guy was for 6 months in spa, in institute specialized for curing drug addictions. The cost of it? NOTHING. ZERO. That's what most Americans don't understand that the main problem with American healthcare system is that it makes people bankrupt and homeless. As a matter of fact in most European countries unemployed people are free from any costs, even the smallest fees in hospitals because the logic is: person is unemployed, it doesn't have money. In USA it's the opposite: You don't have money? No medical help for you! USA is really ruthless in that department, like it's a fucking barbaric country which is not taking care of its own people. For example, my mother had a heart surgery 4 years ago. In USA that surgery would cost $120.000, we have American in our family so he checked just to see and compare things. In her case it was 30 euros, the money we spent on gasoline by driving her to the institute for cardiovascular diseases where she had a surgery by the top level surgeon. What's also hilarious is the cost of calling ambulance in USA, where it can cost $1000. In several countries in Europe for which I know how things work, calling the ambulance costs nothing and if you need ambulance transport from one town to other town and let's say the distance is 100km, what you pay is half of the price of 1 liter of gasoline. So, if ambulance needs 10 liters, you pay for 5 liters and that's that the entire cost you pay for the ambulance transport. Public healthcare system is NOT free, it's getting sponsored through paying of taxes, but the whole point is that it's not making people bankrupt. i read somewhere that 500.000 of Americans every year go bankrupt because of medical bills which is INSANE, absolute INSANITY. And then when I think about how many good, decent, awesome people get fucked in the ass by some fucking moronic healthcare system, my brain just stops functioning properly.

[@dymytryruban4324]

@@roljavi "...all countries in Europe have public healthcare systems." Wrong. Switzerland has a form of Obamacare because the health insurance is mandatory but with few exceptions, not free. An adult above 30 has to pay roughly 400 euros a month which is not too much for an average working Swiss resident. According to one study, Swiss healthcare is the best in Europe. In Lithuania, adults either have their health insurance paid by employers or if they have their own business, themselves. For the unemployed, health insurance is covered by state for the duration of employment insurance program. "In USA it's the opposite: You don't have money? No medical help for you!" That's an outright lie for the following reasons: 1) Medicaid. 2) EMTALA. Refusing medical help to a person with health emergency condition is a basis for medical malpractice lawsuit. Even private hospitals are required by federal law to stabilize any patient they consider financially inept before transferring them to public health institutions. So yes in case of emergency medical care, failure to pay will simply result in exorbitant (for some cases) debt. "That's what most Americans don't understand that the main problem with American healthcare system is that it makes people bankrupt and homeless" "Dranove and Millenson critically analyzed the data from the 2005 edition of the medical bankruptcy study. They found that medical spending was a contributing factor in only 17 percent of U.S. bankruptcies. They also reviewed other research, including studies by the Department of Justice, finding that medical debts accounted for only 12 percent to 13 percent of the total debts among American bankruptcy filers who cited medical debt as one of their reasons for bankruptcy." Medical-related bankruptcies in the US are not necessarily due to inability to pay medical expenses. In fact the majority of bankrupt persons do have health insurance. The reason is often the subsequent loss of income. It is worth mentioning that in Canada medical services but not prescription drugs (I don't know about European countries) are publicly covered so yes, even in there Illness or Medical Problems are in top 5 causes of personal bankruptcies. "i read somewhere that 500.000 of Americans every year go bankrupt because of medical bills which is INSANE, absolute INSANITY." Given that U.S. population is over 330 millions, that (if true) is 0.15% of the entire population. In 2019 there were 772646 bankruptcy filings in the US. Speaking of "500000" bankruptcies, Bernie Sanders apparently got it wrong. Even left-leaning Washington Post has debunked his claim in the article: "Sanders’s flawed statistic: 500,000 medical bankruptcies a year"

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Well Said 👏👏 In Aus, like Europe we treat people properly too & have Universal Healthcare. We don't have the Working poor like they have in the US. Our people without homes have a chance.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I spent 40 years as a Professional Tourist, the results of economic events have caused one hell of a lot of Homeless Humans to find unconventional methods of support..... The appearance of the "Wealthiest Nation in the World". seems to have several blemishes that many overlook......

[@abrasionequation4632]

Babylon is not broken.. It is functioning as intended

[@romancahill3503]

It hurts more when family turns their back on you I was homeless for 2 years not because of drugs or alcohol I lost my job and if you you worked for many years and get sick you still pay even if its a free clinic

[@alexcarter8807]

In the USA family means nothing. And I forecast we'll act like it's the most surprising thing in the world when China, where family means something, rolls over us like a steamroller.

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

@@alexcarter8807 Truly disgusting isn't it. My family destroyed the first 3 decades of my life. This country has lost all of its humanity, in the pursuit of delusions. Whilst remaining in outright denial, and clinging to convictions. There will come a day when the usa collapses in on itself. As the failed, rogue, corrupted, terrorist state that it is. It'll have only itself to blame. The masses have been dumbed-down, and indoctrinated for decades. Rife with hedonism, and consumerism for diversions to feed the lie. The elites have bought out the country, as the puppet politicians have sold it to the highest bidder.

[@Smartfunny-g9j]

@@alexcarter8807 yeah China does so well because of family bonds and not the fact that their country is run off of what is essentially slave/ child labor 😑

[@SustainableHuman]

SO WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION?

[@RetroHabit82]

They never have one. Its all theories why homelessness happens. But never facts and solutions.

[@heatherprivatecraftandchat3345]

He gave you the facts. Try listening!

[@Clairevoyante]

I encourage you to look into Finland's solution to homelessness. Especially in Helsinki, they had great success almost eliminating homelessness. Their housing First program was accompanied with an ultra strong healthcare program specifically for people dealing with addiction and mental health issues. They already have a strong social net and that's why it has been a success.

[@joe1hundred]

i was curious what countries have had success with this problem. we should clearly be looking to those countries and taking their lead.

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Well said Marie 👍

[@olderworker5729]

Great example, the problem in this country is dealing with issues that every country has and the unaffordable housing, poor wages, healthcare system, its very easy in California to become homeless in a month.

[@ukgraffitiwalker8846]

It's possible because there are too many humans.

[@lauradsouza1345]

I think it's in Finland where they sorted out the problem of homelessness. - the homeless were given flat BUT they had Responsibility and Consequences.. They helped them to learn how to pay their bills, rent, I think there.is a Programme and as a Condition of them getting housed the homeless. HAD to accept Responsibility and Engage in the Programme. Pls Check it out what Finland did I saw this some yrs ago.

[@markcairns7760]

Thanks Chris. You’ve nailed it. Keep up the great work.

[@maxineasbury2566]

Why are all the middle class people patten you on the back. This is hate full and put a negative light on people in need.

[@planetmikusha5898]

It would have been great if he interviewed cops, politicians, paramedics, therapists, community activists, family members of the homeless, and the homeless. I would like to hear the different viewpoints. Of course, that would be long documentary.

[@Reanimator999]

He already asked a politician.

[@planetmikusha5898]

@@Reanimator999 He interviewed one politician.

[@yogamama1879]

This is an amazing short documentary! I love how you clearly explain the problems that are in the way of solving homelessness. Very well put together. Thank you for the work you are doing 🙏❤

[@kimjohnson8471]

Great video. Truth is, no matter how "certain" any of us think we are, there are no simple answers.

[@jasonjames4254]

FINALLY... someone does a proper analysis of the true cause of homelessness in America!

[@binilee4753]

Seems this is a critical crises world wide but for the wealthiest countries it's unjustified inhumane act on human lives.

[@ransakreject5221]

We’ve known for generations what causes homelessness. College professors know it, reporters, community leaders. They just lie & pretend the stats don’t exist. Same as with the cops being racist. A simple look at the stats shows that if they behave the same blacks are actually less likely to get killed by cops that whites. It’s simple numbers. The average useful idiot doesn’t know it. And the left want the idiots vote so they make it socially unacceptable to say the facts. When Rufo gets more well known he will be called racist & kicked off all social media & out of polite society.

[@richardgaynor6113]

Isn't it time to try holding public officials accountable?

[@maxineasbury2566]

Yes yes it has been from the beginning. All their fault. They are here to protect us. And every since for ever. They only give more money to the rich and less money to the poor.

[@ulisesrobles1549]

Excellent exposition of the problem with data and reasoning, as well as the theories, facts, status quo and solutions. Send this to as many people as possible as well to those in power to make a real change. Well done Chris!

[@PennyF]

I have come to some interesting conclusions about homelessness all across the country. Most of the homeless stories I hear are from people who start using drugs in High School or earlier. This is usually caused but a horrible home life. I hear the story over and over again. I really feel we should start by addressing these issues before becoming adults, and then we need to address drug addiction. If we could catch this issue early, we could save lives. When the addiction starts early, they really don’t have a way out. It takes a lot of courage to beat addiction, but once homeless several don’t want to try. We could also catch mental illness earlier too if we had programs in our schools. Although this doesn't solve the immediate problem it will put this issue in a better perspective for the future.

[@Reanimator999]

Well said. Community-run organizations such as local church and others have better grasp on how to help those people in deeper level than superficial "help" from government.

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Yes, a lot who end up homeless later on in life come from trauma early in life, a broken home, and\or early drug or alcohol abuse. A lack of connection, and lack of trust in the people they should be able to look up to.

[@matthewatwood8641]

The title of this is homelessness, but it only talks about the housing first concept as a failure. I recall hearing about housing first a while back. It was successful where it was being done, and the person interviewed made the point that it only worked because it was done in conjunction with treatment. The point - which made sense to me & as someone who has dealt with addiction & homelessness throughout my life, still does - was that treatment was ineffective for someone in a survival state. Regardless of whether they have an addiction or not, everyone should be held equally accountable for the crimes they commit. Law enforcement needs to focus on actual crimes, and not drugs. Consequences for crimes need to be effective but appropriate. Concepts like housing first need to be used in conjunction with counseling, but also hopefully a system and society that promotes healthy, functional families - mother, father, and children.

[@hyliedoobius5114]

BINGO!! You finally got to the point: homelessness is a cash cow. it’s a total racket and the players have absolutely NO incentive to cure it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and for the politicians, NGO’s, and social workers everything is hunky-dory!! The more, the merrier.

[@TheRisky9]

It starts to make you question all kinds of public policies. For example, welfare or even food and rent vouchers. My mother said that when she was first married she was on food stamps, but when my dad found a job and they got back on their feet, they tried to get off the food stamps. She said it was very difficult as the social worker kept telling her about everything she was entitled to. It gave a WTF moment of why they were offering those benefits now when she was talking of leaving and not offering them before? I had another friend who did a budget and figured he just needed $50 worth of food stamps. They kept trying to talk him into taking $250 a week in food stamps. He kept saying, "I don't need that much. I just need a bit for a few months." Now this is purely ancedotal incidents. Neither of these stories even come remotely close enough to showing a trend. But it does start to make you wonder whether this is something we should look into.

[@517oceanfront]

You just nailed it as to why it is tolerated, and cash is generated,and it wont ever end,

[@DamonJoshuaSmith]

I've been homeless for 10 years. I'm 29. The problem is narcissism. People who think it's ok to gaslight and scapegoat me when I'm a fully competent employee.

[@jeffmcpeek2526]

Thank God for you ! Your dedication and research to expose the entire sickness is a Godsend ! I live in Spokane and it's getting worse here as well.

[@anthonyfox477]

Largely good analysis of the factors and conceptualization of homelessness by those who purport a desire to end it. The glaringly missing piece in this video is a breakdown of what causes addictions and mental health issues. The vast majority of those who become addicted to drugs and/or develop mental health issues develop these issues as a direct result of unresolved traumatic childhoods. The root of these childhood traumas ties back to the "West Coast ideology" that was criticized in the video: extreme wealth disparity, racism, poverty, stagnating wages against the backdrop of increasing consumer costs and the decimation of community resulting from hypercapitalism. To get at the root of solving mental health and substance abuse issues, there needs to be a focus on healing deep and complex trauma. In that way I agree with the video - the focus on housing first is a band-aid which (in theory) sweeps the homeless off the streets in order to make the housed feel better.

[@chriswayne570]

I’m a Moderate and I find this refreshing

[@johnderfler5183]

Moderates people who stand for nothing. Worthless people.

[@mikelee3524]

@@johnderfler5183 damn the 'SKELITOR' Pelosi wins again....

[@remytheroute6503]

They knew this thirty years ago.

[@Lena-jx9st]

Good for you for fearlessly vocalizing what no one wants to admit!

[@nancybatch7007]

This is what is happening to Austin. People are coming here in droves ever since the ban against camping on the streets was lifted. It's a disaster.

[@niklasmolen4753]

I think the climate is very important. It's easy to be homeless in LA or Austin. But being homeless in Bismark or Anchorage is a whole other thing.

[@galaxytrio]

I would find this analysis more compelling if it had responsibly addressed Finland's experience with the Housing First approach, where it was developed and first implemented. Granted providing housing is unlikely to resolve drug addiction and metal health problems, but the real question appears to be whether it improves outcomes on those issues versus tackling them while a person is still on the street. A related issue is whether addiction and criminal behaviour are causes or effects of homelessness, which I don't believe the video handles fairly. Finally, it seems unreasonable to criticize West coast cities for not reducing homelessness when the video acknowledges there is a mass influx of the homeless from other parts of the country, probably for the milder climate. That suggests homelessness needs to be considered on a national basis.

[@olderworker5729]

Exactly, the problem is the right is blaming the problem on people and not looking at economic issues and the overall problem of a poor healthcare system for profit that doesn't help the many with mental issues in this country. Also the lack of regulation and greed that makes housing unattainable for the regular working class american. Living in California in the 80s I was able to rent a studio apartment while washing dishes in a restaurant and going to college on student loans.

[@gregsmith9277]

I have worked with people with mental illness and substance problems who are homeless in Atlanta and in Seattle. Some of what Mr. Rufo says is correct, but his account is incomplete. Substances abuse treatment and holding people accountable is important. But he does not mention something all these West Coast cities also have in common: great economies with a huge influx of people but with a refusal to change zoning laws so that sufficient housing can be built, resulting in drastic increases in the price of housing and resultant homelessness. Also those with the most severe mental illness can rarely be treated successfully if they do not have housing.

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Well said 👌

[@JB-kx9bx]

This will only get worse with automation, corporate autocracy, concentration of wealth.

[@gggamesplays460]

Add to it unchecked immigration the left wants. Who will feed and house them? Teach them English and job training? Educate and feed their kids? Pay for their healthcare? Think supply and demand lowering wages while inflation from printing the needed money to pay for it all. Young people leaving college with debt up to their ears only to find out all the jobs were given to H1b people. America is sinking. Biden voters should love it but I don’t. I have grandkids.

[@JB-kx9bx]

@@gggamesplays460 lol ok boomer

[@gggamesplays460]

@@JB-kx9bx haha your right.

[@gggamesplays460]

@@JB-kx9bx we changed society in the ‘60’s now it’s your turn. Good luck.

[@JB-kx9bx]

@@gggamesplays460 the generation before built unions and a template for a middle class to thrive on. Boomers got bamboozled by red scare propaganda and allowed corporate greed to go unchecked flushing all that down the toilet.

[@striderblue23]

I worked in a mental health crisis center a few years ago which had both a "voluntary" and an "involuntary" unit. The majority of the involuntary "guests" were suffering major mental health crises. The majority of the voluntary guests were homeless drug addicts who endorsed suicidal ideations. They would get dosed on more drugs, sleep for the first few days, pig-out for the next few, get released to the streets (again), and return within a couple weeks with, you got it, suicidal ideations. Wash, rinse, repeat.

[@Mojo_Mike]

A brilliant report Chris. Thank you.

[@caridadrevilla2439]

They are " loving" them to death. Incredibly evil and sad.

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

Like parents who try to be "friends" with their kids

[@517oceanfront]

Pack this fake conspicuous caring in the same dirty backpack as riots ran by other interests,like an iceberg,on the tip is visible, lots of pathos underneath.

[@margieinnes4638]

@@mademsoisellerhapsody Yes, I agree absolutely. It' s never going to end well:(

[@sixofcups472]

Christopher, I'm curious to know - if the Housing First programs ran as intended, instead of being plagued by corruption and cost overruns, would building free homes be a more successful strategy? I'm also curious to know how unprecedented housing costs are affecting the issue. Thanks!

[@GenXican84]

The problem is public funding is like a pig trough, ehhhrboddy sticks their hand in to get a piece for "consultation services " builders mark up their prices n rates to stick a fat hog of a government contract. Something they can't pull off in private industry...Then of course, there's good ole' commitee expropriation of funds...That's why we can't have nice things.

[@houseofhas9355]

It would get too big. Too many hands in it. There is no way politicians don't give their friends contracts, and overbill the program.

[@westfamily3331]

Insightful video. What is the solution? Isn’t it better to do something and risk failure than to do nothing and keep complaining? Trial and error is what creates progress. If we wait until we have the perfect solution, it will never happen.

[@stuartcripps8724]

Articulate and well produced video. My thoughts: 1. Outsourcing of jobs has contributed towards the rise in homelessness. Companies that outsource outside of USA should be taxed to disincentive this say 25%. Any of these companies competitors should have import taxes imposed to level the playing field say 25% We must have more jobs. Theres no reason why a company like airbnb cannot hire USA workers anymore. They used to now they have outsourced to the philippines. 2. ALL The revenue collected from 1. should go into a road and bridges programme. Those homeless that want to work could join get a job with a living wage and a basic place to live to get them on their feet. It could be run by those that were themselves formerly homeless. A national programme could be initiated to repair roads, bridges and infrastructure. 3. We as a society need to fund mental institutions to take care of those that cannot look after themselves and represent a threat to society at large.

[@BraddGraves]

Sensible policies have been and will continue to be ignored until the beast is slain. Until then, we're actually wasting our time here.

[@janlovesmany6058]

The homeless issue really took off when they shut down all mental institutions starting in the 70's' around the country,....instead of trying to fix problems they just shut them all down, and these folks went to the street's.

[@aspensulphate]

@@janlovesmany6058 So true. Back in the nineties, when de-institutionalization was well underway, I had a bi-polar family member who was in and out of one of these institutions, then finally in to stay (she died there.) I have some first-hand experience of some of what goes (went) on inside. It can be so ugly, and people just don't want to deal with it. BUT, BETTER THERE THAN ON PUBLIC STREETS. You are absolutely correct. A tragic and sad case of "throwing out the baby with the bathwater."

[@stephenwilliams681]

Not sure I would trust a bridge built by addicts and/or mentally ill people. Might not have all the steel in it. Yes - we need to treat the mental illness and drug addiction. And they need to be held responsible for their property crimes. They need to hold themselves responsible, but until they can we need to help with that.

[@OptimalOwl]

Ooof, IDK fam. Point 1 is solid. Policy banished the manufacturing sector; policy can bring it back again. Point 2 is kind of insane. In the first place, producing things in the US costs _more_ than producing them in China or India, at least in the short- and medium term. It's the sort of thing we should do to improve our spiritual health, preparedness and geopolitical position, not the sort of thing that generates billions of dollars in extra wealth to put towards big programs. In the second place, a lot of these people just are not fit to work. If a person has enough problems, the marginal value of their work absolutely _can_ go below zero. slatestarcodex.com/2018/05/16/basic-income-not-basic-jobs-against-hijacking-utopia/ Point 3 is true, but limited. Mental institutions are sometimes less bad than the next likeliest alternative, but it's not something we should want to put millions more people through. In general, providing mental health resources can sometimes help some people change their lives. It's great when it happens, definitely something worth doing when possible. But ultimately, most people just don't have it in them to change their lives very much.

[@michaelminasian4891]

I've been following your reporting on CRT but as a resident of LA this hits even closer to home. Incredibly well presented. Can't wait to see you do a similar doc on CRT

[@mkaramian]

Morrrron, did you know that 90% of the LA homeless come from other states every year, due to weather? Did you know that GOV Newsom bought few motels and put the homeless in them and few days later, most of them moved back on the streets? it's a lost battle, 'genius'!!

[@michaelminasian4891]

@@mkaramian yes I do fully understand where it comes from. Do you even understand what the video is about? Or are you too stupid to even watch it first before commenting? Are you saying that seasonal migrants who come here for the weather aren't also riddled with drug and mental health issues?

[@avader5]

Thank you for this video! Here in Silicon Valley we have approximately 40,000 homeless living in vehicles or on the streets.

[@robozstarrr8930]

... and practically no " open " restrooms to poop!

[@Kevin-yg8sm]

I like your analysis of the issue. You deserve more subscribers.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

Don’t all people need shelter?

[@markjoseph264]

I like the term homeless-industrial complex. I have been using the term poverty-industrial complex to describe the agencies that I have dealt with to try and find help for my mentally ill, drug addict sister. Thankfully we are able to keep her off the street at our own cost. I agree that intentions do not matter- outcomes do. That goes against the California mindset. Christopher, keep up the good work.

[@costeris35]

My family kept an alcoholic uncle off the street for decades by clubbing together, cleaning his house, doing his shopping, washing his clothes, making sure his welfare went to pay his rent. He never got any better and even though he got clean now and then it never stuck and he died in his fifties. Modern thinking would be that we were enabling him, but he would have ended up homeless if we hadn’t and we couldn’t stand that idea. It felt like our responsibility to care for him, but it was tough and maybe if he had hit rock bottom he would have stopped.

[@markjoseph264]

@@costeris35 You did care for him and made sure he did not live out on the street. Those actions alone prove that you and your family are good people.

[@emileblanche5868]

Not to be a dick but 0:46 is Tyler Shively. It’s somewhat depressing to see a Marine being homeless and mentally ill here in SF.

[@kingkopy5100]

I never really see any videos on homelessness address the culture of being homeless. I've been homeless twice, both times by choice. Once because I was hitchhiking across the country, and then later in life because I thought not paying rent would turn a 35,000 dollar salary into early retirement (unfortunately it doesn't work that way - being homeless is expensive). Of all the sane homeless people I've met, if you ask their life story as an interviewer they'll tell you how down on their luck they are, but behind the scenes they're getting high and singing 'Big Rock Candy Mountain' and think the rat race of life is a joke - especially if they're making $100+ dollars a day flying a sign or washing windows. I'm not speaking to the people with true mental disease, or people who find themselves homeless because they lost their job, that's got to be rough. But I do reserve my sympathy for the homeless still homeless in winter, not in summer when every park and underpass is filled by people wanting to dirtbag out and have fun.

[@UnderTheFloor79]

Yeah. It seems to spread and grow like cultures do.

[@PilotHardy]

Thank you for this eye opening report. And thank you for all the work you’re doing especially with CRT. ♥️♥️

[@mariahrossi3072]

We forget that holding someone accountable when they do self harm is the most loving act of all.

[@maxineasbury2566]

Are you shitting me? Point a finger at someone after they commit self-harm? No you franking monster. You clearly have never been there. Frank you. Cause it's not their fault they under went years and years of social abuse? That this country hasn't been fair since the franking pilgrims landed. No mental abuse is not their faults. Their fault is losing all hope. And you are going to shame them for it? Frank you. Fill in the blanks.

[@dee5331]

Agreed big pharma and the fda should be imprisoned for life without parole! Holding people accountable for their theft and genocidal crimes is the only solution

[@lisas1175]

Very well done, Mr. Rufo. Keep up the good work! Your videos need a lot more views!

[@eriksnider7189]

At least we proved that its not evil landlords evicting people. Haven't had evictions in CA in a year and homeless has skyrocketed

[@oohgee3093]

As a Native American from California, i find the " racial injustice " to be bullshit!! I love capitalism!! I take full responsibility and accountability for my own future!!

[@RetroHabit82]

Gotta blame it on everything else but yourself tho right? That's what the liberals think.

[@oohgee3093]

@@RetroHabit82 liberals love victimhood

[@RetroHabit82]

@@oohgee3093 They thrive on it. Only thing that keeps em going.

[@noelchallenger]

I read somewhere that the highest form of charity is enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. I thought that was powerful.

[@bigblack9819]

The fact that the laundromat at around 00:14 has a Marvel vs. Capcom arcade cabinet makes me wonder which decade this video footage was shot.

[@nashbruce4196]

I left Maui in 2018, a laundromat there had a still very much working, *original* (not some knockoff) Pac-Man machine there. 😎

[@nashbruce4196]

(100,300, in case you were wondering 😅)

[@DanSme1]

Powerful! Excellent job, Chris. Our only hope in fighting the tyranny of Big MEDIA and Big Tech are videos like this one.

[@raycastaneda7089]

the money allotted by federal money is being consumed at the top leaving crumbs for homeless

[@alexcarter8807]

Yep it's a good racket. Great profits. Collect $30k - $50k or even more per homeless person, give them 1/10 of that, tops, in services, and keep them miserable because you get paid only when they continue to be homeless.

[@RandallHallKaizenReiki]

Homelessness isn't the problem; homelessness is a symptom of a dozen or more problems. Putting someone in a dwelling doesn't solve the core problem; that is why you can't spend it away. It's great to see someone calling out the standard rhetoric. Thank you.

[@talleman1]

Having a home makes them not homeless. It's a start. Try living your life without a home.

[@jont2576]

So what exactly are the solutions u recommend?I keep waiting and waiting for 10 minutes

[@hyliedoobius5114]

Obviously, stop electing Democrats.

[@Sasha32659]

@@hyliedoobius5114 Thanks for proving my point. Conservatives never have any other solutions besides cut taxes and vote in more conservatives.

[@ago3241]

Attractive cities like the ones mentioned here will always have a homeless population base because people would rather be there. These cities have relatively mild winters.

[@TwinSister1957]

Sacramento Ca is now the new Skid Row"Downtown Sac is where you should do your next Video !!

[@travist7777]

We once tried to help a homeless man who would shine shoes for money in downtown L.A. by building him a custom shoe-shine station. He was appreciative, but very shortly thereafter, he sold it for drug money, and went back to using what he was using before. He told me that EVERYONE living on the streets had a drug problem and that you cannot help them, and once they find their "comfort zone," the only way off the streets is via the county coroner van. I've never given a dime to a homeless person after that. I've bought plenty of meals for them, from time to time, however. Never give them cash.

[@andrewcatanzaro103]

Build homeless habitat like they do for the animals at the San Diego Zoo. Faux streets, parks, etc. Drop off trailers with food and leave them to their vices. If you're not going to do anything substantive to address mental illness, cognitive disability, and drug addiction then just move them to habitats and get them out of the way of productive people.

[@cameronidk2]

Powerful, My name is Cameron Vessey, i was homeless on the Streets of Spokane Wa for 2 years. about 4 years ago. I ran for Governor in 2020 for many reason's.. mostly the tyranny of J Sleazy. But i also felt I could bring exactly what you describe to Seattle and other WA City's struggling to find real answer's to homelessness. .. I would only add that the poverty level in patient rehab's also suffer from these same problem of ideology, industry, and low rates of success. and maybe lastly i've been trying to explain how there needs to be some form of "bad Actor" identification in these programs. For most honest volunteers the idea that the ones that seem the most helpless are really the ones who are most dangerous and cutting of the resources to those that truly need it .. seems in itself un compassionate and against every thing they believe

[@45414]

Heart-wrenching video. I don’t have the answers. There is this “... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

[@aspensulphate]

You're right. You don't have the answers.

[@OptimalOwl]

@@aspensulphate I don't think _anyone_ has the answers. Homelessness might just be another one of those solution-resistant problems.

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Other States can start by being compassionate about their own people who don't have homes. Universal Healthcare is a must.

[@maretranquillity]

I thought that Mr. Rufo's examination was quite good with one exception: He did not explain how to solve the homeless problem. He listed some vague things in the last seconds of the video but didn't develop them at all. Without universal health care that includes access to drug addiction programs and mental health care it seems unlikely that we will be able to address to of the largest causes of homelessness. Too, I think that Mr. Rufo misses half the migration issue, every person who moved to one of the West Coast cities that Rufo excoriates there was a city or State that exported those migrants. While he bashes the West Coast cities (as an aside he doesn't mention the homeless problem in Austin, Texas) for spending money on the homeless we need to recognize that so many other cities and States export their homeless by spending little or nothing on them and by outlawing their very existence. Homeless people are migrating for the same basic reason that Central and South Americans are migrating: their lives have become untenable where they are. If a city bans homelessness, outlaws camping, arrests homeless people, gives them bus tickets free of charge to leave the city/State and persecutes them if they don't, then I suspect that city will have fewer homeless people. Funny how that works. I agree with Mr. Rufo that what is being done in the West Coast cities isn't working well, but his drive-by rock throwing at the cities where people are TRYING to do something isn't very useful.

[@nashbruce4196]

Excellent.

[@SpeedOfNorris]

You nailed it ✌ If the other States weren't so draconian, the amount of people on the West Coast streets would get shared around the other States. Universal healthcare is a must too.

[@Shazameatums]

I live in sf, and a lot of them don’t even want to be helped.

[@neilf4128]

I live in SF too. Why get help when we have a city government that gives them free temporary housing ,$70+ a week and will administer free drug injections. Its a deadbeats paradise.

[@Danielevans2]

Let's not forget it's also a job issue. A job gives people purpose and pride. Teach the trades like plumbing, electrictrition, builder etc.

[@royharper2003]

@Daniel how do you teach people that do not want to learn

[@sleepteam]

Very informative. Will the next video propose more concrete solutions?

[@starlitecc]

@Sleep Team No, the next biased uncompassionate, arrogant, disrespectful, insulting, offensive, shameful, inhumane, belittling, vile, atrocious, predatory video will not have any solutions, he never does. He rather criminalize the poor, homeless, and mentally ill warehouse them out of sight because in his view they choose to be poor & struggle it's entirely their fault. Its never the psychopathic greedy banks who fraudulently foreclose on peoples homes or how the same psychopaths not only steel your home but also literally steal your money your EDD unemployment funds from your account which btw you need to pay your rent/ mortgage to prevent being homeless, and how about all those slumlords who completely take advantage of their tenants, oh wait let's not forget about all those unlawful evictions. It can't possibly be any of those things or any other 99 problems like that.

[@sleepteam]

@@starlitecc Oh shut up. Your supposed causes have been legislated against in these cities and it hasn't done a damn thing.

[@starlitecc]

@@sleepteam I will continue to exercise every form of my Freedom of Speech Constitutional Rights that I choose whenever I choose. You're dismissed ☑ scat.. run along now

[@sleepteam]

@@starlitecc You replied to MY comment you goofball. In any case KZbin is a private company and isn't compelled to protect anyones speech under the Constitution.

[@OptimalOwl]

@Sleep Team & @@starlitecc I don't think the homeless choose to be homeless, but I also don't think there's a lot that we can do to help them. We should scale back on the things we're doing that don't work, and perhaps try some new, different things which might work. But more than anything else, we need to have realistic expectations. Also, Sleep Team, please shut up about muh private companies. Social media are a major part of our communications infrastructure. It tends towards oligopoly, in part because of first mover advantages, and in part competitors tend to get quashed early on by necessary supporting services like payment processors, ISPs and load balancing services. If we want to have freedom of speech, and if we want to have open discussion, then we're going to need more than what the Constitution provides.

[@francopp1124]

I watched your other film America Lost and found it heart breaking. I lived in Stockton and was surprised there was not more crime. There are pockets of communities there. We have to pull ourselves out of the mud. Honestly it reminds me of China and their problems with the opium crisis they had. I don’t know how they got rid of it or if it’s still an issue but my guess it was brutal. I think creating avenues for people in these situations to help like minded people would be a good start. It requires so much support mentally, physically and emotionally and I think at this point it can only change on a community level with churches and schools and businesses coming together.

[@DisHappah]

Can you please make more videos? you have great content, thank you! San Jose, California.

[@appcrazee]

Send him some cash so he can

[@MidActsPreacher]

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

[@purplevain3255]

I really wanted to watch this but the music is too loud and prominent to hear what's being said.

[@corinth1121]

I love me some funky Muzak!.....in a van down by the river.....Oi, Lahiem!!!

[@jamesblunt6981]

Not sure what to take away from this video.... What actionable items are you suggesting to curb homelessness? IMO, we must change zoning laws from single-family residential to at least small multi-family in order to combat the ridiculous rent prices and real estate costs.

[@daisyq3418]

Many homeless are our Brave Veterans. 😢

[@lincoln5447]

My city is fairly small, in England. The homeless population is around 30, not bad for a city of 90,000

[@ScottEdwards2000]

Great result! Why are the thirty homeless do you think?

[@mikedoyle5901]

How it’s possible is because some people want to work hard and get ahead. others wanna be lazy and sponge off society. Live with no responsibility or accountability. Very few are there because of mental illness until substance abuse takes hold of their lives.

[@gregjames9875]

When does compassion become enabling?

[@knightoyin6500]

Very well done. Pls do more of these. Solving the problem of homelessness is not about money first. Hope people, especially Democrats listen.

[@chauduc814]

the government must force the mental illness and drug addiction for treatment!

[@natalielinden]

Only if they commit a crime.

[@chauduc814]

@@natalielinden they don't commit a crime but violate the public policy.

[@alexcarter8807]

That's exactly what we did before Reagan came along. Then the cure became to throw them out into the street.

[@zaktripper4908]

Heroin & alcohol are used as general anesthetics for coping with pain, meth is a stimulant for alertness and focus, etc. Homelessness makes sobriety far less tolerable.

[@joesciarrillo1627]

Thank you, Chris, my fellow Georgetown buddy, for putting time into this topic. I've been a social worker in SF for over ten years and I have to respectfully note that housing first policies actually do have lots of success. The drug usage on the streets and encampments are indeed visible in downtown SF, the TL, and the Mission (most of the areas with less hills). But this is a national issue. If you go to the train tracks of Vacaville or the highway underpasses in Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa, you will also find this issue. For an activist like me, it's not taboo to discuss mental health or drug addiction. But it is a failure if we talk about those as isolated things. Mental health and drugs are indeed topics that are connected to social policies, economic systems, real estate markets, veterans coming home without access to services, teenagers whose families and schools failed to address their traumas and mental health needs. Politicians like Hilary Ronen are doing the best they can within a city backdrop of the most expensive real estate market, a federal government that forgets to invest in housing and urban development (HUD), and a nation that as a whole has not found a solution for substance use (the opioid crisis, meth, fentanyl, etc.) I really like your film-making and hope you include those voices in the next one! I would be happy to link up and talk more!

[@nashbruce4196]

"But it is a failure if we talk about those as isolated things." 🏆

[@SpeedOfNorris]

Joe, that's one of the Best comments on this thread 🙌 A great covering of many issues 👏👏

[@johnnixon6328]

This is by far the best and most comprehensive look at the homeless issue. Thank you for your work and clear picture of what is going on in these major ciites. Homelessness has now become a growth industry for a select few. I would also suggest that the drug trade has a strong hold on the policy makers and their decisions to allow these conditions to continue. The common factor you point out is the out of touch policies of each of these major cities. If they had true compassion in their hearts, they would not let a fellow human being live like this. This is NOT compassion. You would no more let a child do whatever they wanted and harm themselves in the name of compassion. It will take the will of the voters to oust these insane policy makers before anything can be done. As I see it, the solution involves actually helping the homeless to transition back into productive citizens of the world again. This approach would help the residents, the businesses, and the homeless themselves. But a society cannot do this without a taking physical control of the situation. I think there is a much better way to reallocate $3bn annually to truly help these homeless people. Thanks again for your piece.

[@trueblue5656]

Thank you for making this video.

[@Sunblock5K]

Breaks my heart so many people are struggling homeless and resort to crime to 'survive'....