How can I bring dignity to the homeless? | Joel Hunt | TEDxSaltLakeCity

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In this moving talk, Joel will have you thinking differently about homeless people, with a greater emphasis on 'people' and less on 'homeless.' He shares his stories of taking medicine out of the clinic and into the streets of downtown Salt Lake City, above all offering dignity as the very best medicine for resilience and hope.
Joel’s life story is made of diverse experiences. He has worked as a cowboy on ranches, assisted a Veterinarian in Ethiopia, served in the US Army for 6 years, and finally found his home as a physician assistant working at a clinic for homeless persons as the medical outreach director. He is passionate about restoring hope and dignity to those who have been deprived of these in life. He has a heart for underserved people groups and likes to create innovative ways to reach them and take reality based care directly to them. Being able to journey alongside others is a very humbling endeavor and he is extremely fortunate to be allowed to walk this path with some very incredible people, many of whom are unsung heroes. He has much to learn from them. Chief of all is the wonderful love of his family and walking through their journey together is his greatest joy in life.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@elizabethwilcox9199]

Joel is a rockstar: a truly empathetic soul who recognizes the value of each person. People in Salt Lake experiencing homelessness referred to him as “Street Jesus.” Such quiet, great work.

[@michellevicary9150]

Thank you for showing everyone dignity, no matter what.

[@corinadanaeca4778]

You're an amazing person and thank you for all your hard work. Great job!

[@saralove345]

OMG He is such a sweet soul I need to hug him! I felt what he is feeling so many times with my foster kids. Like they're just in plain sight but only the good ones are seen. U take a step back and watch the world just spin around them like how can human beings be disposable? You could tell he was nervous or emotional thank you for speaking!!

[@Funandconsciousness]

Thank you for your kind perceptions, actions and words, Joel. I am not quite homeless, but sharing a 10x12 room with my wife after downsizing because of hard economic situations. Currently I have a job working for a couple who were once homeless, but over the years have built up a successful, creative business that we enjoy together. I encounter homeless people here regularly, and wish I could do more than just smile and acknowledge them.

[@notused2118]

Hope you're improving. Don't be afraid of building a business.

[@STay10r]

How did you end up doing more than just smiling and acknowledging them?

[@elviaknoll4705]

i liked what you said about NOT HAVING ALL THE ANSWERS. about not having some secret solutions to end all of poverty. and not really focusing on yourself. so true!!!! i'd like to hear more of your experiences and thoughts.

[@lustchievous]

All people have dignity whether we treat them with dignity or not. Therefor you cannot GIVE anyone dignity. You can ONLY recognize and respect other people's dignity.

[@elizabethwilcox9199]

Yes. That’s exactly his point, although he may have expressed it differently.

[@TheNormanmurk]

What's a real shame is that videos like this only have 10000 views.

[@notused2118]

It's because homelessness is a scam that democrats force on people who are down and out.

[@chrisedens8448]

Lets take to a billion view's ladies and gentlemen

[@noname-JS]

Man, I've tried to feed and talk to homeless people but they weren't leaving their safety bubble...

[@simoned8064]

.

[@melodysparkle2]

I agree. We are all people, whether or not we have a roof over our heads. No one is better than the other. At the end of the day, the richest people and the people without a penny end up in the ground together. While we are here, alive, we need to take care of one another! Every human being on this earth deserves to be treated as such.

[@notused2118]

A hand up instead of handouts with lufelong strings attached? Duh.

[@ashotofmercury]

What is your problem man? 🤷🏻‍♀️🙄

[@Empowerman]

Joel, you are the ultimate expression of what it truly means to Be Human. I am honored by You, your magnificence.

[@notused2118]

Not really.

[@steveashbaker1916]

Thanks for giving this talk Joel:)

[@christopherscheiber1439]

Are rents twenty grand a month yet?

[@rhodaking6558]

Good work. May God blessed you.

[@PatrickSteil]

The definition of dignity is to feel WORTHY of respect and honor. People need responsibility in order to feel worthy of respect. People need to work for their sustenance. They need to pay the price for their crimes. It is not compassionate to enable people to remain poor and homeless.

[@elizabethwilcox9199]

Wow. You missed the whole part about the devastating trauma so many people have sustained, with the attendant mental health problems.

[@Arcsecant]

@@elizabethwilcox9199 You might have misunderstood him. You feel better when you have the responsibility of work, and face up to your crimes. Otherwise you feel helpless and guilty. The dignity of work and a clear conscience is for everyone, not just the privileged.

[@VansHalham]

Yikes, the intolerant tone of your comment is shocking. Systems are failing us and you want to make it personal and competitive? Look in the mirror Patrick, you got some work to do

[@VansHalham]

@@Arcsecant Get off your high horse. You have no ideas, just the same old colonial argument that's been shoved in everyone's face for centuries. Trauma, suppression and enslavement are real and you bully the person on the receiving end?