Eli used to own his own business. He now lives in a tent city homeless!

"Police have come full force to Safe Ground & surrounding camps. Eviction eminent. There is nowhere for them to go. Shelters full." ~ @SafeGroundSac [bit.ly/tplNN8]
It's really hard to explain the feeling of powerlessness I felt today. But I guarantee my feelings don't even compare to the feelings of desperation my friends had while police were evicting them from their tents today. [www.kcra.com/video/30092237/de...]
Those of you who have been with me for a bit have heard me say this before, so it's not new. Every now and then I will run into a homeless person that is so interesting to talk to I could send days just listening to them. Eli is one of them.
I met Eli about a week ago in a tent city in Sacramento, California. I also met Robert [bit.ly/vbpAG3] and Jordan [bit.ly/uwyUYr] there, and a few others you will meet soon.
Eli had his own business doing building remodeling and was an associate minister at a church for over 20 years. Because of the economy, he lost everything, and when he shares about losing his books and jazz records I can feel his pain. I hope you can, too!
"When we had jobs we were important. When we had homes we were important. When we had cars we were important. When we had bank accounts we were important" ~ Eli
Trust me, Eli's interview is very powerful. Please watch it in it's entirety. Near the end, when Eli talks about rest being his 3rd wish, and that police keep threatening the campers with arrests, know that Eli stood up for what he believes and went to jail today.
Eli ends the interview with an emotional remembrance of the American Dream and what it would be like if he had a home.
Special thanks to Safe Ground www.safegroundsac.org
________________________________________________
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About Invisible People:
Since its launch in November 2008, Invisible People has leveraged the power of video and the massive reach of social media to share the compelling, gritty, and unfiltered stories of homeless people from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. The vlog (video blog) gets up close and personal with veterans, mothers, children, layoff victims and others who have been forced onto the streets by a variety of circumstances. Each week, they’re on InvisiblePeople.tv, and high traffic sites such as KZbin, Twitter and Facebook, proving to a global audience that while they may often be ignored, they are far from invisible.
Invisible People goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages can understand, and can’t ignore. The vlog puts into context one of our nation’s most troubling and prevalent issues through personal stories captured by the lens of Mark Horvath - its founder - and brings into focus the pain, hardship and hopelessness that millions face each day. One story at a time, videos posted on InvisiblePeople.tv shatter the stereotypes of America’s homeless, force shifts in perception and deliver a call to action that is being answered by national brands, nonprofit organizations and everyday citizens now committed to opening their eyes and their hearts to those too often forgotten.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way we think about people experiencing homelessness.

[@daltonschannel8405]

This man has so much to offer to others. I totally understand everything his has to say and can listen for hours.

[@martigreene500]

I'm pretty sure I found the poet named Charles, and he has published a lot of creative works as well as a few books about homelessness that sound interesting. But, Eli has my undivided attention, and I could listen to him share stories all day long. There's just something in his spirit that makes me smile. ☺️ No matter where he is 7 years later, I hope he's loved, respected, and happy!

[@weetzybat]

can you link us?

[@roperman100]

god bless this very intelligent well spoken man.

[@LSKORPIONDOR4DO]

Amén

[@alberttanner408]

His Blessed by Jesus by being homeless

[@MrGraygrizz]

That man has said a mouthfull....He has a good spirit about him....... Very well said my man, and best of luck to you, and God Bless.

[@ladytsadventures8033]

What a sweet and knowledgeable man he is. God bless him.

[@LSKORPIONDOR4DO]

Amén

[@Laura32562]

What a beautiful sweet soul. I wish I lived near so I could give him a hand up. God bless this beautiful man.

[@GyseleTomlinson]

This gentleman seems very well read, he has more knowledge than I, I know that much.

[@donnahanfordnichols6573]

There is a self-sustaining village of homeless people in Hawaii. They have their own government, rules, laws- everyone must work for the betterment of the entire group, etc. it’s so expensive there, but this group of hard-working homeless have designed their own lives. Pretty beautiful stuff.

[@elainebmack]

Sometimes I read such nasty, smug comments from people who think they are better than the homeless you see here. The smug ones think they have it made with their high credit ratings and ROTH accounts, whatever. They don't realize that at any time they could lose it all due to circumstances sometimes beyond their control. Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time, and there are times when we all need help, even when we have stability and "security".

[@ilovemybeard3394]

I used to have lots of money, but guess what? I lost it all overtime because the cards were just not in my favor. You are correct E Mack and you made some very good points...sometimes in life you flush and sometimes you bust that's just how things go, and in the end money was just an illusion all along.

[@shirleyowens5702]

E Mack yes their day will come, one day their knees will bent!!

[@roxannemoser]

The Lord giveth, but they don't realize the Lord can taketh just as quickly. I've seen it happen and I remember what karma can do. I despise smug people.

[@scottmorrison466]

Bless you from God or whatever you believe. 👍

[@InteractiveIdea]

@@roxannemoser the lord is not real... If you count on something that is not real, you end up with nothing...

[@stringbender57]

I truly feel for this gentleman. He is well spoken and obviously educated, seems to have a kind heart and good common sense. I like his idea about the compact, solar powered shelters for the homeless. I really do STRONGLY believe the majority of people do NOT realize that they are just 30 days away from living on the streets after loosing their job or from an unforeseen injury, stroke, heart attack etc. How is it that the USA sends billions to other countries, provides food, lodging and healthcare for illegal immigrants, but shuns the long time tax paying citizens of the USA???

[@Cui-bono987]

More true than ever at this moment in time.

[@weetzybat]

it's disgusting

[@theelp]

Eli for president, everyone write it in.

[@eliphas_catdaddy7982]

Its been 8 years... So sad I hope he is ok

[@issacf4416]

His words were poetic

[@Arpitlpshivhare]

This is hit like a train. He has one of the most beautiful souls. I wish I could buy him a sandwich.

[@jeaninepaquet378]

Or tiny home

[@Chefgrlangel]

This was the best interview I've seen. I could listen to him talk for hours

[@alphacharlie65ms]

I like this guy.

[@raluca0204]

Best wishes I ever heard.We need people like him in key positions.GOD bless him.

[@nethbt]

This man, you can tell he doesn't take crack or drink alcohol. God bless him

[@charliebrown6590]

It was a honor just to watch him!

[@the_real_hebrews1658]

May I suggest you not only interview these people and fill up your youtube channel, you should also have and paste a link on how to help them individually so anyone who is touched by them could be of help and get them on their feet. This Eli is a wonderful individual whom society could benefit from, lots of people will like to give a dime or 2 to assist him. it will be nice for them to be able to do that. Also, be a little patient when interviewing some of these people, it's like you don't even let them finish and you just hurry them to some 3 wishes.. doesn't sound sensitive to me.

[@plethora330]

I agree, can you add this?

[@TheDarkSilence888]

Yeah that would be a good feature

[@alissadale7737]

Peter chase, I totally agree with you! I just fell across this channel on my recommended an it’s like he just speeds through and rushes these interviews to get to the three wishes part.....in my opinion if you’re going to be out there doing what he’s doing, sit down an really get an interview, get to really know these people, an if these interviews are being put out there in hopes for these peoples “wishes” to come true then give the viewers the chance to feel a connection to the people being interviewed!! I feel this channel has some serious potential! An I feel like a lot of these people could have some guardian angels out there wanting to help but there’s just not enough time to establish a connection!!! I also feel like giving us viewers updates on the people he’s interviewed ever so often would also benefit the channel tremendously as well! I mean that may be darn near impossible so I’m not saying everyone, but maybe do something along the lines of updating viewers on the highest viewed videos....for instance I started to feel a connection with this gentleman being interviewed and then all of a sudden the video got to the three wishes part which indicates it’s coming to a close...JUST WHEN I was starting to really want to hear more of this mans life story, more of his stories, more of his ideas (because he has amazing ideas) it was frustrating!! Really hope he sees these comments because I think it would GREATLY impact his channel positively if he made some much needed tweaks!!!

[@vanessaculater9038]

He does do that..there's links in interviews

[@dane3365]

If you think it should be done differently why not go and do it. There are thousands of homeless so you will have lots to do.

[@lilmisscookiecat2767]

an amazing old man. seeing people like that makes me realize how much we should be thankful for. Not only our home and stuff but also our rights.

[@SelfLESSnessIsKey]

In all 3 of his wishes you never heard "I." All his wishes included "we."

[@vanilla6754]

Caring about people will make you homeless

[@taibutler1474]

@@vanilla6754 that’s why we need socialism not capitalism

[@crisbrown9074]

We need alot more people like him and alot less of the others

[@schnheather256]

Wow, this man is awesome! What an inspiration! Wish this was the kind of stuff that was shown in the news.

[@LT0WnWaRi0]

damn thise man is very wise!

[@pearlfinder1]

Eli is one of a kind, he taught me a lot about having a beautiful spirit even under the hardest of conditions. this man has a great value and he wants to share it with everyone, it is this cry for happiness justice and freedom for everyone. thank you Eli.

[@eddiecamacho1]

Having watched many of these invisible people videos what hurts the most is realizing how numb the average person is in their capacity to have empathy or relate to others outside their own life. When I say this I include myself, it’s a uncomfortable truth.

[@alstonkendall]

i almost cried when he said just to have a sandwich

[@skdkskdk]

Actually I found it funny, but then I was stuffing my mouth at the same time.

[@rickyparker4552]

keep your head up ELI! prayers go out to you brother.

[@anthonyfeatherstone7696]

this man is incredible. I wish more were like him

[@loveisallthatmatters2514]

Derayray King I pray that God would give you empathy and love for mankind. Anyone could be displaced in a minute. I'd rather spend all day listening to this wise soul that understands how God intended the world to be than read one more of your condescending comments. Your cold heart is saddening, and I hope you find some peace and joy in your life. Lost, without God, must be a lonely place to be. May God soften your heart so your eyes can be opened.

[@suzidiaz2090]

A beautiful soul.. an amazing human being .. much love Eli you brought tears to my eyes

[@elainebmack]

What does he want? Basics, not a McMansion, big car, fancy food, and riches, but a place to live, be, and feel human, and he wants them for all, not just himself.

[@dr.bimbambula]

First a small place to live then a mansion, like we all do. The more we have the more we want.

[@sarohlow5148]

What if we were able to view life without material. Instead of all our minds so focused on all the new cool things we can create out of our planet we were all focused on what is outside this planet and this painted reality. Who could make a bigger difference than those who have been deprived of the fuel for these big material pushin companies that make people feel less if they dont have. I imagine if these people were given another REAL chance at being a part of the progression in humanity they would bring to the table what the people that run this country lack. Empathy for those that are lost in this world. Its time to progress. That starts with free education, free shelter for people to learn without wondering where they are going to sleep or how they are going to eat, then they can find their place in this system or how about a legal place for shelter to be built...these people cant even build their own house with their own labor. I dont believe we should not be able to enjoy buying things we like, i just believe no HUMAN should be forgotten with no second chance. As far as I've ever heard there has only been one perfect being on this planet. I have a really big heart for these people because i know how it feels to be and feel alone and completely lost and out of place. To feel tired and abused by the 🌎

[@globe255]

Nothing is for free, you have to work for it.

[@heyitsablackguy9553]

Yep, that's the great saying for the banksters. Nothing is for free, you gotta' work it. Meaning you gotta' work for them to have something. You gotta' go into debt in order to make them money!

[@JimFariello]

A very well spoken man, the man is very intelligent and knowledgeable. His plan just might work, I agree with him in his solution.

[@MarkMagill]

America can learn a thing or 2 about Compassion from this individual.

[@hypsnos]

Mark Magill I nod in agreement, while thinking "yeah, and not only america dude, the whole world...!"

[@GG-fs7vo]

Beautiful gentleman! Goď bless him.

[@justmom66]

I do not understand why more cities do not get into the whole movement of stabilizing the homeless situation. I mean there just are so many things that can be done to assist these people in getting back on their feet, yet people seem to be all to consumed with shunning them and pretending they just do not exist. To make it illegal to just want a safe place to lay your head is unreal to me. If we do not help each other we are all simply lost in the end.

[@AnneLien1987]

Poor man, hope he's doing well :( America is such a harsh country. I am glad to be european.

[@kellyofo8870]

This man is amazing .... I"ve based my gcse art toppic on him .

[@lauraMacKinnon321]

What a sweet and wellspoken man he is. So sad..Hope that he's situation is changing really soon..❤

[@burtonh1]

Eli, lead us the promise land!!

[@touchinghearts4YHWH]

Lord have mercy upon them! Isn't there someone who has vacant land that they are willing to donate for the cause so the homeless can have a place for residency and get a second chance at getting back on their feet again?

[@Tootallspottery]

Great story.. Keep up the good work - Thanks for sharing!

[@mahoganytaggart9520]

Hes gonna make it i speak blessings to you. I am saying a prayer for all homeless people and all hurting people and for this mess up world.

[@user-db6el7eb9p]

This breaks my heart

[@gregke1]

Hey Mark Just like a drug, I've become ADDICTED to these videos. But in a good way because it resulted in action... long story short, yesterday was my first time out visiting the homeless on Oahu, Hawaii and already made some super contacts who really need and want help... your socks idea is a godsend!

[@AncientEgyptQueen]

Check out the book he's holding...."People of the Lie." Most are living the "lie" that the controllers, under the influence of Satan, have been perpetrating on this planet since the serpent in the Garden of Eden. This is one amazing human being. God bless him.

[@loveisallthatmatters2514]

AncientEgyptQueen I noticed that too. I was blown away by the precious spirit of this man, may God bless him and you also.

[@elleeme9451]

@Kayla Nguyen perhaps god did not create evil. perhaps good and evil are mutually exclusive forces.

[@DChristina]

It comes down to Free Will

[@TNP33]

Amen!

[@christinenewhouse1264]

I would rather be friends with a homeless person(and yes I would help him)GOD KNOWS MY HEART... than a rich person..Very humble and wise man...I must say...Im not saying it to win people's hearts...I just think they are the most beautiful people on earth...they have been through alot and still have a positive outlook in life...life is unpredictable...but when we put God first...nothing can stand in our way...In Jesus Name We Pray...

[@marboni1579]

well, if you wanted to help homeless people, you can do that whenever...

[@12lilacbushes]

THE POWERS THAT BE..THEY DO NOT WANT US TO BE SELF SUSTAINING...

[@stuartsinclair1134]

Amazing beautiful human

[@loveisallthatmatters2514]

Stuart Sinclair Agreed! Stunning, wise man

[@imranalam1061]

Government can spend billions on wars but cant help homeless, this guy has great ideas, i wish somebody with resources listen to him

[@skdkskdk]

The gov's wars and investment in defense contractors are making America great again, you give money to one of those hobos and next thing you know they knock up a cheap ass ho and you have to double your spend until the child gets its teanage pregnancy and you have to quadruple. Let them fend for themselves in the greatest country on earth

[@HypeLemonade]

They spend money on them, but you can't help people who don't want to help themselves

[@brotherdubious9769]

When I was young I built a 10x20 off grid cabin, and lived in it for 15 years. It was surprisingly roomy, with a sleeping loft, and a good sized library. I loved it! But I must confess as a first time builder, I did not insulate properly, and stayed cold a lot. Fast forward, now I have an 8x8 cabin well insulated, with a micro wood burner, and a Wave propane heater. Toasty. I have an outside bathroom, with a compost toilet, and a sink. It is high style. I catch water from the sky, and have solar. I also have a fenced in garden. This project could work as a community of small homes, with common areas. Everyone could have their own small garden, or work in a larger community garden. This may not be the answer, but it would help some.

[@stevenm6200]

soft spoken and a very beautiful soul💕 I wish you the best where ever you are!!

[@missfit4943]

I love this guy... He is so right. I truly hope he's off the streets by now.

[@woooster71]

What an inspiration, pure unselfishness. God bless Eli, I wish for him better things. I thought my situation was bad, and I have been feeling 'woe is me' my girlfriend of 3 years left me a week ago. I have severe back pain, but...after 25 years working, I now have an ill health pension..for life. So I now have no financial worries. So Eli has shamed me.. There are far worse situations to be in. I will think about Eli whenever I feel negative about myself.

[@woooster71]

Very true, and it's something I never forget - even though I am in a much better place than I was 4 years ago.

[@colleenmercer3408]

This one hit me hard. What can I do? How do I help? 😭

[@InvisiblePeople]

+Colleen Mercer I always suggest people get involved in ending homelessness in their local communities.

[@shotta809]

Invisible People How is this man now?

[@StyleSensePlus]

C'mon. These stories touch our heart---motivating us to want to help the people that you've highlighted in these videos.. and then you don't provide a way for us to help these people specifically??? You can do better than that. Don't just highlight their plight, and then walk away from them. Money helps. Give people a way to help these people. (Even homeless animals that are brought to public attention, are given the opportunity to be helped.)

[@elleeme9451]

@@StyleSensePlus I totally agree, It's perverse the way he has set this up.

[@missfit4943]

Its extremely hard to make contact with these people once the interview is over. A lot of them don't have phones and constantly are moving. When I was homeless I never stayed someone longer than a few days and I was constantly robbed for anything I had of value. There's plenty of people in our local communities that need help too. We may not get to know them from watching an interview like this but it only takes a few minutes to find out and if you can help that would mean a lot to them.

[@tracy4591]

Mark....I have watched so many of your videos and have to say this is the one that touched me the most. Eli has so many great ideas such good information, and well spoken. Politicians and many other people need to listen to this man and TAKE ACTION!!! I would love to see an update on him!

[@JaniceTrades777]

I lost all my stuff as well..these years have been hard. many times Ive been homeless. I am continuously reminding myself to be thankful for my little apartment. If that's all I have, thats surely enough. My heart goes out to you Eli. I hope you've found a place..and I want what you want too.. :'(

[@sentry2236]

We need an update on this man. Please

[@maddysunshine4173]

He could have a great Councellor helping people in depression, man got so much positivity in such situation😊

[@luisriba8082]

I'll vote for that guy to be president.

[@MrMcBrainiac]

Better than other candidates, for sure!

[@janesickler5497]

This gentleman brought me tears...he has a genuine soul and has much to contribute to society. He does not deserve to suffer like this...when he spoke I envisioned him on a porch swing drinking ice tea and enjoying a nice cool breeze without a care in the world. My grown son and our combined 4 dogs live in a tent in his friends back yard....I know how he feels so his words touched my heart like no other...God bless and help this man rise above homelessness and have a place of his own to call home...may he always have medical care, enough to eat and a nice bed where he can rest.

[@dylanham1993]

I dont know why this video only has 64k views out of all the other videos.. this man is way too intelligent and has too much knowledge and too much of a spirit to be in the situation he is in. God bless his soul and I pray that we do something about these kind of situations because it is very real.

[@GenuinelyGiGi]

This interview was one of the most touching that I've seen. It's been almost 8 years. How is Mr. Eli? Have you seen him again? I hope and pray that he is doing well and no longer homeless. I want so badly for everyone to have (at the very least), their basic needs met: food, clothing, shelter, and health care (physical and mental). It boggles my mind that this country has soooo much, but helps its people so little. And about 78% of Americans are 1 paycheck away from homelessness. This problem is systemic and it I'm sure that it would take nothing but a little more generosity from everyone to turn the situation completely around.

[@animalsareourangels93]

He is so intelligent! And he is so right...you are only a few pay checks away from others not giving a crap about you! So true...too old to get a job, too young to get your pension! I am there too....The system and people failed this wonderful man...very sad.

[@patriciadavis7645]

Such a beautiful person may the father show favor to this young man let him be a leader not for where he's at but everywhere

[@YalkOne]

these people are homeless... but the federal govt is 16.4 trillion in debt? fuck this system. let it default. and start over!

[@imranalam1061]

Good person

[@v3xk1dz]

i can feel the spirit of Jesus shining through this guy, wow.

[@lisad2701]

Oh bru-ther!

[@phildirt3]

Tyrell Hall jesus is a delusion

[@junglegymbali5136]

Your je-sus put him there!

[@By.His.Spirit.]

Amen 🙏 this sweet man knows Jesus 💛 praying for him 🕊️

[@pickinforalivin]

I could listen to Eli all day. I wonder where he is now.

[@MrMcBrainiac]

This guy, articulate and amazing. He has a big heart, God bless him!

[@matthewoliver6655]

This is a man I recon needs a chance

[@Alprazolam08]

I hope he was able to get his books back. Those are real treasures.

[@ghu83]

very nice speak

[@bradleyparsons3261]

Eli, dont give up the great dream you have, i had a stroke at the age of 47, im now 54. And i live in washington state. Am jobless, but anyway, talk to you later ok?bradley -)

[@DaKloneLiving]

amen to this man's dream, vision, and encouragement.

[@tinavestal2154]

The world needs more men like this man. God bless him!

[@christaguariglia3241]

This man is so intelligent. I could listen to him speak for hours. He has so much to offer. God bless him I hope he's OK

[@creamfiend84]

Damn I want to find that Richard Wright book for the brother.

[@FeliciaOgilby]

That's Exactly What I Thought Too

[@reneecochran7563]

I really like this guy, he is wise, compassionate, and humble. He appreciates the simple things in life, that everyone has a right to. He made me cry like no other on these videos. A truly beautiful soul. I wish him well.

[@florasonners1635]

The three wishes brings many to tears. All they wish for are the basics. Many wish nothing for themselves.

[@cathymckeown9674]

this guy is amazing and insightful.

[@salahalkhalifa3705]

This wise man the great his kind words flows like cool breeze in a summer night refreshing the mind and the heart.

[@viktorkarlsson1458]

Many great ideas. I hope they come true. Thank you for sharing.

[@miriampecos6225]

Thank you Eli. You speak from your heart ❤ God bless you 🌟🙏✨ I pray you are OK. I enjoyed your interview.

[@karolutz8536]

This Guy is closer to God than everybody else, thank you so much, that you doesn't wish for yourself but for all the humans, in your position. I love you❣

[@Ascendedninja6]

This man is an amazing anomaly. His wishes are truly mind blowing. His mentality is better than most people I've come across.

[@swedenoble6083]

Bottom line is a total inspiration a great soul and a kind spirit God bless this brother

[@jasongates-]

I wish I could meet this guy. Mark, did you catch up with the poet he mentioned, a couple of weeks after this video?

[@onacorona2323]

I have known people who had the world by the tail.....but sadly do to bad illnesses lost every thing of no fault of their own. We never know what could happen in our own lives to judge some one else's. I wish all the homeless people in the world ,get one person whom will show them a act of kindness. I do that and ask them in return to do a act of kindness.....could be just a kind word to someone else. God Bless Them All. 🙏

[@SuperTompo]

Beautiful in its tragedy... is life... What a beautiful human being. Truly humbling presentation

[@deanguando9950]

This man is by far one of the most intelligent elders I have ever listened to. He is a true leader. His future is far brighter then most of ours.

[@mysticmystic7240]

beautiful soul❤❤deep real words!

[@Feliperost]

What a fantastic human being.

[@jelicianorwood24]

Eli is a man of God. Things mean nothing because once its all gone we useless to ths world. He has so much faith. I want to be like him. He is going be alright.

[@swami24u]

good job . keep it up in america

[@efeldman2000]

Me, too. Too told to get a job and too young for SS or Medicare. Rotting on the vine. The generation of the unwanted.

[@mahoganytaggart9520]

You are a man of God. I think all rich people need to buy buildings to house all these people. Im gonne pray for this Man and others like him.

[@infinitelove3221]

DEEP. I connect with everything Eli talk about.

[@bryanlint9327]

He is a great speaker and has a great mind.

[@EWJHalifu2766]

God Bless You Eli. I hope your wishes do come true.

[@bobmalone4519]

i say the rich should get together and buy a bunch of land a build a city for the homeless

[@jasongates-]

Amen.

[@kennyscott1089]

bob malone that's why they rich. Because thy take everything from people like this. They not going to give it back.

[@garouuchiha4041]

Its not going to happen of the majority of rich people, their too busy and greedy over stupidest shit.

[@garouuchiha4041]

I would do it but its im not rich.

[@heatlifer3640]

bob malone the rich? All they’ll do is charge the homeless to become residents and make them pay rent to stay there. Us as a community need to pool our money together and do it for them. The rich is why their in their situations.