(Un)housed in paradise: how the homeless can get off the street

Chronic homelessness has risen 65% in the U.S. in the past 7 years, much of the increase has happened in West Coast cities like Los Angeles and Portland.
“It used to be - just less than 4 years ago - that 85% of our houseless people were from this city,” explains community architect Mark Blakeman, “But since the acceleration of the economic disparity people have been coming from the interior of the country where it’s oftentimes way too hot or way too cold for people to be able to survive. So there are thousands more people, millions more people, I would say on the west coast that are homeless than ever before.”
[Watch the first part of Trapped in Paradise: • Trapped in paradise: h... ]
Lakeman helped organize the founding of Dignity Village, which resident and president, Lisa Larson, describes as “the only city-sanctioned, self-supporting, self-governing homeless community in North America.” He’s also helped plan other DIY communities “where people can actually be stable on a piece of land.”
Forty percent of California’s homeless live in Los Angeles, but Rowan Vansleve, who helps run tiny home villages in LA thinks it’s a fixable problem. He says 60% of those they approach want help getting off the streets. Vansleve gave us a tour of the Chandler Tiny Home Village in North Hollywood, where formerly homeless people live in their own small abodes with shared showers and toilets and communal dining space.
To help address the thousands of people sleeping in their vehicles, we visited one of the lots of Safe Parking LA (Saint Mary’s church in Koreatown) where we met founders Ira and Pat Cohen, who have spent more than a decade trying to help vehicle-dwellers get a safe night's sleep.
Dignity Village (self-instituted DIY village in Portland): dignityvillage...
Chandler Tiny Home Village: www.hopeofthev...
Safe Parking LA: safeparkingla....
Johnny's blog: www.granolasho...
Dignity Village photos credit: Kwamba Productions
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

[@alanfoix9911]

I been homeless for years. I'm a old hobo. I will probably always live in a van or small rv. It's mine and it can be cheap. And I can move easily. One can have everything in a van or rv that you have in a house. I'm working on my new new tiny home now. A 1976 Dodge motor home. I'm building it for cold weather. What does it matter what people live in. As long as your a honest person and not hurting others what should it matter. The choice of home doesn't make the person. How one treats others should matter more. Peace and love people 💕 ✌️ 👍 🙏🙏

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Living in a VAN or an RV does NOT mean you are HOMELESS, THAT is your home, this is a TERRIBLE statement.

[@PixelShade]

​@@MARKLINMAN1 It's not a bad statement. Because society will still class that as homelessness. Society want people to live on a paycheck to paycheck life, paying rent, taxes as well as consume a tons unnecessary goods to stimulate the economy. If you decide to live outside all of that, like an RV, you are in fact "homeless" in the eyes of society. Even if it is a personal choice, even if you consider it your home, it's not how society dictates how you suppose to live. Some states are more hostile towards vehicle dwelling and want to ban it. Ultimately you will still be harassed by the police. Being told that you can't be there. So what OP means is that people should be humane, show compassion and be kind to others and their life choices.

[@bencuraza6503]

@@PixelShade DITTO. Living by Government / Societies’s expectations means fueling Taxes Revenue to stimulate the Economy. Vehicle living by choice and maintaining the mobile live style done responsibly hurting no one is a creative option win win. Unfortunately, Government chooses to Technically classify this as “homeless” stigmatizing as a Whole. Currently, funding Billions on top of Billions a testosterone war no outrage yet SJWarriors only express distaste over a 44-Billion buyout hypocritical🤔⁉️Crazy World ALL of US live in.

[@VarietyGamerChannel]

You can park in front of my house any time old chap.

[@ko6el]

​@@MARKLINMAN1 🤫

[@lissanne9769]

Dignity Village is a much better place to live in than a tent. More privacy, protection, and security. Thanks to everyone who has helped to create this project.

[@bobjary9382]

Agreements rather than rules. Self governing rather than policed. Recycle rather than trash. There are so many solutions to the entrenched problems in society manifested in Dignity Village .

[@nicolasboullosa]

Yes. But: can it scale, especially in the direst situations? Is any human ready to work for the common good under any circumstance? Are we fully rational beings? If it can scale, then why is it so challenging to try out? Can you reproduce something like it for tens of thousands of people, for hundreds of thousands of people, across several locations, keeping the same ethos and sense of community?

[@lissanne9769]

Maybe it's location and available land. Also zoning can be stopping the tiny home progress.

[@himselfe]

@@nicolasboullosa I don't think the problem is one that has a one size fits all solution, but Dignity Village certainly shows that solutions that are both workable and humane can be found, if the will is there by authorities and land owners.

[@nicolasboullosa]

@@himselfe 👌

[@tesscot]

Lots of people are broken. Most of the time, we didn't break ourselves, another person or persons broke us. Broken People get up in the morning and keep trying just like the rest of you. We are the greatest survivors in the world.

[@jenhasken]

Amen. 💜

[@kiwioffgrid2437]

Nothing external can break you. We all choose our own thoughts and actions.

[@laurabateman8151]

Well said.... amen 🙏

[@marciabarreto780]

Amen!

[@bapam2]

@@kiwioffgrid2437 easier said than done

[@allthingseducation]

I love this man --he understands what it means to be human. A hot shower, clean clothes and food.

[@jeanne2583-w1n]

They should have land around them. Each person gets a patch for a garden. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, flowers. Get their hands in the dirt. That is a fantastic calming influence. **GARDENS!!**

[@priskruger314]

Very healthy in many ways ❤🧡💛

[@ompaloompa4970]

The biggest calming influence on my life is knowing Jesus Christ

[@jckelsey]

This is a great set up. Homelessness is rarely a choice. I love that pets are allowed.

[@Pack.Leader]

That was a very sweet way you lingered on the lady with the small dog as she stood in the doorway of her tiny home in that community, after she said, "Whenever you want to stop by, ..." Touching.

[@connierenna-xf9um]

Dog is adorable

[@dudeaciousmonstrosity7650]

And when the interviewer said "Hopefully, you will have your own little house someday," this sweet lady looked down and said "Yeah. Hopefully." And she says this smiling, staring ahead. Hope is what she clings to, like so many others. They know the reality of their situation, and hope is sometimes all they have, and it is enough for now. She is bright, gracious and full of dignity. I too, hope for her and people like her.

[@JANTHONYPerez]

❤

[@LuvyAKgirl]

They really should've stop by. In my opinion, that is a major deal to offer someone to stop by.. its a big deal for her to be able to even offer.

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

Its great that pets are allowed as pets are their family and provide companionship. They have a chance to become a normal part of the community.

[@davidowen2396]

Evelyn appears to be doing well in turning her life around...but I couldn't help get a strong sense of her sadness that what she has now is temporary. She will continue to experience insecure attachment which may have leave her at risk of relapse or crisis. Let's hope she continues to get a high level of support to establish strong attachments in her next home. Good luck Evelyn! x

[@imo9826]

Yes she seemed very sad that she was not able to stay. It didn't seem to be covered in the video how long people had the units for.

[@SnarkasticSunny]

Such transitory housing is better than a tent somewhere, when you can get "vacated" with 72hrs notice & nowhere else to go. I get that. But, transitory means temporary & it's insecurity still ~ it IS better than tents on the street, for sure! But being insecure about where & how you'll be able to live can lead to relapse, especially when one feels at home in that community & builds relationships there, then has to leave & start over. How long can they stay at this place? Where to from there & is it going to be stable then? Stability & safety are the 2 biggest things everyone needs to live; only then can you breathe & focus on long term. But hey, we are dealing eith a situation that has been growing & ignored for a very long time! It's great to see some ideas, well thought out plans to help those cast aside by society ~ gives me hope! It would be great if gov't eould find some tax dollars to contribute to these solutions that others are implementing. Most of them were tax paying citizens like rest of us before ending up homeless. Thr problem is so huge cuz' those we elect to govern, didn't do the hard part of that job & kept thinking it would "just go away". Cost of housing & wages paid for most jobs have a HUGE gap between them & I see no changes in that! There's housing that sits empty because alot of real estate gets bought up by "investment groups" who pay cash & have NO intention of renting it out, just holding onto it long term. There should be a special tax on that type investment, as it is taking needed housing out of commission for later profits! Remaining housing gets even more expensive & these groups with plenty of $$$ at their disposal are outbidding REAL people trying to buy a home to live in! There should be a penalty paid for doing this to real Americans ~ investor groups either need to rent out what they buy up, or pay a penalty for keeping empty!

[@kathleencentrone-mi6qy]

I felt that she is longing for company and bonds that are permanent. I hope that happens for her.❤

[@jehouse61]

Why can't they stay indefinitely?

[@tiedtruth1071]

@@jehouse61 other people need an opportunity as well, this is a stepping stone

[@jekalambert9412]

It is such a sad commentary that we live in a world where people end up homeless, especially in environments where the climate is harsh. Having a safe home is fundamental to human existence. Bravo to those who are making it possible for people to stop living on the streets and thank you Kirsten for making this documentary series and highlighting some viable solutions to end homelessness.

[@eddiemunster8634]

Why is it sad? These people made miserable selfish choices in their lives, so why do you think other people or Society is responsible for this? Your virtue signaling is puke inducing

[@jimcarrington6744]

No, this video is dishonest. There are no viable solutions & mankind should become extinct. "Each and every time that humans speak, their thoughts are simultaneously BROADCAST in a much richer way than can be fit into words." No belief included, I simply remember before being taught verbal language. (mom later said that I was not a year old) Our languages serve NO greater purpose than to enable dishonesty. The lies go back much farther than people realize today.

[@sharongillesp]

But these aren’t homes, they’re open-space prisons and look like cheap fast food places. Where’s the landscaping, where’s the beauty, where’s the feeling of tranquility, and where’s the feeling of community? People deserve better. It’s a start but it must get better and SOON!

[@SamsungGalaxy-nm5qt]

Seems like a lot of people end up homeless who do not have family, or even if they do have a family member, it's only 1 other person. I encounter a lot of homeless people who say they have a family member, somewhere, but it's just one who is also struggling. Our families are failing. Families used to be seen as fundamental to human existence. Now families are seen as a burden, a waste of resources and socially irresponsible.

[@jimcarrington6744]

​@@SamsungGalaxy-nm5qt I have family, but they are selfish & greedy, with no empathy for ANYONE. When I was 9 years old, I saved their lives by pulling them out of a house fire. (they were asleep)

[@livingintheforest3963]

What a shame we can’t do this all over the country and get this right.

[@rahulat85]

all it needs is will, and one less fighter jet.

[@marciabarreto780]

@@rahulat85 Very good!

[@sharongillesp]

@@rahulat85 Agree. But I’d like to see more landscaping and beautification. Right now it looks like a cheap, off the highway, fast food place. They create beautiful very low income housing in other countries because they know it makes a HUGE difference in how people feel about themselves and consequently how they behave. This place will soon be reduced to prison-like behavior because it’s basically an open-air prison. Unlike prisons in Denmark which are actually very beautiful!

[@secrets2youth]

Living in the forest, so you think it is a shame that we don't create prisons all over the world

[@secrets2youth]

@@sharongillesp Rahul, thank you so much for saying it's so much better than I did because yes it is a prison and it is totally a prison in every way you do not have privacy you do not have the ability to do as you wish you have curfews you have to answer to all of the staff around 2 anytime they wish to intrude upon your space you do not have a space that looks like home or Feels Like Home you have a space that feels and looks more sterile than a hospital room and it really is not a place that you can heal, thank you, rahul, for making people hopefully be more aware that not only I but there are others who recognize that dignity Village is a prison

[@mightywind7595]

They don’t just create shelter, they create hope.

[@Ladyhawk47]

Hope, that's the most important thing.

[@ammogan]

I've lived in a school bus I converted myself for 2 years now, it's worth $100k. I sleep on a mattress that cost $1500. I have a shower and water heater. I'm homeless? No. Am I treated very poorly most places I go? Yes, (Ehhem-portland and all of Ca) I make enough money to live in a house, I just don't want to. No one deserves to be treated poorly, especially those among us who are struggling the most! My dream is to start an organization like habitat for humanity without all the stipulations that helps actual homeless people get back on their feet.

[@Ladyhawk47]

I felt the same way about habitat for humanity, like it exploited the poor.

[@nubannub8108]

It really is perspective. I live in a cabin in the woods off grid. Some see it as poverty and others look at it as im living their dream. I've put over 50k in all of it.

[@solovantravel]

Dude, you think it's worth $100,000. Stop this nonsense

[@beyondher]

@@solovantraveldude some converted buses are worth $200k!

[@juliadixon8465]

Hey ammogan: need a roommate, or someone who does? You sound cooler than hell

[@SusanRogersMakingItWork4Me]

I LOVE that there are places to help those in need!💞 I spent 6 weeks in a women's shelter, my husband had beaten me badly. It was a safe haven!

[@SternDrive]

But you chose NOT to live in a tent on the street. Good for you! Hope you're back on your feet now.

[@SusanRogersMakingItWork4Me]

@@SternDrive I was bent, not broken. I wish more women could understand the difference. That happened many years ago and I have learned a lot!

[@5DNRG]

The problem is "my husband."

[@candidegunn3624]

I have the perfect example of this that happened in an instant. Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the hurricane washed away all the homes of the workers in the city but left all of the rich parts of the city almost untouched. For years after, restaurants and shops and fast food places, grocery stores etc. could not reopen because there were no workers to run them. No where to live meant that workers could not come back. those workers lived in slums and you can't build a slum, those just happen over time.

[@lorrie5881]

I'm from New Orleans, and fun fact 90 per cent of people from the lower nine..were generational home owners... You would see one house very well taken care of, and the next falling down... ( I guess that's what you were calling the slums)... It was a matter of who cared more for their properties... But yeah, the majority of people from the lower nine owned thier property. Another reason why people might not have been able to reopen business is bc there was no electricity for 3 months..among other major infrastructure issues.

[@natashadickson4819]

The levee broke and flooded the poor areas because it hadn't been maintained. The Army Corps of Engineers had warned of the problem long before.

[@iwasnet]

Nach einem Krieg oder einer Naturkatastrophe mussten viele Menschen wieder ihre Dörfer und Städte aufbauen, alle, die überlebt haben, mussten zusammen arbeiten und mithelfen. Die Menschen lebten in Bunkern, Bauwagen, Kellern und Kasernen. In Kälte, Hunger und widrigsten Umständen . Niemand hat die Hände in den Schoss gelegt und gewartet dass ein Wunder geschieht.

[@kookietherapy9398]

Lahaina Maui, Paradise CA.

[@MsChaCha-45]

@@kookietherapy9398 ❤AMEN TO THESE TWO BEAUTIFUL PLACES ALSO ‼️

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Thank you, Kirsten and Fair Companies for producing this series. I find it mind boggling that in this country, supposedly the greatest in the world, that it’s is acceptable to continually raise the cost of housing and other basic needs yet wages remain stagnate.

[@AB-kg6rk]

i agree, its sick... 😟

[@vickieadams6648]

The greatest country in the world was propaganda to keep you on the corporate plantation. The reality mask is being pulled off, the dream is dead compliments of the cronyism.

[@floyd2222]

and... so what do you do with the open frickin southern border......millions of folks coming now, within less than a year...where will everyone be housed??!! madness....nightmare.....

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@floyd2222 the “open border” is a fallacy being pushed by far right media outlets. The number of crossings are actually down.

[@dreamzofhorses]

Our minimum wage in California is $15.50 but most places pay more. However it’s still not enough for the expensive housing and many people cannot work and will never be able to work. This is happening all over not only in the USA, I was in Vancouver and they have blocks in the city of homeless encampments. Inflation, recessions, rising costs of living, supply chain issues…it’s not just a US thing.

[@LoveWisdomFreedom]

@Kirsten, love how you broke this down in part 1, presenting the issues, and; part 2, showing viable solutions. Great work! Wholeness to you & your family 🙏🏽

[@jimcarrington6744]

pure dishonesty

[@IndigoBellyDance]

I feel in part 1 People finding good communities to live in While they Worked , studied and lived in the RV’s Seems Fully viable and reasonable to me.

[@jimcarrington6744]

@@IndigoBellyDance Sad that our corrupt leaders cannot see what you see.

[@margaretmary-dj1ps]

🎀 yes Ma'am ! You are angelic ✨

[@brianwalker1933]

@jimcarrington6744 They do see what is happening but obviously don't care. Only when people rise up and revolt against all of their greed and corruption, will be the time that they will care, as their safety, health, power and status will be jeopardised. Violence is (unfortunately) the "only thing" that will make them right the wrongdoings that they have perpetrated against these poor and unfortunate homeless people. Corruption and greed rules supreme everywhere, in this godforsaken planet!!

[@joyjones8231]

As a person with progressive chronic illness,I know a time will come soon when I won't be able to afford cost of living, I hope theres more housing situations like this in future.

[@andreawisner7358]

I also have chronic illness and I'm in groups... There always are people in the groups in intolerable situations and/or on the edge of homelessness. And they're too sick to do anything about it. I'd like to create a safe place for chronically ill people to live a reasonable life on their disability payments and be able to pay their medical costs with Medicare/Medicaid. Medicaid is currently being taken away from a lot of people.

[@secrets2youth]

@@andreawisner7358 without creating a prison without creating a deadline to be in the home without creating common showers and toilets and even makeshift showers and toilets but actually creating a home for someone that has everything they need without it being so small that is is impossible to get around like not having the space to take a shower in the shower like not having enough space even to get into the home or to pass from the living room to the kitchen it is crazy how small tiny homes are and I don't think any home should be less than 600 square feet for one man or woman. If you are going to create homes for others have the honour to create a home that shows respect for them and honor towards them because no man should be put into a box less than 600 square feet it is just too small for most people, and some people are doing it and they're going into 100 or 200 or 300 or 400 square feet because they now label at tiny house 400 square feet or less and that is too small and even if that man or woman says they can do it it still makes the Consciousness feel badly it is not good for us to be confined into such a small space and I say this as a woman who is called a fengshui for Optimal Health consultant.

[@secrets2youth]

Joy Jones, then I hope you are happy in prison because that is what this is why are you so blind

[@andreawisner7358]

@@secrets2youth I live in 700 Square feet (2 people plus pets) and I absolutely could live in much less, so I don't see why people should to be provided more than what they need. Maybe you have unreasonable expectations. Those expectations should not be projected onto the homeless. If some of them do want larger houses, then a tiny home is their first step toward their dream. Also, by insisting that houses always be over 600 feet, you're just making housing the homeless more difficult and less likely to occur. Did you see any of them complaining? Personally I think the distance between the houses was too much, but there's probably a reason like regulations limiting the number of residents per acre and/or even a psychological reason. People having their own small space feel safer and find it easier to function in the world.

[@andreawisner7358]

Also, you're lying about being a qualified Feng shui consultant if you think people need living spaces bigger than 400 square feet. You obviously haven't seen how spacious tiny homes can feel. Also refer to the story The Boy Who Drew Cats and the admonition to avoid large spaces and keep to small.

[@BossQueen]

I lived in my car with my dogs. There's nothing like this in DC. This place is a blessing.😔

[@beth3535]

I don’t understand how you can ensure this facility doesn’t become a draw.

[@BossQueen]

@@beth3535 what do u mean?!

[@pennybedggood4126]

Kirsten and your family - I am in awe of the dignity and respect you show towards people in all different circumstances. The way you refer to "being without a home" instead of "homeless", filming and showing us that people take care and respect their chosen environments. Not just this video, but many others, have opened my eyes to so many different points of view and situations. You are embracing and empathetic. You are the type of people that should be our policy makers.

[@2002RM]

I agree! So why are they not our policy makers? Why are you not a policy maker?

[@dailyvictorytv912]

True.

[@cindytackett7106]

Great video ! I exited California 2 years ago due to all the chaos there. I live in a small community here on the amazing Oregon Coast. There are several tiny villages here on the coast and inland. Help those who want change in their life. I live in peace where people respect their environment and one another. Peace Out

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

@@stacyjaye6350 Got an opinion?

[@kathyschreiber9947]

"Want to change your life" is the key phrase here. The folks in the Portland and SF tiny villages acknowledged that addiction is a major problem in their communities. Both those places require residents to be clean. Unfortunately too many are unwilling to give up that life.

[@MySkinnydip]

Yea! The Oregon coast is pretty cool! I lived across from Netarts bay and people were always offering warm clothes and blankets and food to the house less! I moved to Seattle and instantly regretted it!🥲

[@secrets2youth]

Would you please share the name of the tiny villages on Oregon and also if there's any phone number or email for any of them that would be terrific I would love to explore that

[@secrets2youth]

@@kathyschreiber9947 Kathy, I don't see that what you're saying is true I think that people who are addicted to wish usually most all of them wish to give up the addiction but addictions are not something that is as simple as saying I wish to stop the addiction there are many steps that need to be taken just to not crave whatever it is one is addicted to, I have helped many people eliminate their cravings and it is about extreme health and if someone doesn't have an idea how to help someone become extremely or optimally healthy then you are not going to be able to help that man or woman stop craving their addiction and you have to remember that no man truly wishes to be put in a prison no man truly wishes to be treated without respect have all of his belongings gone through be given a room that is worse than a hospital room very sterile with even the small narrow bed not even a double which everyone needs at least a double or queen bed that seems like a minimum need to me but this is my viewpoint, and because sleep a great sleep must be rejuvenative every night and if we're not comfortable then we are not going to get the great sleep and for me I actually turned from one side to the other two or three times a night and that means if I have to narrow of a bed less than a queen I am not able to turn back and forth without having to wake up totally and move the pillows over to the other side and move my body so there's room for the pillows and it's our major chore and then it takes me time to get back into the deep sleep to be able to heal, there are so many more issues with this place that I have mentioned in other postings but it is truly not a great place as the people you can tell that are living there or not joyful they're not talking about the place or their space as a great space they just speak about it very offhandedly and you have to recognize that if you're told you have curfews as an adult and if you're told you know you can't go anywhere unless it's approved or you have to get approval to go out or any of this other s*** you are living in a f****** prison and that is not the way to create an opportunity for men to heal

[@markcrume]

# 29 in the tiny village was touching, inspiring. Thanks little lady.

[@eiryamorlais4978]

All of those who are helping, whatever the approach, bring tears to my eyes. With utmost gratitude.

[@siouxgerowsays]

Everyone should be made to watch this set. It is tough but so important. Your production here is so sensitively attuned to the difficult material. This is really a standout, and we have been following you for a long time. Thank you for putting all the time and effort into this review. We commented on the kids growing up, you only had 2 when we started watching you.

[@joecutro7318]

Kristen, your work is so important and using your platforms as a conduit is admirable. Some of us need a leg up and the gap is widening. There are some creative programs that are working so well. We need more sweeping support and resources to achieve scale. The Hoover to Roosevelt example was a great example of bringing a solution to scale, but it requires give and take. 🙏❤☮🇺🇸

[@sirprinceblair]

The lady that stays in unit # 29 seems like such a gentle soul.

[@shemamabell-irving2671]

So happy to see Mark Lakeman included in this. I have done 3 of his placemaking courses. He is brilliant

[@SmithHiggins-ph2dn]

Hello bell

[@kasondaleigh]

What a beautiful place! I love that they offer a place to clean up and eat BEFORE getting into your new home. Very welcoming.

[@yowwwwie]

this is the reason i have kept my camper van.....the world is now upside down and no one seems to notice. Thank you Kirsten for helping us to notice. Please go to San Francisco and Bay Area.....Newsom's city by the bay. יוי

[@PropheticCoachTheresa]

"Newsom said that the homes will cost around $30 million to build" They are hemming and hawing about 30 million? The cost of ONE of their homes. Ridiculous.

[@yowwwwie]

@@PropheticCoachTheresa thank you for the information... יוי

[@bencuraza6503]

About 4-years ago Road Travel Newsom’s watch State Capital Sacramento lost navigating next to the American River where Politicians turn a Blind Eye to Homeless encampments and visually shocking to my eyes.

[@bjoe631]

WE DON'T NEED NEW HOMES, we need big money/companies to not be able to buy single-family homes. Honestly, there should be regulation over this, its just disgusting. Most times it amazes me greatly how I moved from an average lifestyle to earning over $63k per month, Utter shock is the word. I have understood a lot in the past few years that there are lots of opportunities in the financial market. The only thing is to know where to invest.

[@oliviajane269]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate or bitcoin and stocks.

[@nyreggie]

I keep wondering how people earn money in financial markets, i tried trading bitcoin on my own made a huge loss and now I'm scared of investing more.

[@bjoe631]

@@nyreggie That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like *Mr Gary Mason Brooks* my coach, you may have come across him on interviews relating to bitcoin and stocks. He trades, manage trading account and offer mentorship program for clients who wish to become professional investors.

[@nyreggie]

@@bjoe631 You allow people to trade for you? that's interesting, I would love to learn, hope it’s safe?

[@zombie15ish]

@thirtyonesolid Well this not my first time of seeing this name on social platform. A CNBC news host spoke highly of this man and his trading strategies. Do you know him ? if yes , did you invest with him?

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Thank you for presenting this. I so wish we could have affordable senior housing iny area. Living on social security isn't easy ad I've been waiting 3+ yrs for an affordable apartment. We in St. Louis, Missouri have only section 8 or apartments for $3500! I believe there are only maybe 3 housing for low to middle income available with years on waiting lists! We need tiny house communities too!

[@susanrichardson3220]

same here in San Antonio....45,000 folks on waiting list for public housing...

[@TheUtuber999]

And yet you vote Republican. 😆

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

@@TheUtuber999 oh NO! Never!

[@jeannie5389]

Our local housing is a joke!! They rob your apt Everytime you leave, steal your clothes, food, even your pot of soup out of your refrigerator!! I moved, went homeless to my car rather than put up with Housing robbing my apt!!

[@erienature]

Watching your channel for years, this may be your best work yet. What an incredible thing you are doing, shining light on social issues, struggles, ideas, and solutions without having an agenda in an agenda driven world. I appreciate your approach so much. I am so glad people like you exist to show these alternative ways to live a life, bravo.

[@boromirofmiddleearth557]

What a wonderful set up! The shower part is amazing just to start with. If I could I would replicate this all over the country with modifications for cold weather and rain. Thank you for what you are doing and fir showing this! Much continued success and growth! So happy to see this housing community!

[@1Jason]

This is California though. I cannot imagine how much all that costs. The Government is shockingly wasteful.

[@mariarobles6426]

To be homeless doesn't mean they are drug addicts or have mental health issues ‼️ I live in a very prestigious residential area, huge homes and yards and really I see things in here that I am sure not even in those tents you will see. 😢. Security at the entrance, close circuit BUT....... I could get killed by talking about it. SO Don't look down on the homeless ...

[@albertawheat6832]

A very candid response, Thank you for having some compassion also.

[@allthingsharbor]

These developments are a great start. But we need PERMANENT developments like this for people, not just temporary housing with expectations the residents will move on to larger housing. Not everyone wants a huge home and all the expenses associated with one.

[@chapman1569]

Kirsten, thanks for bringing this story to us, it is so important to hear their stories. Giving back dignity to these people is so important. Cities and communities cannot fonction without the service people and they deserve a living wage.

[@Britbabe53]

Been to Venice Beach and it's so sad to see the homeless all lined up all along the beach and the sidewalks in the streets. They closed the laundromat beside Whole Foods because the homeless were always congregating in there. This community arrangement is awesome!!

[@PDogB]

Venice Beach encampments were cleared of homeless and cleaned. Businesses and the community came back. The footage from in the beginning of this video is from years ago.

[@Britbabe53]

@@PDogB That's super encouraging!

[@TheUtuber999]

A good channel to watch is German in Venice. Indeed looks better in Venice lately.

[@sharonadlam3195]

WOW Kirsten, yet another absorbing video. Unfortunately governments and some in our communities would rather turn a blind eye to the homeless issue than actually do something constructive to lessen the problem.

[@sharonadlam3195]

@@jakelittle1261 You don't have to be homeless to be the perpetrator of crime. Your comment shows a lack of understanding and a bias that is not helpfull.

[@AImaniaX]

Absolutely love this! The tiny home villages are the answer! So so glad this exist now there. We need to resolve this once and for all and it’s gotta happen immediately.

[@phyllo2694]

This is the third story that you have done with the gentleman at the end. Loved all the stories that you have done with him and so glad he is doing well

[@risasb]

City park near us has a odd extension that runs along, half of each block, next to a thoroghfare, difficult space to find a use for, most of it, but the last half block, about two blocks from our place, has one of these little towns on it, well organized, good vibes. This is an excellent video about such interim solutions and am very glad to see it here. I have been homeless and such a facility would have been a godsend. 🙏

[@Jouhatsu-oi5qg]

Brilliant reporting, incorporating eloquent, educated interviews .... Award-worthy content! 🙏🙏🙏

[@alangeorge1661]

That man is amazing, helping humans to feel human again! God bless him and all involved! Thanks for reporting this!

[@gardengeek3041]

Both episodes demonstrate the best type of reporting. To let those effected explain the roots of the problem. To observe and record without judging. And, to show various ways of solving the issues. Thank you, Miss K.D.

[@charliemitchelljr.8552]

God bless you for helping these these homeless people ❤

[@jimcarrington6744]

Nobody is helping the homeless. This is all just more dishonesty. I have been to these exact places as a permanently disabled veteran, who has been homeless for the past 30 years.

[@embracewelleness]

This could easily be a 10 part series, or more. Thank you so much for making these.

[@59jaguar]

There are solutions to homeless ness but government has to be willing to address solving the problem. I admire the drive of these organizations here willing to help but it’s not enough . Every large city in the USA should have Dignity Villages where people can get help if they need it. Good video Thank you

[@livingitup9647]

Wow, I'd no idea this was going to feature Portland, too! You shot footage of the east boundary of Lone Fir Cemetery, just feet from the gravesite of my mother and 3 other family members. This was our family's neighborhood, where my great grandparents built a house in the 1920's, and I still live nearby. I've live in Portland all my 65+ years, and it pains me deeply to see what it has turned into -- especially in the past few years. It is a shell of its former 'most livable city' status. I lay the blame at the feet of city leaders who have utterly failed to implement meaningful measures to provide more units of affordable housing -- an issue that has been developing over many decades -- and now, for myriad reasons, have allowed crime and unfettered homelessness to destroy family neighborhoods, the downtown core, and many public spaces. It is absolutely unacceptable. I plan to leave this Portland metro area and never return. It is heartbreaking to witness its decline.

[@espnmk]

The American dream has become a nightmare for so many it's unattainable out of reach a lost cause put in the back burner for some. Like I've seen here in other videos no one wakes up one day and says today I become homeless today I'm gonna have a mental breakdown whatever the transition something drastic happens to many Americans everyday it's unavoidable and easy to stay in it and also much harder to get out of. The gentleman in the end of the video talks about the end of the 1930's when Hoover was in office and it took 20 years to solve homelessness now 90 years later population is a 200% increase and having the same issues and government needs to fix the problem, I say it's not going to happen, Us as Citizens need to step up and find solutions because guess what next time you look out your peaceful street or finely manicured lawn there's going to be tents up. Thank you for sharing your hard work I love the channel.

[@Trunkdavis]

Excellent documentary. Re: The first project profiled … it’s a shame the place is devoid of any trees, plants, and the mini-huts have as much warmth as the inside of a gas can. That’s not great for anyone’s mental wellness. Personal surroundings matter too.

[@nononono3421]

Plants and trees would require maintenance, increase costs.

[@kelleyrancher]

Well I can bring things inside to make it more cheerful

[@keishabryant4650]

It kinda like a prison cell. We use to take troubled kids to the jails for a visual effect, this kinda is the same look. The cells are just kinda spaced out a tad. Color matters, appearance matters, environmental cues, and really studying what motivates happiness, will, and mental stability. The Evanlyn lady looked worried about transitioning (that does not put a person with a disease or a mental hung up any room to not stress, it kinda defeats the purpose of transitioning. In no way am I slamming on the program but I am suggesting.

[@bencuraza6503]

Again, BIG THANK YOU for Documenting and Sharing for me our most needy vulnerable yet our Country cannot figure out a solution or turns a blind eye. PLEASE, continue providing periodic updates on your Channel. Observation I noticed was the Year documented having seen myself few of these Areas in the last 2-5years overall the displaced have gotten worse not much progress.💪💕💪

[@LowsonIntl]

Thank you for making this important documentary and bringing light to this enormous problem in our nation. Homelessness is a global epidemic and can no longer be ignored or swept under the proverbial carpet. The over-inflated real estate market is egregious and is the source of this enormous problem, which needs to be remedied by governance. The humanitarians that are setting up these villages to get people off the streets is a commendable step in the right direction; however, there needs to be substantial growth in real affordable housing to start alleviating homelessness at its core.

[@suesorensen2440]

I LOVE your videos -- ranging from luxurious DIY to homeless structures, all the while showing your curiosity and compassion! Thank you, and keep them coming ☮

[@BeverlyTalley]

we need big money/companies to not be able to buy single-family homes. Honestly, there should be regulation over this, its just disgusting. Most times it amazes me greatly how I moved from an average lifestyle to earning over $63k per month, Utter shock is the word. I have understood a lot in the past few years that there are lots of opportunities in the financial market. The only thing is to know where to invest.

[@Florencecoxx]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate or bitcoin and stocks.

[@izagdlife]

I keep wondering how people earn money in financial markets, i tried trading bitcoin on my own made a huge loss and now I'm scared of investing more.

[@BeverlyTalley]

@@izagdlife That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like *Sarah Alma Martinez* my consultant. I found her on a CNBC interview where she was featured and reached out to her afterwards. She has since provide entry and exit points on the securities I focus on. I basically follow her trade pattern and haven’t regretted doing so..

[@izagdlife]

@@BeverlyTalley You allow people to trade for you? that's interesting, I would love to learn, hope it’s safe?

[@susanhaynes679]

Wow I can't believe you guys are discussing about Sarah Alma Martinez, I once met her at a conference in California 2019, just before the pandemic. I can testify that she’s very good in trading..Highly recommended.

[@jteau2239]

Kirsten, this may be the best video you've ever done! Bravo!

[@crispysocksss]

Help who u can. It makes u feel good. Paying for gratitude

[@vivalaleta]

That's a very sociopathic way to look at it but okay.

[@christianefleurant7089]

Wow! Thank you so much for those 2 very factuals videos. Unfortunately it's the growing reality in rich country like U.S.A. and Canada where I am from. We appreciate your work 🏘🏠🏡🏢🏕

[@mcdibbern9919]

Not just a problem in Canada and the US but also in the UK ( and I suspect other developed countries).Increasing income disparities with the results we see here.

[@2002RM]

@@mcdibbern9919 100%

[@jimcarrington6744]

This video is dishonest, as there are no solutions & there is nobody helping the homeless. I have been to these exact locations, as a permanently disabled veteran who has been homeless for the past 30 years. "Each and every time that humans speak, their thoughts are simultaneously BROADCAST in a much richer way than can be fit into words." No belief included, I simply remember before being taught verbal language. (mom later said that I was not a year old) Our languages serve NO greater purpose than to enable dishonesty. The lies go back much farther than people realize today.

[@artzinrezidenc]

I’ve always enjoyed your journey into habitat but this is the most socially aware and relevant work you’ve shared

[@liveyourlife7367]

I have been saying this for years! Thi is a awesome set-up! This could help solve most homelessness!

[@abesapien9930]

"Or maybe they just made a series of incredibly dumb choices." I really, truly appreciate the balanced view the presenter takes. He believes people are good and have the power to change their lives--while admitting how flawed they can be. We need to discard extremist views on the homeless (such as all the homeless are criminals, or all the homeless are angels) and this man has successfully done it. This is the attitude needed to solve the homeless problem. Well done!!!

[@raptureready5004]

Bad choice like buying a home and having an honest bank taken over by a criminal enterprise that steals your property. Destroys your credit. Creates false arrearages..that has happened to so many.

[@abesapien9930]

@@raptureready5004 That's not the kind of bad choices he was referring to. I don't deny that loans from banks can be a massive and unfair burden, though.

[@batbarasobczak351]

Yes, dumb choices is keeping money in the bank because inflation eats it away. Need to invest in gold, silver, bitcoin and buy shares in the stock market.

[@batbarasobczak351]

@@raptureready5004 Your 100%right

[@revelations2798]

@@abesapien9930 not true. I saw homeless people in tents in Emeryville with signs up saying the bank stole their homes. I also see people in the desert in Arizona living in RV's because their homes were stolen, credit ruined, once they take you down its practically impossible to rebuild.

[@melaniebrignell]

WOW!!! THIS GUY SPEAKS VOLUMES💪 WE NEED MORE HUMANITARIAN SOULS LIKE HIM 🙏🙏 YOU CAN FEEL THE HOPE🌈🌈🌈 BY THE ACTIONS THIS MAN HAS DONE SO FAR , WHAT A SAINT 😇😇.HOMELESS DESERVE THIS!!🙏. WELL DONE 😘 FROM 🇬🇧

[@seagoat6591]

Hi I absolutely love this, I am a social worker in Australia, I work with the homeless, this is wonderful as the homeless are fully supported and are learning to live again , being on the street is hard and you have to adapt, but you also have to adapt when being housed after so long on the street, and that can be hard to, but this place is fantastic because each and every person is fully supported ❤️❤️😎👍keep up the good work

[@voice4voicelessKrzysiek]

Thank you Kirsten for creating this very eye-opening film. So there are solutions to the homelessness problem but they require a governmental-level effort. Unfortunately, neither party is interested in resolving it. Providing a "lubrication" for the industrial military complex machinery by fabricating conflicts throughout the world and then having to spend money on armaments to fight them is way more profitable and so, more important.

[@ToriLynnH]

Requires people who care to step up. Not the government.

[@dudley1850]

This was truly, a very enlightening video. I wish there were more like this to bring more awareness for this dire situation. I wish more cities would at least try these resolutions, especially in states where there is so much available land.

[@elizabethlisak2598]

It’s nice to see them smile again and they feel safe

[@1stdebunker]

I just moved from San Diego to Pennsylvania. I was a Marine in the area. Used to see families asking for money and food on the side of the road, young boys and girls accompanying their parents to beg and wander. Absolutely heart wrenching. These are people. We are called to love and embrace them as we would want others to do for us. Praying for the broken, starved, struggling daily ❤. May Jesus Christ God help us all to walk in Righteousness and Love ☦️

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Such an important topic that you're covering here Kirsten. As this a crisis that is only going to get worse. What wasn't clear to me with the first couple of places you covered, Chandler Tiny Home Village in North Hollywood, CA and Dignity Village in Portland, OR is if the residents could only stay for a certain period of time and then expected to transition out. If so, I"m curious how that works exactly.

[@Lili-xq9sn]

Thank you for covering this subject. It's horrible that little to nothing is done to give people housing.

[@CK1000ism]

Because of the reduction of risk model, many of the housing options don't screen for drugs or alcohol. What ends up happening in some of these scenarios is that these people end up terrorizing the other people in the housing units. It is a really sad cycle. People with untreated addiction and severe mental health issues end up causing damage and often back on the street.

[@albertawheat6832]

And they should be evicted, It's a chance to get back on your feet, and start managing one's life again. One will have to have the right mind set going into said accommodations. Not all will adhere to the challenge.

[@2002RM]

@@albertawheat6832 Probably said by someone who has never been in that position. That's not to say that I disagree with the essence of what you're saying. It's like a relationship. To sustain a healthy relationship, it's best to come into it when you are able to provide the best version of yourself. The opposite scenario is much more likely to result in breakup and heartache. So you're not wrong in that sense. The thing that doesn't quite sit right with me here is that "they should be evicted". That is just shifting the problem. And if the problem keeps getting "shifted", it's not solved. It only gets worse or becomes someone else's problem.

[@drsteviejasengnsangma8739]

Angels in human form looking after the homeless people❤ God Bless you all

[@KarenJohnson27DC]

Kirsten, thank you for doing these videos. Homelessness is getting out of control.

[@lastcallministry2020]

Awesome work! May God bless all the people involved in making a difference in the lives of those people.

[@JustAGrl007]

I like the tiny home housing idea! The only issue would be how to get continuous funding. I grew up being homeless on and off a few times but one time we ended up in trailers that we shared with another family. The funding ended and the trailers got shut down. We were able to get a housing voucher and moved prior to this then we were homeless again 😩

[@gayamaruyama7129]

It’s always Good to have a temporary place where one can recoup and start all over again ! God bless to all the people who help the homeless to recover . 🙏

[@nicknomski8399]

Thanks once again for highlighting the people who are most invisible and also those whose ideas and actions bring surprisingly straightforward responses to the issues.

[@martyevans8162]

The Village of Hope is SO well thought out, organized & managed. The rules seem necessary to sustain a clean drug/alcohol free community that is also free of sources that can spread & cause illnesses/diseases .... it would also seem to give a sense of pride for the residents. What a wonderful legacy for the founders & donors. 🌿🥀

[@ianchmp]

16:25 Planning, licensing, zoning, and building codes are the half reason why so little affordable housing is bing built here anymore.

[@firequeen2194]

Exactly! I’m in Iowa and winters can be brutal. We have an organization trying desperately to get a tiny home village set up and they are blocked at every turn. It took YEARS to get the shelter moved because no one wanted it in THEIR neighborhood. 🤯

[@tammiehinkle2040]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the state was planning one of these tiny home villages & projected the cost for each tiny home to be something like 6-850k....for a SHED. That included ZERO for operating cost, that was simply building cost. It's rather sickening.

[@boromirofmiddleearth557]

exactly, very true.

[@etherial9385]

@@tammiehinkle2040 Almost a mil for a shed!?!?

[@tammiehinkle2040]

@etherial9385 welcome to the California bureaucracy!! A church set up something in their parking lot, cost them 20/25k per, with electric!! They were shut down. Only the state knows how do it here in CA!!

[@suesmith5381]

Oh wow this is so amazing! We don't have too many homeless here really but this is just perfect. Thank you. What amazing people!

[@kallasusort2986]

Finally a good plan! Congrats! A place to shower, and do laundry to feel human. THANK YOU

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Dignity village is a shining example of what humans can do when government gets out of the way!! Being able to create your own shelter if that is what you want or need to do is a basic human right! Cheers

[@timgillman]

Thanks for introducing us to people having housing issues. It's important to put an. individual face, a name and a story to the problem.

[@bencuraza6503]

By no means am I being mean spirited but your 1st sentence struck me odd sounding like you never seen Homeless until this Vid. It’s an epidemic and cannot be missed.

[@smileyhappyradio]

I love the healing that has gone on in that homeless community. This is one of your best documentaries Kirsten. I am very interested in the work you do. "Everyone thrives when you have responsibility." Love that quote from dignity village.

[@LuisaD93]

I love this and we need so many more of these! I pray our mayors and politicians are paying attention to what’s happening here because they are not only doing it right but proving it can be done and can be done without all the negativity that homeowners are afraid of. This is very well organized and their community should be proud that they’ve come so far ! It not only benefits the homeless but the community by getting these individuals the help and resources they need. It takes away the filth from the streets, lessens crime rates, and the community has access to resources (financial) that benefit them all and not just the homeless. Amazing! Please keep spreading the awareness and letting communities know that there’s nothing to fear and everything to gain by participating! I wish them all wellness and happiness going forward! Bless you all ✨🦋 we are our brothers keeper and without one another we are useless. Knowledge, understanding, patience, and love are key to a happy, healthy, fulfilling life!

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Wow, another facinating docu video, thanks Kirsten and your hubby, very informative, a must see...

[@BossQueen]

It's my birthday! Just wanted to say I live in DC and we don't have many housing options. I love your videos, they are informational and inspiring. Thank you.💞

[@joecutro7318]

Happy Birthday Boss Queen! 🎉🎂

[@BossQueen]

@@joecutro7318 thank uuu!☺️

[@carolmiles7474]

Happy birthday thinking of you ❤ xxxuk

[@BossQueen]

@@carolmiles7474 🥰💞🎈🌷 thank u so much, it's appreciated!

[@disconnectpub]

So beautiful you folks are lovingly sharing your work to help feed and fix people’s lives. Heroes.

[@countesskekula8467]

I was homeless in the late 90s for about a yr, when i lived in San Diego. It was the longest, scariest yr of my life. During the 1st 8 or so monthsi had to stay up all night walking, so i didn't fall asleep and get raped or murdered.In the morning i would go to Balboa Park, meet up with other homeless and sleep on the grass. It was lonely, and hopeless. I always stayed away from downtown because i didn't want to be around the drugs and prostitution. One day i heard the Salvation Army had a women's shelter. I walked all the way downtown and got in that afternoon. I stayed in the general shelter for about 2 mos, then because i didn't do drugs and was always volunteering to help and eventually got a semi private room upstairs, sharing with one other gal. I got a job within 2 weeks and never looked back. It is definitely possible to pull yourself out of homelessness but much easier with help. Great videos❤

[@rustykatt3870]

God Bless The Salvation Army 😊.

[@candidegunn3624]

Of all the people you have talked to, only ONE was from there...all the others came from other states. They all go to the west coast because the weather is better. If you have ever been camping and it rained or turned cold and muddy, you know how miserable it is for those few days of camping, now imagine if the camping trip lasted years! The more places that allow it, the more the word gets around that it is allowed.

[@MadAboutBrows]

I'm unhoused, about 10mins away from where I was born.

[@theodorafaux]

Thanks you Kirsten. I've always loved your videos of inventive architecture and small scale housing. It's great that you have branched out in more recent videos, like this & part 1, and other videos like the urban nomad shepherd, to deal with social problems and solutions, and interesting lifestyle choices.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

When he said "It's great and sickening on how quick the people with power can help" I totally understood that feeling. Living in San Francisco CA I know how easy you can go from making it to homelessness. I have talked to many homeless people who don't like the restrictions of communities but I've also met 90% who are begging for some form of community to help fill basic necessities we all have. We need to put our country 1st and help those basic needs in the US before rushing resources out to "save" the world! You can't help others until you help yourself and as a nation we really need to re-think our values.😢

[@jugandoclasicos]

A blessing for the woman and her puppy, I hope she finds a better future soon

[@taniamew]

Thank you Kirsten. I find your channels perspective very educational. Thank you for your work 💕

[@tomasr64]

its looks functional, but devoid of creativity. Its instustional . Hopefully they have a events coordinator to get people out of their shells. Maybe some art classes? The other place, looks nice and functional getting it figured out. $75 a month rent is really good. Takes active management, self governing, not passive "not my problem" atttitude with living situation. Cities need to make room for these active communities. Give a lot (land) and a water tap.

[@michellestratford9753]

In Victoria, BC Canada we have a tremendous homeless problem. We also have a climate that means people can live outside all year (mostly), so we attract people with challenges from all over the country. Our rental rates and housing values are also completely insane, and our laws make no sense at all; it's illegal to live in any RV including 5th wheels, to park everywhere overnight, etc etc. I love the the Dignity Village model! I so wish we had a government that was willing to address the solutions that you've shown here. I'm blessed that as a disabled middle aged woman I live with my mother in her mortgage free home. Thank you so much for this very important documentary!

[@dhschneider7945]

I worked as a volunteer on a couple of houses being built by Habitat for Humanity. The houses were beautiful and very well built but it seems like they would be too expensive to build enough to tackle the problem of homelessness.

[@donnamount151]

I watched u build ur house out of garage plans in Hawaii and it was beautiful...u r creative and awesome...BLESS YOU

[@sandraalegria3439]

Everyone deserves running water, a meal and a safe place to lay your head. Even if you have made mistakes and fell behind you should still be able to live in dignity . We are not an intelligent race if we just keep looking away like its not your problem. It is our problem ,everything that hurts another human is our problem.

[@markhirstwood4190]

Thanks for part 1 and 2, good coverage. It's hard to believe this is the US in this day and age, but people need to see this reality.

[@mathiefranchuk1624]

I'm so happy I found your channel..I have been homeless off and on for over 10 years with 2 dogs and it's been a struggle..at least I have a driver's license and a old motorhome and a old car and with that I consider myself alot better off than some. I live in B.C Canada 🇨🇦 and I like living off the grid even though I'm pushing 60. I'm pon government disability and housing has skyrocketed all over North America and with deglobalization and world War 3 coming down I can't see things getting better anytime soon. We need to go back to the "olden days" and the way of our grandparents and learn to live in like minded communities and become self sufficient and not dependent on the government...they are not our friends

[@marieleopold1625]

Thanks 4 this vid! It is soOOOooo good 4 U as a family to share in the lifestyles of challenged people. Humanity needs to embrace the fact that not all aspects of society R 'polished' and if not...'why' the disparity and avoidance. By ourselves, we cannot accomplish much but as a 'community' we grow so rich! Health and God Bless!