Skid Row Resident interview-Wendell

[@ladrenajenkins1006]

I've been knowing this gentleman for years when I was living on skid row my boyfriend at the time we were deeply into our drugs he always been so kind to me now today I have been clean and sober for many years now I am a born again Christian people like Wendell never look down on me and I am so grateful for people just like him God bless you

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

Congrats ♡♡♡

[@jaxxiet5851]

Good for you 💖🙏

[@km7422]

Congrats on getting your life back! ❤️

[@boxingfan6765]

God bless your life .

[@Justice-cx1cd]

La Drena Jenkins I’m proud of you! Keep going you got it!

[@annn9917]

This dude is so rad. I hope he gets everything he wants and needs.

[@angeljohnson234]

Finally, a lighthearted interview. I didn't cry at all. Wendell seems like a cool guy.

[@alexandriawilliams7532]

angeljohnson234 yes!

[@kellykelly9521]

He is an amazing, good hearted individual. Skid row has a few good men doing very good deeds.

[@dianadundidit5343]

Such a kind soul!

[@munecamccoy846]

Me too, when Mark interview a pimp. The way he talks bout women I get upset. The was tl I was like man I see how he good his girls. He was so nice he doesn't disrespect the women cause he has a mom...

[@munecamccoy846]

@@kellykelly9521 agree!!

[@KekeniaDianga]

He should write an audio book. I really enjoy his story, please do a part 2 🙏🏾

[@munecamccoy846]

Me too!

[@lrrrruleroftheplanetomicro6881]

How do you write an audio book? With a needle on vinyl? On paper with phonetic spelling?

[@keelyosborne6929]

Lukas Böck ioooii POP

[@TheBozn]

@@lrrrruleroftheplanetomicro6881 my thought exactly xD

[@peachypeppa]

My dad had a church on skidrow--"Set Free Skidrow" we fed the homeless twice a day. One day, I was about 11 or 12, me and my younger brother were fighting outside of the church, and my brother lived with my dad there, I was just visiting. Well, this homeless lady knew my brother but she didn't know me, so she came up to me and started choking me, then my dad came around the corner and wrestled her off of me... I have many crazy memories from Skidrow

[@Momosanchez58]

Does your dad still have this??can anyone put me in contact with someone that help feed homeless

[@scarrysherry67]

What a great interview. Can not imagine becoming so conditioned and comfortable with living in a tent on the streets that when you finally get real housing you remove the furniture and put up your tent inside. So Sad. May God continue to bless Wendell. Thank You Mark ☺

[@gregorylagrange]

That's an adaptation and a stumbling block. As bad as they can live, they can get to a point of being resistant to change even when set up in what's supposed to be the first steps to changing. They have a fear of changing. They want to do things like keep the tent just in case, because if they get rid of the tent and something happen and they're back on the streets, then they have to get another tent.

[@valenciavasquez8021]

I wonder about his kids. I wonder if he ever tried to get in touch with them and his wife. He seems like a good man that made some bad decisions and mistakes in the past. Its good that he's helping people now and trying to be a positive influence on others.

[@70qq]

agreed ... a college educated teacher with 4 kids decides selling and using drugs and being homeless is more fun that taking care of his family ... im glad he got clean and decided to help strangers eventually , but i wonder how his 4 childrens' lives were impacted forever because he just left them fatherless

[@marnylisterne7357]

Congratulations Wendell, what a fantastic transformation! There's a quote by Harold S. Kushner that reminds me of you, he says, "You don't become happy by pursuing happiness. You become happy by living a life that means something." You have definitely found meaning and have become a valued member of your community.

[@hardworkingdiva]

The tent story is so true! I’ve had to help numerous clients get used to sleeping inside and in a bed again. They also had to get used to the quiet. I was floored when I first saw a tent up inside of an apartment. And it was their old tent too. It was cool though because we made a tradition of cleaning up the tents and donating them to other neighbors experiencing homelessness. But it takes time. Usually 6 months to a year to get them comfortable inside again. Some jumped right into it and had no issues at all, but some struggled.

[@weeannie495]

hardworkingdiva I was raised with 8 sibling a mum and dad. The house was very noisy and busy when I moved to my own house. I struggled with the silence and not having people around me. I had to get a divorce to get a room and bed to myself. True but funny too. I shared a bed with 2 other sisters I was at the bottom. We are all institutionalised or conditioned to our normal.

[@jennicahamilton2605]

This puts a face to the song "Mr. Wendell" from Arrested Development.

[@dianadundidit5343]

Ha ha ha! That's exactly what I thought!

[@upsettuh]

Facts

[@chrizihart3016]

Yep my thoughts too

[@alleciawilliams8510]

Omg! I kept singing it in my head the entire interview

[@crystalb3003]

Yeesss!!!

[@lisakiely6144]

He's got a great way of telling his stories!

[@lilaworley8935]

I love how he pronounces ambulance. 🥰😍 He's so interesting. I'd like to sit and listen to his stories all day.

[@abbieholyday4813]

Me also! On both things!

[@neet2528]

AMMA-LANCE.. my grandma use to say it the same way 😊

[@SickandTired95]

I can’t stand it lol

[@kristopherbearden590]

And herion

[@stephgoodman7687]

I knew straight away just looking at the thumbnail and his name that he was gonna tell some good stories 🤣 He’s like my Gramps! Gather round children let me tell you a story... Hope he’s doing well

[@rosetaetienne7029]

Frrr!!!

[@TerinaHeidelberg]

Skid Row is blessed to have you Mr. Wendell!!! Thank you for all that you are doing and thank you for sharing your story!!! 💚💚💚💚💚

[@cbrown8678]

The Great Wendell Blassingame !! Glad to see him sharing his stories on different platforms. I reckon he got alot more to share. Good Soul!!!

[@brendashacks7407]

Wendell rocks

[@taylorlaurenstein]

I’ll never forget him telling us as kids “NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES”🗣 he comes up in conversation from time to time in my household; true impact on anyone’s life I thank God to see him still making a difference.

[@enuphsayd9746]

There's children in skid row?

[@urirknme4172]

@@enuphsayd9746 yes. I, saw another documentary that had children in it

[@bobsahno3294]

"Love is the greatest key of all"!! I couldn't agree more, most especially unconditional love!!

[@dk7613]

Bob Sahno, your post is so correct. People don't love themselves nor each other.

[@teddybear6gangsta]

Not all Angels have wings❤

[@velvedermskin2371]

CONGRATULATIONS Wendell....much respect for your change and contribution to change the life of the less fortunate

[@sharonaerneckeaitchison4500]

He had, all along, a greater purpose ... yet had to hit the rock bottom of rock bottoms ... and look at what he's done, single-handedly! I could listen to his stories for hours!

[@shyamlynn243]

I love hearing poeple's stories of how they change their lives for the better. It gives everyone some hope that wants it. Good on ya Wendell

[@RenegadeTimes]

People not homeless don't love themselves too. Pleasure to meet you Wendell.

[@kristinlittlefield5062]

This guy is very knowledgeable. He is making a difference in these people's lives.

[@icedvodka420]

Wendell is another great example of a wise old soul who has much wisdom from direct experience.

[@snortypig596]

HE’S THE GUY! I can’t believe I watched literally every single video before even seein Wendell’s!

[@kerie.krieglmeier243]

Dunham The tiger pug same here

[@christophsteiner60]

Wendell is a beacon of light! Much respect to you and for sharing your story. Keep up the great work SWU. I can't stop listening to these stories. I wish I could help

[@Eteggers]

Great interview I love this guys story everything thing he has lived ,seen , and now he’s helping people this guy is a hero

[@lyteeyes6531]

I enjoyed this interview. He is authentic and genuine. Please do a follow up

[@jiggyjay9637]

He needs to be honored and more people like him :) good work!

[@melissadownie]

He is a natural motivational speaker. Very inspiring. Thank you Wendell for all that you do.

[@adrianchadwick9524]

Love this man more of this conversation please

[@Atlancticocean12]

What a cool elder he has many stories !! Get him back on to tell some more stories

[@CatzASMRnMore]

God Bless this man and continue to do great things for others and get himself clean.

[@flowerpower1577]

It’d be amazing to put his life stories in like a series to watch. I would religiously listen to him, his too cool!

[@DizzKola3]

I could listen to his stories all day! What an inspirational man. 👍❤️

[@tammywisecup5634]

My dad lived on the streets for years. I moved him in with my family, and he refused to sleep in a bed Only would sleep on floor. He had his own room, but asked if he could move into my shed, and live there instead.😭

[@joanbaczek2575]

Tammy Wisecup that’s common with a lot of people who were homeless it’s like having a home doesn’t feel like home. It’s hard to understand it’s heartbreaking for loved ones to see. God bless you❤️💗💕

[@weeannie495]

Tammy Wisecup We are all institutionalised to what’s normal. Tammy. X

[@cappriment]

Did your father spend time in Prison? This is very common with Excons!

[@veronicamarie9793]

What a God send! Thank you Mr. Wendell, you are the light that this dark world needs. God bless you and much love ❤

[@flashinthepan3273]

Reminds me of one of the craziest stories I ever heard, personally. I was in a bar, more than 10 years ago and it was just me and this trucker, middle of the day. Sitting at the bar talking. He was a paramedic back in his younger years. I asked him, "what was the craziest thing you ever saw as a paramedic?" He looked at me and said...(NOT verbatim as it's been years ago) "We had a call on a double fatality. One vehicle accident. The actual accident was minor. However, the female choked to death and the male had bled out." ..think it over.

[@weeannie495]

Flash Inthepan 😂😂😂

[@TheSeanpatrickobrien]

Aw cmon spell it out

[@Neenaross214]

😱🤭 road head can wait !

[@violatorrez3046]

😮

[@thekaerichtexas]

I love it. This is what I wanna see. Congrats to this brother for turning it around. Keep on pushing man✊✊✊

[@Keshia.means.GreatJoy]

God bless you,Mr.Wendell ..the world needs more people like you,Sir ...much Love💕

[@rogenniedominguez8291]

Such a breath of fresh air & hope!

[@nualadreaming]

I love that he was able to turn his life around. He loves himself and others. The only way to go.

[@lic8838]

He reminds me of my dad. A man on many stories who just likes to talk and help. This man here is a very old soul. We don't have people in the world like this hardly. And just think, he lives in the Row. People take note and be nice to others.

[@JohnR.Luv2luvu]

Wendell, you are such an inspiration. Your life stories had me so enthralled. You mentioned San Jose. I’m from East San Jose. I’m a recovering addict and still on that road of sobriety. You are fascinating and you talk with passion. You take care of yourself and keep doing what you do. May God Bless You Wendell. ❤❤❤

[@Hilarynelzon90]

Wendell seems like a very kind man. Bless him.

[@amandateague8763]

Long shot but the more I ask the more I receive! The more help I can’t offer, the better her chances are at a better life!! Iwas wonder if any of these viewers know of anyone who can help me help my sister find resources for help! In okc! Thank you Wendell and Mark for sharing!!

[@sankhulani]

I'd love to hear more positive stories like this

[@marlenecesarotti8468]

Wendell you need to write a book....smart, nice & likable man...good luck to you

[@ninamiller2678]

He touched my life just in that short amount of time listening to his story....INSPIRED

[@honey77777]

Finally an interview that doesn’t have me balling my eyes out. He seems so gentle and kind. ❤

[@clancyk8497]

You can tell just by looking at him that the darkness has gone, he is full of light. God will work in your life if you surrender all to him.

[@keeptrying5962]

Love this man! What a great storyteller!

[@Eteggers]

Ty 🙏 for posting consistently I love your work

[@SoftWhiteUnderbelly]

julika adams Julika, I still edit these thinking, “I’ll bet Julika will like this one!”. Thanks! ML

[@Eteggers]

Soft White Underbelly awesome I appreciate your work so much I watch and like every video you post and some I watch over

[@ninobrown6956]

Amazing man ❤️

[@ninobrown6956]

Soft White Underbelly hey I love your videos too! 😂👍👍

[@Leandatastic]

julika adams me too !!

[@jplav2952]

I think that's pretty amazing when your school teacher go to university for five years and then become an electrician which is another five years to get your license wow this guy knows everything

[@Xtelahhh]

Mr. Wendell has an amazing heart ❤️ i love listening to him👂

[@msdanet31]

“I’ve became my best customer “. Biggie said it best “Never get high on your own supply” - The 10 crack commandments

[@weeannie495]

msdanet31 There’s a place on Skid-Row just waiting on you

[@apriljohnson2441]

Great interview and positive ending Congrats to Mr. Wendell and thank you for caring and helping other people!!

[@veecr4675]

They say Tough Love is the way to go But who does that benefit These people need to know someone out there loves them unconditionally and aren’t giving up on them 💔

[@lyni50]

Wow! He has some wild stories to tell! 😳

[@wernthistogether8618]

I hope that opportunities continue to come this man’s way. He’s been through it and continues to smile. HeremInds me of a man I met while working in the prison system. He had already been there 25 years and had 15 left to serve. He actually saved my life one evening from another inmate. I never asked him what he had been convicted of because I feared that human nature would have me see him differently. I could have looked at his “jacket” but he was always so kind to me when we worked together in the infirmary and I trusted him more than other employees. I pray that we all get the opportunity to see beyond what people have done in the past.

[@steveo776988]

I really enjoyed listening to his story. I believe everything happens for a reason and there is a reason he is down in Skid Row , its to help out everyone down there that is a lost soul. He is a bright light that is shining for all of the people that desperately need direction away from the path of despair and evil

[@veshdrobledo8885]

Wendell, I can listen to you for hours! What great story of redemption! God bless you and all you do always!

[@JANIQUEism]

His name is Wendell Blassingame .. I wish soft white underbelly would have done their research about him like I did.

[@marisaberner8056]

When he says you got rats in the hallway telling you "oh good afternoon", I lost my s*** LOL.

[@mattnsim]

Great guy. He’s had the life and lost it and now he’s living for others. Champion

[@Essays4College]

Seems like a sensible down-to-earth guy. Hearing him talk about his past is somewhat surprising.

[@nicolehirst4186]

An amazing guy, thanks for posting this interview. I really enjoyed watching it. Keep up the good work Wendell!

[@LivingOutloudWithAshleyStone]

Thank you so much for all your humble service work

[@jetcitygrljewels9719]

Wendell is a very smart and special man. I loved his story!

[@Justice-cx1cd]

No I have a whole different vision of Skid Row, this videos open my eyes.

[@shorty3513]

God bless this man..

[@raisingarrows2321]

The title to this video is misleading. I think the title of this video should be renamed in honor of what he has accomplished....just a thought.

[@queenratv115]

This man is a true angels he serves daily when we see him our hearts sing I love you so much seeing this msn helped me keep my sanity !!! I love you Wendell it’s me Queen RA

[@TheHanouna11]

Wendell is what grace looks like. He probably has no idea how many people he helped on SR just being an amazing human as we all should be. We all make mistakes just like he did but can we all say we made the best out of what we have been dealt as he did? My hat off to you Sir and may Allah bless you and grant his best place in paradise.💘🙏🏼

[@annieseaside]

Marvelous! What a wonderful Man! Love is the key! Update sometime!

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

An incredible story Mark about a man who has experienced much and has thrown himself into the service of others. As I wrote this an advert came on. A Woman sang about not wanting to be be in service to a man anymore. Good on you Woman empowering other women!! Then KZbin engracaciated me with an advert by a man I've seen too many times hawking testosterone supplements. All this before your interview ended. Blessings Mark. Thank you Mark and Fuck you KZbin!! Happy Thanksgiving all. Many blessings!!!

[@hmmm8552]

My God, what a strong testimony! 🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@mariesara8475]

When I saw the title, I legit believed he lived in an apartment on Skid Row, so I thought he was gonna give us an inside but from a point of view of somebody who oversees everything. My own ignorance surprises me.

[@queenratv115]

Wendell you made me cry because I know you I appreciate you so much

[@craycray4667]

Men are to be like lighthouses, beacons of truth and hope. Bringing hope to the helpless and help to the hopeless

[@katerilevasseur8119]

🌖🌕🌔 Wendell is LOVE ! How a Crazy life can turn into a POSITIVE FORCE....We need more Wendell's out in the world.. Thank you for doing what you do..

[@elvis5165]

Wendell is a blessing to know in real life and to know his heart is a privilege. A huge positive asset to the city of L.A, Skid Row Community & San Julian Park Angel!)#

[@womanofpurpose6503]

Keep up the good work Wendell! Many Blessing to you!

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

Oh that smile is everything ♡

[@michaelr.4878]

This is the type of person you should be interviewing...not undercover sex offenders like a few have been. This dude, Wendell, has a heart of gold. More people should be like him. Surely, there must be a way to get a smart, clear headed dude like this off of the street. I haven't finished the interview yet (so he may touch on it), but I imagine a part of him feels that he needs to stay on the street in order for his work to be effective. He probably thinks the people will be able to relate to him better if he is on the street. But I don't agree with that. This dude could still do his thing if he was living in an actual residence. .......LA is both the best and the worst place for the homeless. Yes, there are a lot of programs and things to do. But, with how insane the rent prices are, it is nearly impossible for these people to keep a place when/if they are ever able to get into one.

[@KjelleDealer]

He should only interview people like Wendell, even though the reality of the situation is that he is rare as rare can be. And this because .... why?

[@charneaharrisrobinson2916]

Enjoyed your story Mr. Kendall. You're can be a positive role model for these young men today and other people as well. I admire you very much. God bless you in everyday life.

[@bazoukalification]

OMG! I love this man!! What a wonderful diul and story. He is makung a big difference in someone live and he just made my day!

[@meshaun9]

This story was amazing and a true testament of how God can pull you out of the deepest evil you put yourself into. He is truly a beacon of light:) keep shining!!

[@Keshia.means.GreatJoy]

Seems like nice man and gentle soul💝💝

[@0cean.Sun.]

He has not lost his soul, seems to make a rainbow with no rain bless his heart. Ok, in light of this man's humor. Someone should quickly box up those 🐭 rats🐹. If they say goodnight & goodmorning dang!! they can be sold on ebay, etsy with a little red bow for Valentine's day. You seem to have a career/education, I truly hope your life & situation turns around for the better.🙏

[@Ed-vm4zi]

I'm grateful for this channel because it shows u the cold hard truth

[@Chicatsbri]

His laugh is contagious!😂❤❤

[@Felizzz100]

Blassingame, who spent most of his childhood in Crenshaw, landed in Skid Row more than a decade ago. A self-professed “party animal” when he was younger, his taste for alcohol turned toxic after the 2002 passing of his wife, Lois, with whom he had raised four boys. A second blow came just months later when Blassingame, a successful electrician, fell off a building and severed two fingers. The former Marine soon fell into a fog of fear, then doubt, and finally apathy.

[@Felizzz100]

www.google.com/search?q=wendelle+blassingame&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safar

[@Felizzz100]

Very interesting man he is a light for many

[@Braundi619]

Did they attach the other finger?

[@nikkistuteville3172]

You do fantastic work!! Love the support the homeless give you

[@pamronning]

This guy is amazing. He has history no one else knows. Is a book in the future?

[@nads2934]

Wendell you are a beautiful man. I'm so glad your on council.

[@davidhamilton7628]

What a beautiful person

[@queenratv115]

Thanks Wendell

[@bubbleshughes6169]

This was by far my fave interview so far 🥰🥰🥰

[@timmitzlaff8960]

This guy is amazing. What a thoughtful man. Isn’t it incredible what we can do when we ask. Ask and you shall have. How does the saying go? Jesus said, what you do for the least of them you do for me. What a world we would have if we concentrated on others. Wendell, you’re a good man!