Facing homelessness | Rex Hohlbein | TEDxRainier

[@danmoen755]

A homeless person died two days ago in a parking lot that I'd been sleeping in my truck in. I had a couple days before had another heart incident five so far now but wish to say thankyou for lifting the homeless as humans worthwhile as any other.

[@austyn8]

Empathy is our answer.

[@markandrew4974]

We need more people like you... And I'm very poor myself I work six days a week living from paycheck to paycheck, I'm 56 years old with a body filled with arthritis in constant pain, I'm tired and suffering, but after watching your video I'm resolved to reach out to the homeless, I see them on the streets everyday and from here on out I intend to stop and talk with them, I've given money a few times, but I never gave love and friendship and that's needed just as much as money, thank you for helping me widen out in my love for my fellow human being ☺️ God Bless...

[@danmoen755]

Mark I found my arthritis was helped a lot by using youngevity. This 90 mineral supplement was expensive but two weeks could not believe the improvement climbing stairs. Hope you try it surely it could be the answer to prayer for your pain.

[@Scorned405]

But you are only a few years away from retirement. Hang in there

[@CrowningMoments]

Simply beautiful. My husband and three children are living in hotels. 1 1/2 years ago we owned a home and lived a beautiful easy life. There’s no way to express how shocking it is and how suddenly it can happen. It’s hard to know that we are a small but fierce little family without extended family. My advice to anyone is this, when you see it coming, act quickly, and don’t hang on trying to keep everything. Buy a camper before your credit is ruined. We don’t choose this. For our family it was two chronically ill children, insurance issues and costs, and job loss. It hit all at once. It’s been extremely hard for us to find gainful employment. We make enough to live from week to week. I go to stores or out and I think, “These people think we are normal.” That part of this y’all got me. It’s the normalcy. You miss it. I feel so fortunate to not sleep on the street. So fortunate.

[@standsour8916]

Im sorry for what happened to you. I hope you are all doing better and am hoping for the best for you and your family.

[@desireerose2861]

You are very fortunate not to live in Portland Oregon. The corruption here is thick enough to choke you----especially DHS. They gladly destroy the families and the poor kids, Here it's revenue done with malicious, left wing oriented glee. They use psychological warfare and drugs on the kids. While the family falls apart. Other agencies scoop the parents up to get their profit-- alcoholic & drug rehab groups,etc. Meanwhile the kids are shuttled around from place to place. They are "plugged in" to counselors, prescribing doctors and other programs. They are consequently surrounded daily by people who bad mouth their parents while working to convince them that everyone cares about them. They are trained to be obedient little robots and will be utilized in court to destroy their lives and the lives of their parents in court. Many lives are ruined. The kids get angrier and angrier as they age and end up as pissed off alienated run away teens on the street. I beg you NOT to come to Oregon if you're homeless with kids!!!

[@innocenttshishonga4522]

I have started an organization in South Africa for youth that I homelessness. called Sombody Cares. its wonderful to see people that care. I am renewed and you also helped me to develop myself inorder to help. thank you so much.

[@rexhohlbein8005]

Would you be interested in beginning a Facing Homelessness Facebook page in your city in South Africa? We have currently 20+ other cities around the world providing the same photo-journal project to bring community together to end homelessness. Our hope is to have one in every city on the planet. If interested, please email me [e-mail]. Here is the link to our Facing Homelessness page: facebook.com/HomelessInSeattle/. Thank you very much for what you are doing. Rex

[@igelido]

"When we walk past someone who is suffering on the street, without acknowledging them, we unknowingly create our own plexi-glass." That is true... Very powerful.

[@jackiesantangelo6610]

Thank you for that. I've copied it because you're right; it's very powerful.

[@notused2118]

@@jackiesantangelo6610 democrata do that so well. A good way to help the homeless is to spread awareness that homelessness is very profitable and powerful for these scam nonprofits to get more funding and not really help.

[@gunnarstetson7346]

instablaster.

[@christopherscheiber1439]

Do the money addicted gentrifiers have a time frame for when rents will be ten to twenty grand a month? And will that be enough to satisfy their addiction to money?

[@RudyRuachoReyRua]

Thank you for that beautiful presentation. I too was homeless in Seattle, I am now back in Anthony, NM taking care of my das who's the best friend for me was the belt. Before I was kicked out of the house, the words "You will never amount to anything" haunted me and still do to this day. I would first experience homelessness at age 20. I am now studying at "Social Work" and C EP Addictions Counseling at NMSU and I have a 3.7 GPA. People need a chance to shine. People need love and compassion. I am one of the lucky ones I guess.

[@LisaGemini]

Very powerful talk. We all need to get involved. I was homeless for three years but fortunately, never had to sleep in the woods or outside without a little shed around me. It was frightening, just the same, because as Rex says: NO ONE CHOOSES to be homeless.

[@jonathanricks1678]

I am currently homeless in Logan, Utah. Thank-you Rex Hohlbein, for showing some of the unconditional ways in which true help can be extended. Your outreach is effective, and your motives pure; I feel it. It is truly inspirational to hear stories of the homeless, where others are helping in such unconditional, loving ways. Again, thank-you.

[@davidvarley1812]

Hope your back on your feet. I occasionally find myself homeless here in the UK, when my employement income is not sufficient to fund the rent of room and bills. So I appreciate how hard life can be and hope your in a better situation today. Take care.

[@georgewolf6508]

It only takes one man/woman to change the world. Someone to stand up for those who cannot. Take their hand and understand that this person, without a home, is just like us. And this transcends all religion and politics and reaches down into the true nature of all the potential for good that within us. Thank you Rex.

[@notused2118]

He's part of the problem. Those who claim to care publicly usually profit the most from it often.

[@harrisonrutledge5]

Rex was someone else's miracle. Moving. This is a good man.

[@natashiehutchinson]

ex 's

[@notused2118]

Why all the money for this artwork? This and other tedshit are examples of those who use fear to keep the homeless homeless.

[@leebay6093]

Absolutely spot on, love his compassion and determination

[@sacredthyme4617]

I LOVE YOU. Thank you for being YOU. a healer known as an architect and great photographer as well. landless or homeless or friendless = we all are suffering, lets help each other!

[@AstrologerPatricia]

You're not the only cry baby. I'm crying as I watch this video. Thank you for your kindness.

[@notused2118]

They are the biggest part of the problem. Just ask the homeless what's the real reason this happens to them.

[@Hansprivate]

"Kindness for kindness' sake." I love it!

[@JackieMitchell-r1q]

Thank you for being you....I'm in n outta homelessness on disability which can't pay even rent...U R AWESOME... PLEASE KEEP BEING YOU...

[@parklandman]

Just saw part of this story on In Close on PBS channel 9 in Seattle. An amazing man. Like with everything else, it only takes one person to start making changes. Will post on facebook and try to distribute widely.

[@notused2118]

There's almost always profit with these soft stories behind this.

[@desireerose2861]

Thank you so much for your kindness to my brothers & sisters. And for caring enough to say hello. I am one of the homeless in Portland. Usually when I walk around I'm invisible....except when someone sneers, or walks around me like I'm a leper. It takes time, but eventually you get used to it & it's not so painful--- after you stop caring & lose hope. Then you live every day in a strange nothing land, acting like the pigeons desperately looking for food or warmth; while everyone passes you by. Sometimes you try to make contact, but are usually rebuffed like the pigeons. But some of us use our last bit of strength & courage to make ourselves seen & to fight for the others. One of the activists here says a piece went on the Say Hello site about me. I haven't seen it. I hope it's true & nice. Again thank you! 💜 the Purple Rose

[@sayjosiah]

Desiree Rose i am homeless in my state. it sucks but i will work it out

[@standsour8916]

@@sayjosiah I hope the best for both of you. Stay strong.

[@elleluxe]

I've been dealing with destitution and homelessness for too long! Currently in a transitional housing program that I appreciate the lodgings and food BUT my health is suffering due to the bias and abusive treatment!!! Why this happened and how I overcome is imminent!!! 1 day we'll all be FREE!!! 💗

[@davidvarley1812]

I live in the UK. I often wander about my local city in my favourite not inexpensive suit and buy vagrant homeless people coffee and sit beside them on the street and talk with them or take them to a bar or a coffee shop. What most people wandering by don't realise is that I'm often a working homeless man myself and my only clothes are either on me or at the dry cleaners or at work. For me the only difference between me and the vagrant homeless is I have a job but I live on a knifes edge and my employement could end and I'd be a vagrant like them. Homeless people are people and they might ask for money but they need recognition that their just people, like everyone else.

[@davidvarley1812]

@@elleluxe hope you doing well. Try not to get to down and remember where there is hope there is opportunity to improve your life. I'm a working homeless man myself.

[@jimneely2052]

Rex... thank you for a wonderful talk. You're a compassionate person and doing good work. Thanks again.

[@dennysmith7862]

Rex Holbein....you are really a special peep... precious...

[@thnksfrthmmries98]

i'm currently writing my final paper on homelessness and this video had made me cry even more than the research i had spent. you are an amazing person, thank you.

[@tamiputzier5537]

you are amazing....I literally have tears streaming down my face....I will take your message and share on my facebook page....GOD BLESS YOU

[@PokeTuneAesthectic]

Absolutely true, I’m currently sleeping in my car facing homeless. I’m currently doing my best to grow my content creation while sustaining the resources so one day I can just do what I love and that is the love of being a content creator and digital creator. thank you so much for this and I’m not going to give up. 🙏🏽

[@ulricrainard]

Beautifully presented consideration of an ever present issue of human dignity

[@notused2118]

Theatrics not facts.

[@raymondlai4656]

Dear TEDx Talks :), I would like to say, thank you, to you, for taking the time and energy to both upyload and share this video with the youtube community. Thank You!

[@RandyR]

I have been homeless twice in Los Angeles. I worked for 19 years but then my body fell apart. Am now existing on disablility since 2016 and most of the money is going towards the rent. So for every day for the past 3 years and today , I have been trying to sale most of my belongings so i don't end up back on the streets. The problem has been getting worse in every major city in the country. I am existing in Phoenix and it has become one of the most expensive cities. Don't know what i am going to do in less than 6 months. Have no time for a panic attack. Despite the fact that i am fighhting for my own survival, I have been giving money to a local homeless shelter since 95.

[@paulomoteso]

Thanks Rex for this awesome presentation. It was very profound and extremely inspirational. You have planted a seed in my soul for the homeless. God bless you and continue the good work.

[@muckmccormick]

Very well done, Rex. Proud of you.

[@benshapiroisgay]

So good!! thanks so much Rex! I love your heart! so extremely inspiring and you're such a great communicator. I wish I could meet you and hear you speak more.

[@ryanrideout5548]

Beautifully presented and so very true. Take a small moment out of your day to share the compassion. Thank you Rex!

[@luzfigueroa1550]

this wells up my eyes with tears because it touches my ❤ because l to with mother was homeless as a teenager. it changes you forever and lm trying to drown those memories with substances.

[@WarrenJay]

substances will only make it worse... you need to learn about Jesus, and the secret of the kingdom of heaven.

[@truegrit7697]

This was beautiful. Begins to restore my hope for humanity.

[@jasminevela9225]

This was very powerful and changed the way I view the homeless issue and people. Thank you 🌞

[@noshamey1495]

I am starting an organisation for the homeless in minnesota.. I have of recent been going around and just asking what their personal needs are and directing and assisting to mental health services or filling out paperwork... The needs are simplistic and typically always Socks! Also food, shelter and sometimes just a caring ear.

[@melisa.sottilecuentaprinci5392]

Rex, that was...just amazing!

[@josiahb.2117]

I had the very great pleasure to spend some time with Rex up in the High Sierra this past weekend. What a beautiful soul. He absolutely embodies the person who he appears to be in this Ted Talk. My fiancé and I both admired his presence so much, that we've jokingly coined an acronym for any situations where we're not quite sure how to proceed, "WWRD". What would Rex do?

[@aquakrysoaquakryso2629]

When will people educate themselves! We are all connected and that no man/ woman is an island. We all need each other. There is no security in the world, no stability. As such anyone can become homeless. The loss of a job, injury, family breakdown, domestic violence, etc, Be kind, ask a homeless person if there is something you can do for them. When you go home to your safe environment, imagine what it would feel like for you if you were, out there, alone, frightened, sick, cold, hungry, broken? That's empathy. What wonderful gifts come to us when we help others!

[@allisonchang7229]

Thank you for what you do.

[@chloecamille298]

Rex, you're awesome. Thank you.

[@wjf3628]

you're a real Christian there's not many like you and if you are not a Christian you are better than any Christian that I've ever met thank you for your benevolence to that man sir

[@carolisaac5459]

I know that bench. It's magic. I had some very soul touching moments there too that I still remember. I think you and your friends must have put some magic in it.

[@enkelly6777]

Incredible...I did not realize this was in Seattle - I work with CTCY (City of Tacoma Youth Shelter) and would love to become involved

[@notused2118]

The firat thing to do is to identify the special interests that hold down the homeless for profit. Seconsly, expose them. They are mostly nonprofits.

[@acajudi100]

I helped people directly, who do not beg. I can see what they need and I supply to the best of my ability. I will ask everyone to help directly, but afar, because some will rob you.

[@richganta]

The best ted talk ever

[@frankfurlacker5219]

I do my best to make sure that this is my future.

[@chandraleigh971]

Faith in humanity ... 🙂To who ever crosses this path here. Ur all great. We're evolving I think. I see hope. 💜☮✝ Kind regards, Chandra Leigh

[@frankgibbons7713]

This is a 5 star ted

[@teachhowtofishtv]

thank you so much for your example and amazing work *

[@zinknot]

I've been homeless alot. It's easy to get food, clothes, blankets, tents ect. What I needed more than anything was a shower and a way to wash my clothes.

[@davidvarley1812]

Wash your clothes in public washroom, use toilet paper as a plug and hand soap. Your need to hang them on a line. I dry my clothes at night by hanging them on a tree branch or a piece of string tied to trees. If your in a heavy urban or city centre this is difficult to achieve and impossible in winter when the snow is on the ground. If you only have one set of clothes then obviously this advice is not applicable. You can use plastic a through away cup to shower with in public washrooms, however your need single occupancy restrooms (one wash basin and toilet). It takes a while, you may get cold and your need to wipe the water up off the floor from time to time. If your homeless then I'd suggest a McDonald's bathroom shortly after they open. Mine in the UK opens at 6am and I go their after leaving the nearby cemetery where I sleep on a bench and before going off to work.

[@richardwalton1539]

Normal. He naild it.

[@clewisca]

really excellent video. thank you for this.

[@tjonessc]

Wow really powerful presentation espically the young lady look at the photos at 8:09 and again at 8:33 this is what a loss of hope does to someone. I write this comment 6 years after this presentation and I wonder what became of her, did she recover and regain a footing in work & society, or was she swallowed by the demons and dark times? I know now that I have to do more and so I shall...

[@soniasonger8423]

Thank you so much for your caring. I wish everyone felt and behaved as you, that may be the only way this homeless situation can be resolved. That and someone dotnating apts. And homes to those of us without them. lol Because honestly in my case as in many, many others that is the only thing missing in our lives. The only thing making us incomplete persons, a home.

[@jjbuschpokemon6846]

Very much liked. Thankyou so much for helping !!! And openinging up at least one persons mind is all u have to do

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

If you deliver mail then you talk to the homeless every day...all day. Everyone is usually nice

[@rednick06]

Thta s a great talk mr rex, miss you guys

[@janwarriner6554]

Thank you!

[@architecture.w]

Very moving presentation.

[@richganta]

Thank you

[@noshamey1495]

Love this

[@lluviaclark2461]

I did not know house people knew how to see us .. Thanks

[@ubonubo5561]

BALLIN!

[@doubledragon9530]

3100 homeless in King County in 2014, up to over 16,000 in the 2016 census of homelessness. Please tell me WTF has happened to my country?

[@inspiredcamel]

Please post a link to this artist. Amazing and wonderful story and men.

[@jordankelly2960]

just go on Facebook and type in facinghomelessness Seattle and you'll find his page :)

[@Athena_777]

Literally my fav video (it was me in the beginning)

[@lynnsanborn4526]

Beautiful!

[@anwarhussain3696]

Beautiful Sharing ! Gr8 u " Reached Out " !!!! Allah protects 'n provides!!! HALLUJAH !!!!!!!

[@hunnybadger442]

Spent 2 years paying 1400 a month for the worst motel room I've ever seen... Went to the worst rental company in my hometown... Told them I'd pay a year's rent in advance... And I had a payee that guaranteed my rent would always be paid on time everytime after that... Showed to application manager 2 years worth of motel receipts Showing that I had maintained for 2 years a 1400 a month rent... the place I wanted to apply for was only 900 a month at the time... I told him I could have 15,000 in cash to him on Monday... I even tried to give him my payees number... He stopped me... looked me right in the eyes and sneered... We don't rent to homeless people... I to this day have no memory of the 24 hours after that interaction... I was homeless for almost 6 years... it literally killed me... by causing a fatal stress induced medical condition that my doctor choose to ignore for 6 of the 7 years of typical life expectancy... Hatred, indifference, cruelty and Prejudice... killed me....

[@slollis35]

Beautiful ❤️

[@Troeltsch7873]

As far as I can tell the most that it would take to get homeless these days is you go to apply at wherever they have an opening for washing the pots and pans and or for whatever there is that it doesn't have a communication skills essay test in front of it and then when they ask you you tell them that you may as well have been arrested. If they ever found out that maybe people who have been arrested are your neighbors and comrades then half the nation will detest you and exclude you. Some of them are homeless and some of them paid off their mortgages a long time ago and some of them are multimillionaires and some of them are CEOs.

[@brendabobo1623]

Wow he was a Blessing to loss to ion to

[@billwatson8648]

Excellent points. Now check out "Final Cut -- Masky, Really?" to see these points presented in another way.

[@faye2899]

It's interesting how many simply assume that those being looked upon in their conditions wherever they may be found /are poor incapable uneducated or somehow losers who must have done something or perhaps reckless mismanagement? Addiction alcoholism mental illness when the lack of awareness that as survivers ,there is no new way of being human the goal and intent is improving the quality of life and living by all means nessasary without delay

[@zionadore5397]

Awesome!

[@roberthooten4652]

that was touching

[@janetthome6061]

Beautiful

[@anupthomas2553]

☝🏼Everyone who thought this guy waswas homeless before watching the vedio

[@nannononeill9763]

H - lessness : oh god, if only the never-been-homeless could really see the all the homeless pregnant women with children at once. Maybe someone would step up and say: "women and children first.". If only they knew the mental anguish that mothers go through knowing that society views them with the same indifference as they do the stinking, drunken addict on skid row. It is a pain that presses hard on a woman's chest every waking moment as she looks for a life boat that no longer exists.

[@notused2118]

It starts with exposing the school system, the fake social rights groups, music, and movies that tell women this is the way. "Screw guys who are broke and who screw around." It's a damn shame. Rather than help them get more kids. Show girls not to touch men until they meet a moral and well todo guy or don't touch them at all!

[@sparkletosparkle8783]

Homelessness is a factor to increase the value to property, and the great majority is homelessness. if you rent you are homelessness, if you have a mortgage you are homelessness. The taxes and value of your home increases every year and is a risk factor to become homelessness, the insurance adds to it as maintenance, public services are the worst factor for cities to became a ghost and worthless cities. flat extended cities with a overdeveloped asphalt streets they will become ruins. High density cities with high rise small condominium units are the future. The great majority of citizens are Homelessness, sooo..... a new party the Homelessness Party is the peoples road to liberty and happiness.

[@KYurbanHOMESTEADINg]

Chiaka! My friend!

[@rosaespinoza1410]

My name is Rosa Elena Espinosa Mendoza, I'm homeless student by Hartnell college and working part time, is hard survive condition homeless and is to sad see increasing this social problems and is more sad see, hear, a goverment to ignored them. Poet-Author.Rosa Elena Espinosa Mendoza@google short biography 4-1-2017

[@Scorned405]

The police treat the homeless real good too

[@burtonh1]

Give the homeless a chance at getting trained for a career.

[@carolisaac5459]

+Knuckle_Bump Many have training, they even have jobs. Jobs don't pay for housing when it is below around $20 in this city now. More than 70% at Nickelsville had a job of some kind, but they were not paid well enough to get them a rented apartment. Training and school have put many into more debt with no job at the other end. Often those training sites make money for trainers and help out an NGO to get their grants, but are not designed to get a job. Just a certificate.

[@carolisaac5459]

+Carol Isaac Nickelsville was an ordered homeless encampment named after a past mayor in Seattle. And we are just getting around to raising the salary to $15 an hour - mostly to come. Meantime, the housing costs have soared. We are racing to be like San Francisco.

[@burtonh1]

Carol Isaac That is why I argue that raising the minimum wage just leads to high cost and inflation.

[@burtonh1]

Carol Isaac What I was referring to was teaching people a trade not just offering them a low-wage job.

[@lisacolbert5987]

+Knuckle_Bump yeah, but I'm a very skilled carpenter, with work, but there are no homes to rent where I live. I've met several professional people in my area living in their cars. My town has been taken over by trust funders and wealthy retirees.

[@BlakeBlackstone]

I clicked on this because I thought he was Steve Buscemi.

[@BlakeBlackstone]

+mus5599 Really dude? Is that supposed to hurt my feelings? LOL It's 2016. Try harder or you'll never go anywhere.

[@Cublex]

Not an insult anymore, LOL.

[@harfangdesneiges6680]

No one else but me is scared of some of them to get mugged or harassed. I can,t give a buck to one when 5 others ask also after I do this! So I can,t look at the others. Got to ignore them! Especially if I am not in a crowd and I am walking alone! What would you do fairy tale boy? To add to this is the fact that you let a homeless person, stranger whom you don,t know, inside. If they were in psychosis or bent on stealing and attack you for your goods...What would you do??? It's not all rainbows and unicorns sir!

[@godstomper]

I thought that was Steve Buscemi

[@christopherscheiber1439]

Do the money addicted gentrifiers have a time frame for when rents will be ten to twenty grand a month? And will that be enough to satisfy their addiction to money?

[@jangofet555]

what people can do is learn about an actual cost efficient solution then donate what they can from each paycheck to that solution. first we will need to demand from governments different building codes for much cheaper housing even such things as geodesic tents (glamping domes which can be purchased for $600 in amazon and made for probably much less) and abundance of de-privatized and de-comidified 300 sqft lots of land that cant be taken from them. there's enough land and all the homeless likely get welfare which can be deducted from to finance these living necessities. lets vote and demand governments learn how to make money in every field of service and product, people will fund the government in the form of buying services and products when we vote on how they will serve us and write laws, thus an all inclusive collective and community cycle. the solution for homeless as well as affordable housing in is reforming the building codes to allow tiny houses and lesser known and cheaper building techniques (aircrete homes, 3d printed earth homes) as well as allowing people to permanently camp on private property with the permission of the owner. allocate like 500 sqft land, to every individual including children. families would share their yard and kitchen. enforce progress to be shared, technology, hardware and software to be transparent and available to the government. design people the freedom to choose any qualified job available and not need ones they dont want. if civilization wasn't built with slaves then lets trust people will choose to do the jobs we want and need still. design thriving and abundance with the absence of doubt, disbelief, and fear in your mind and with trust, belief and unconditional love in your heart.

[@jarred333Boss]

damn daniel

[@bobbiegrimes5265]

Hey think it was great wish they had a homless in austin because I am and this is me climbing over the plexiglass to talk ti the people on the other side my music is on youtube under georgetuckermusic watch please I have given it up cant keep a guitar but hope you like it some is bad sorry Let me know about the record deal ive got 6 cd recorded thanks rex ill send you a copy

[@rogerkomula8057]

I'm broke and homeless, but I don't get women pregnant.

[@OzoneMcWego]

Bottom line: Homelessness is a choice. Its a tough pill to swallow but its true. Also to note, If throwing money at homelessness was the solution we would have solved it a long time ago.

[@timothybyrnes5168]

He says no one chooses 2 be homeless, and I know this is untrue!

[@gabrielfernandes8401]

+Timothy Byrnes How do you know?

[@rexhohlbein8005]

Thank you for your thought on this, I would like to hear more for why you say this. The basis of my comment in the video is that nobody chooses suffering over comfort. Many people rationalize that they don't need to help someone suffering through homelessness because they have chosen to be homelessness. I have yet to find that person that chooses suffering, chooses being shunned and dehumanized. When folks have said they chose to be homeless and we talk for a bit, and I ask if they have family or if they talk with their parents, the answer involves having left the family because of abuse, often at a very early age. In this regard a person can say they chose homelessness but only as a better option to being at home in an abusive situation. Please email me at [e-mail] if you would like to talk further. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your time. Rex

[@roboparks]

I think your confusing choice with "ultimatum". Every one that has ever been homeless or is still homeless society gives them a ultimatum."Shape up or ship out" "Our way or the Highway" Those are not choices and that is why most government or even religions programs that are suppose to help actually end up hurting. Because of a cookie-cutting system. Each person is different and has different needs. Choice begins with Hope. If a person doesn't have hope then they cant see the choices that might be afforded to them. If there is no hope why be honest with myself and recognize that I might have problem in certain areas of life. And what is Hope? To me its the relational connection to the world around me.Since hope cant be proven hope is a lot like faith theirs no science to it or method of study. . You cant put hope in a stat. Your statement is incomplete you need to provide context behind your statement if you want people to understand your point of view. If not then its just a Trolling statement.

[@frankfurlacker5219]

I'm glad you have zero respect for us, people like you are why I strive to be a terrible person.

[@acajudi100]

Timothy Byrnes Do not do drugs or alcohol, and please do not get pregnant! Sterilizations all around. If you cannot care for yourself, then you cannot afford a baby or more.

[@mike.p.1400]

You are a nice young man. You have a big heart. But you are wrong about one thing that I heard you say. You said nobody chooses homelessness. You are wrong. Some people. Sane people. Do choose homelessness.

[@rexhohlbein8005]

Thank you for your thought on this, I would like to hear more. The basis of my comment is that nobody chooses suffering over comfort. Many people rationalize that they don't need to help someone suffering through homelessness because they have chosen to be homelessness. I have yet to find that person that chooses suffering, chooses being shunned and dehumanized. When folks have said they chose to be homeless and we talk for a bit, and I ask if they have family or if they talk with their parents, the answer involves having left the family because of abuse, often at a very early age. In this regard a person can say they chose homelessness but only as a better option to being at home in an abusive situation. Please email me at [e-mail] if you would like to talk further. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your time. Rex

[@mike.p.1400]

Rex Hohlbein tried to e mail you Rex. But it said it failed to send.

[@mike.p.1400]

Rex Hohlbein I'm on my phone. I will try tonight on my computer

[@jameswhite3415]

Michael Petty Agreed it can be argued that living in your car is actually smarter is certain rare circumstances

[@anonanon739]

Rex Hohlbein First I'd like to say you're a very kind and intelligent person so my intent isn't to prove you wrong. However I'm an example of someone choosing to be homeless. I have an apartment where I live alone and positive relationships with all of my family. I'm a successful martial artist with an opportunity to begin coaching. Yet I'm choosing to be homeless. I could continue to live here forever without any issue. I'm not unintelligent, this is a very calculated decision. You mention the comfort and that is the exact reason I'm leaving. Look at the most common cause of human death. 1. Heart disease. 2. Stroke. Both prevented by physical activity and diet. It's easy to be inactive in a home. Increasing amounts of science are showing intermittent fasting the best diet. It's easy to go to a store and choose only healthy options but it requires exceptional self-control to fast for 16 hours with a refrigerator full of food. Showers are one of the comforts but they cause significant amounts of chlorine and it's byproduct THM to be absorbed through the skin and lungs. Linked to cancer, weakened immune system, gut microflora destruction, potential artery damage, and hormone imbalances. Not to mention showers, toilets, and sinks waste water which is horrible for the environment. Mattress, furnature, and buildings are made of various toxic materials which break down and enter our lungs causing cancer along with many other health issues. Stoves, heating, a.c., and nearby traffic all contribute to poor air quality. Poor air quality is a contributing factor for stroke, cancer and many other health issues. I could go into more detail but I think that's enough. This comfort is physically and mentally killing us. Depression and anxiety are increasing. Drugs are abused because they cause a release dopamine and serotonin. This is not effective long term due to adaptation and a reduction of these neurotransmitters in the brain. However physical exercise causes an overall increase. Recent studies show aerobic exercise is superior to antidepressants in reducing anxiety and depression. Nature also has a positive affect on mental health. Sunlight increases levels of serotonin. All of these improve bdnf and neurogenesis. So often people say "someday I'd like to travel" but they don't because they're tied down by a building, endless amounts of items, and responsibility. How can anyone move freely knowing they have to return and maintain an entire building. Maybe I'm an anomaly. I'm an introvert so solitude doesn't deter me and very minimalistic so there's an appeal to reducing my items to what can be carried. I've trained for many years in martial arts so I'm able to defend myself however stealth will be my first defence. I've also been a fan of cycling and long distance rides are enjoyable as well as camping and surviving. For all of human history we've had challenge and the reward proportional to overcoming it. But now technology has made life easy. So people ride their cars to the gym and imitate physicality and most don't even do that. Sugar is a perfect analogy. Being extracted from something healthy without the fiber or nutrients it's extremely harmful. This is the same for all the pleasures of our society. We sit down, get tasty food, or watch tv but there is little challenge before. To your point about choosing to be shunned. I want to stand up to and be an example against shallow statues based thinking. How much money somebody has isn't the most important criteria for judging their character. I'm sure the corporate controlled politicians love or maybe even created this. If you aren't contributing to the almighty economy then you're deserving of ridicule. I bet those people working 70 hours a week feel superior but at the end of this life who actually enjoyed themselves and who made rich people more rich while they bitterly hated each day justifying it by a nice new car or whatever unnecessary item they have. Comfort is a trap. Where is the adventure?

[@OkinRobert]

This guy is a naive phony. To peddle the idea that homelessness can be significantly impacted by acts of individual kindness does a disservice to any real organized attempt to deal with the problem. Yes, acts of human kindness are important. But they are not a solution.

[@rags1up]

check out my homelessness presentation

[@TheKlickitat]

Cool, now how about a real solution. I am sick and tired of the emotional bullshit that makes you feel better, but does nothing to actually fix the problem. Another wasted 15 minutes of my life listening to someone talk about themselves and to pat them self on the back.

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

TheKlickitat Put the factory jobs back in America

[@dirtyoldman54]

Thank you!!!

[@shalenamendoza7178]

Beautiful