Dan (Full Episode) - FIRSTHAND: Homeless

Dan’s journey to homelessness started about 12 years ago after eviction from his suburban home. The streets of downtown Chicago soon became his new home, but navigating life on the streets has been challenging. Avoiding crimes against the homeless, and tackling an on-going heroin addiction are immediate concerns for Dan.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Homeless at interactive.wt...
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About FIRSTHAND: Homeless
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Homelessness is a widespread and complex issue in Chicago and other American cities, with no quick answers or simple solutions. While the public, media, and even policymakers often look away from the problem, WTTW spends a year focused on the challenging experiences and unique perspectives of unhoused people across the Chicago’s neighborhoods in Firsthand: Homeless.
FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago.
www.wttw.com/f...
#FIRSTHANDwttw

[@wttw]

FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. www.wttw.com/firsthand #FIRSTHANDwttw

[@missjones8123]

PLEASE START DOING UPDATES ON THESE STORIES; EVEN IF IT'S JUST A SENTENCE OR TWO AND THE END OF THE VIDEO...

[@wolfmoon3431]

Thank you for your channel❤

[@ellierose2661]

The production of these videos is outstanding. I'm so glad there's funding that allows for an intimate, sensitive introduction to people's experience living on the streets. Brilliant work!

[@rosepetals5744]

I agree! Amazing production. I love how they allow each individual to tell their story instead of interruption and a series of questions

[@DebraGlenn-z2r]

Funding for a production? How about finding homes for people to be safe

[@robi5192]

Congrats, bro. Please do the right thing, NEVER GO BACK!!!

[@mikesawyer4707]

We have all made choices in our lives that we wish we could go back and redo. God bless this gentleman. 😊

[@nicklasmillner101]

Like poor kids born addicts, in poverty have choices with the hand dealt , easy w the, BS ! The world ain't fair , jus saying.

[@abraxasjinx5207]

It's amazing he got housing, and such a nice apartment. Regardless what recovery program he's pursuing, his chances of success while being homeless, in the winter, were very slim. I hope this gives him the foothold he needs to climb out of the addiction hole.

[@MarkMayhew]

I think you can only really appreciate his attitude, his disposition, if you’ve been homeless yourself. It’s such a degrading, dehumanizing experience if a miracle anybody comes out of it intact.

[@Iworkwithnitwits]

Awesome He got housing. I hope he stays clean and rebuilds his life.

[@ryanimal34]

Problem with today's society is that people don't care for others and have no respect. I hope for the best for Dan!

[@UTP504]

You nailed it, people are soulless and selfish.

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

People have lost all empathy

[@SF-ob8tj]

The us post office gives out P.O. Boxes to homeless if you fill out some paperwork but you can also get general mail from front desk if you don’t meet the requirements.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

Do they still have "General Delivery? I thought I heard they stopped doing that.

[@lifewith9cats153]

13 years homeless in Chicago...wow! I sure hope he gets this housing and has a brighter future! 🙏

[@mikemcleod4996]

so happy for dan getting housing , hes a gd guy

[@vickiwilliams439]

Blessings my dear friend.Stay with God!

[@cortashaelam320]

I never liked that saying, "expect the worst and hope for the best". He should be happy. I've never been homeless so I can only imagine how hard life was. You now can start a new chapter.

[@robi5192]

He didn't say expect, he said prepare for. Big difference!

[@ricardosoto5512]

Expect the Unexpected.😊😊😊

[@Kataharrison6974]

Wishing you all the best. ❤

[@CarolLustgarten]

Hope he stops smoking. Would be better for his health. Sounds like he has alot of insight into his situation. Hope he gets his life together. Self supporting and beats his addiction problems problems. He could help others and be a good inspiration. 😊😊😊😊

[@debbieframpton3857]

I don't understand how someone just hands money to somebody and hope that they are making the payments I would have made sure the payments were made

[@JackAttack2011]

I mean it was his wife, you should trust your wife

[@christaylor7049]

Get off smack and you will be ok

[@debbieframpton3857]

@@JackAttack2011 , A lot of couples sit down every few months and go over budget to make sure they're in sync with how the money is being saved or spent sometimes you just need to tweak the budget and both people should have input into that

[@richardlawson6787]

Why believe anything a drug addict says...

[@ShakeenaPackard]

I no how it feels not to have a place of my own and it doesn't feel good so my prayers are he finds housing soon he seems like a good guy 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@TheOneinthewoods]

Thank you for this insight. Very scary and so sad. Im happy to see he got a roof over his head❤

[@donnasloane9031]

Soup and water...a warm blanket...a dry place to sleep and wag bags for elimination...why cant we provide such small survival tools for these unfortunate individuals?......

[@NotMeGworl]

"My girlfriend didn't pay the mortgage" "My aunt introduced me to opiates" Im seeing a pattern...

[@UniquelySustainable]

I wish we got to see him move in. I hope he gets clean and lives a better life.

[@Joce123]

I'd keep my social security card in a plastic bag in my shoe!

[@DebraGlenn-z2r]

I'm homeless but my heart hurts for other homeless people. I cry for others because I know what it's like not being safe. My God protects me and I have hope that it will get better. If not in this life then after I die I'll be with the Lord

[@nicklasmillner101]

So , you all still wondering why do many homeless folks come to California, " survive" , is the word . Chicago is unthinkable, tough cops , cold as f , hot 🥵 as f !

[@burly636]

We all made stupid choices growing up and throughout life in someway or another. And people say they didn’t they’re not being truthful. The most important choice is Jesus.

[@Lynn-uf4ip]

And being determined to overcome your obstacles. (Past bad choices, etc). Dan you do seem determined. Never give up.

[@mscongenility4u]

good for you Dan getting things done ✅ for you 🎉 you hit that "wall" it takes motivation i think that one can get into a fisious houseless cycle ya get comfortable with it used to it before you know it it becomes you lives within your soul eats you up swallows you

[@DebraGlenn-z2r]

We may make bad choices but it's not who we are,we are human and we love,we breathe,we cry,we bleed,we care for one another,we are created by God

[@wdchapman1969]

Dude has a $5 coffee, smokes cigarettes, and does heroin....he has money somewhere. Your priorities and choices are what shape your life. Wherever you go, there you are. Best of luck to Dan, hope he gets his priorities in order and makes better choices.

[@brpetzn]

Yes, true, but in order to get an apartment, you need a buck load of money and a good history, including credit. The girl he was dating didn't pay a mortgage. More than likely, she got off scott free, and his credit was damaged. Not to mention you need to get a job in order to pay monthly for rent.

[@wdchapman1969]

all problems that were years in the making...why would the solution be anything less.

[@OscarmfRoth]

Having money doesn't dictate getting housing at all. Go try to rent an apartment with no job but 10k $$ ... It just doesn't work that way

[@UniquelySustainable]

He treats himself to a whole $5 coffee after sleeping on the streets all night and bums cigarettes from alleyways. That isn't an issue. Now his habit is definitely an issue and is a reason why he is where he is. No doubt he was an addict when he had a home, and I'm not sure how you are an owner and don't know your home is being foreclosed on. He also mentions having regulars and that is how he affords his habit.....that is usually code for Johns. But nonetheless housing is essential to getting his life together, hopefully that is the catalyst to him getting clean, a job and a future.

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

I spent a lot of time at the library. And I hear you about just wasting time. It’s a full time job tho being out there

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

I admire this guy , im 64 white male quit drinking alcohol almost 6 years ago after i wrecked my vehicle for a 7 th dui ! That was bottom , i asked " God " for help and in his infinite wisdom i bounced back . Any body can get help and be productive. Restoration is yours to ask for . Not to minimize anyone's nightmare . But once I realized life is not warm and fuzzy and not meant to be . Addicts always want to get ! Once you learn to give ! Life will change . You will be taken out of your debauch because you are useful elsewhere.

[@ChakraKhan666]

You would have thought that he would have been a little bit more appreciative.

[@christophertracy2807]

When the photographer asked him how he gets money, he seemed to mention regulars. I am thinking he does something illegal (like tricks) here and there for money.

[@stansmith8206]

What do you mean by "tricks"? I don't think he mentioned magic at all in the interview.

[@infringinator]

he means patreons he got like $400,000 in donations son

[@Mme.Swisstella]

I'm glad he got that nice aptification unit.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

The biggest mistake of homeless people. That always lose their ID very important. Have your id in a certain place at always and don't put in your pocket clips. Someone robbed you and knock you out and steal it. Put the ice air, put it in your pants. Put it deeply in your pants or in your socks, so you have it permanently. That's what I would do if I was homeless this way, you're going to have your ideas and your license and stuff like that forever. Do not put in your pocket. Do not put it in your wallet that will steal it from you or I to NOT put it in your tent and leave it there and go away. Keep your id in your people and your stuff on you at all times And that way you'll never lose your ID or your birth certificates because you're going to need that when you come off the streets or if you come out to streets, your choice again.

[@renaissance5300]

dan god bless it is always the decent people who get ruined the rotten people get everything

[@english7451]

Now my nice city neighborhood has homeless walking around everywhere. This is recent. Seeing young BM and BW homeless. My area is nice and clean and safe for walking. Unlike other parts of Chicago. I wish it was still secret but not anymore. I pick up trash on my lawn every morning. Not too bad. I’ve seen worse.

[@MichaelOBrien71]

Wish the best for Dan

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

I will give this guy credit. That he admit that his history choices that put him Larry's and I agree with that I agree with that I respect people like that. Who are honest you put yourself out there? Your fault, no one else's you could have did better. You chose not to do better. And now you're believing in your bed that you chose to your choice. It's up to you now to get up to yourself off the street. Only you can do that. It must be your choice in a country with so much freedom and some of the good things you can do people. I think people in the West Ted bear grant life and freedom for granted. Most Americans take their freedom for granted. And this is why a lot of u people have become bums and homeless on the streets. You take life for granted.

[@DebraGlenn-z2r]

Dan, there's hope for you, Jesus Christ is waiting for you to talk with him,God bless you

[@Mr.Luuranko]

Matisyahu looking ruff..

[@UTOPIANTUNNELS]

Lol totally looks like him

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

Housing first

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

You're doing the right thing well card. I don't know why you want to pay taxes for anyway. But anyway, that's a good thing. Whatever at least you're working hard to get off drugs. That's a good day, but it must be your choice. Only you must love yourself first before anything that can happen. You must love it's all first a lot of people don't love themselves and this is what they're chronic drug addicts and on their bombs on the street. You don't have to be that person, but it's your choice if you want to be that person or not.

[@LeahDyson-kq4bd]

Yankees fan in Chicago

[@theobserver9131]

I guess it's easier to get by in a city if you don't have a home, but I don't like cities at all. They're dirty, busy, and cruel. I spent about 10 years backpacking all around the US, and even took one hike down to the Yucatan. No money, just charm and wit to get fed, and sleep where-ever. For the last 30 or so years, I've managed to find caretaker gigs. Taking care of properties in exchange for "room and board". If I had gone to the city, I'd be dead by now. I'm now in a very nice little bus in a back yard. I've spent at least half my life without even a tent..... just makeshift shelters....sticks and plastic. But always rural or wilderness. I'm so glad I never got stuck in a city. Homeless is often just an attitude. Sometimes it's not.

[@theobserver9131]

I wish cities would dedicate some unused land out of the city where people were welcome to camp, or even occupy some unused buildings and maybe start some little industries so that people could earn a modest living and develop some more life skills.

[@english7451]

He right he made bad choices. Libraries used by homeless made it impossible to go there because they smell 👃 up the place.

[@mikestroud9969]

He seems like a good guy. Hope he gets help he needs. God bless ❤️🙏🇺🇲💯. Ive been Sober for 34 years and counting. Thanks goes to Jesus Christ. Im lucky and appreciative. 🙏💯

[@bonnielizarraga7941]

This is disgusting and so very wrong where is his tribe ? People are so alone it’s such a disconnect

[@EE-uj6tw]

His “girlfriend never paid the mortgage” so why didn’t he? This is the guy that sits at the bar saying women destroyed his life. Grow some balls and take accountability.

[@carolinecasado1807]

I do hope he gets housing soon 😢

[@AnneBezuidenhout-ek4dy]

2Chronicles 7:14 If My People Which Ate Called By My Name Shall Humble themselves and Seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from HEAVEN and will forgive their sin and heal their land . AMEN . 🙇‍♀️That Script still applies TODAY for All that SEEKs Gods Face . I missed out printing Heaven so i had to retype that script .

[@KTurner-ny3or]

Abandoned places upstate ny. How get mailbox delivery helpers amish like clean up resources or meminite as cant fix faster a campy offgrid.

[@sheilagilyard9380]

😢😢😢

[@NewLeaf1-zs4sy]

Did "you make stupid decisions" or where stupid decisions essentially made for you? Too many people are "making stupid decisions" such there life's end up in tatters, question is when does it shift from a individual responsibility to SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT HERE, THIS ENVIRONMENT IS DISEASED?

[@rebeccahale4673]

Something isn't right with our whole system for sure.

[@pamsmith1665]

I missed why he lost his job. And he didn't know GF wasn't paying mortgage...right

[@AnneBezuidenhout-ek4dy]

HEAR from HEAVEN . HEAR HEAR HEAR 👂sorry i muddled my words . GET THEE BEHIND satan !!!😡

[@jamesskinner7185]

Pretty hard to believe he didn’t know his girl wasn’t paying the mortgage…

[@english7451]

Not buying his story.

[@everydaydadfixinit4803]

Unfortunately, this story likely ends with Dan being back on the streets...it is a tale as old as time.

[@Confessions089]

Well, hopefully, he doesn't make any more bad choices.

[@pamsmith1665]

The choices you made, made you what you are today. Hilarious!

[@wontbelongnow5567]

Hey why dont you stop being lazy and get a job earning a living. To pay for something better in life. But it's up to you to change and stop making excuses about work .

[@NormanNorman-w2j]

Wow, you got all the answers, you should be president.

[@KayciazWorld]

It must be nice up there on your high horse.....hopefully nothing knocks you off of it. Be humble. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE, AT ANY TIME!!

[@sanaaniz]

When the tables turn your way remember your comment 🤡

[@UTP504]

Some people are just insufferable, they just simply can’t help themselves🤡

[@keithbrock2061]

The homeless in America have it better than 2/3 of the world population lol “Wasting time, playing on my phone”

[@NomadChristian]

What would you suggest he do? Would your employer hire him?

[@Bachconcertos]

Do many pastors priest & politicians will be going to hell for this.

[@sugarplumenigma4850]

Dan is a liar .

[@Chris-e5c6i]

Stop giving the homeless Narcan

[@stephanblack4558]

Homeless with a smart phone I can't afford a smart phone I'm an OAP on a low income.

[@bentonja668]

Phones are free. When you pay your cell bill every month there's a fee that goes to the Affordable Connectivity Act. Smart phones are a necessity these days, especially for someone living in the streets and trying to access services and programs.

[@KevinJones-bk8zv]

And people are commenting on how well the video maker's have done such a good job doing a documentary that shouldn't even be a factor right there is proving my point ☝️ the focus should be on the homeless population and the Government and all supporting agencies who should be on video okayyyy.so why don't you homeless video people go dress up and go camping out on the beautiful lawns of our government elected officials and see how long you have sitting on their property give it a shot if you all really want to help all homeless population 😢😮

[@Joce123]

Yup I heard that all of the illegal immigrants who went to Martha's vineyard now have work permits.

[@gem246]

He has impeccable manners. Blessings on you. Wishing you the best in your life

[@theobserver9131]

Homeless people are just people. We're not aliens. ...mostly.... ;)

[@higherminds717D]

He said 13 wasn’t a lucky number But after 13 years in the streets he gets housing .. I’ll say that’s his lucky number

[@abraxasjinx5207]

My last day using heroin was Friday the 13th, November 2020. I keep it as my lucky day.

[@higherminds717D]

@@abraxasjinx5207 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🌞

[@DreamerxPunk]

I’m glad he got housing. I hope Yolanda & Kimberly also get that luck too! Especially Kimberly so she can start fostering a fruitful life for her and her baby 🫶🏽

[@fauna3989]

Wishing sobriety for everyone that struggles. 🙏

[@debbieangel9376]

Dan, I wish you all the very best, stay strong and keep going, Never give up

[@tammyhall1008]

OUR COUNTRY CAN SEND OTHER COUNTRIES MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS 💸 BUT..WE CANT HELP OUR OWN WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY😢😢😢😢😢DISGUSTING‼️

[@deborahhinton926]

A very strong man who faces diversity head on, I wish I could find some of his strength. I wish him every best wish and that he finds the happiness he deserves

[@Joce123]

Smoking doesn't seem financially or healthy not the best choice? You seem so nice! I wish you could find more friends.

[@laneshalewis38]

Awww beautiful story I love happy endings

[@BrianHornak]

May it be upward and onward ...nothing but peace..happiness. security and good health

[@annsaunders5768]

He's doing drugs. Forgive me if I don't willingly believe that he is being honest with what he is saying in regards to how great he is. I have allowed persons in my home that truly seemed good - but truly weren't. They get good at scamming, especially when drugs are involved.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

I think there's some lies. You tell him you say you lost your house with foreclosure, you didn't know your girlfriend was paying, not pain mortgage, she's your girlfriend, how you not know that that don't make sense aint useful to help pay the mortgage you're the man in the house again. You're responsible? You put yourself there. Actually, so I blame you as well as a girlfriend. The wrong choice is that you pick the wrong woman and you didn't have no backup funds, knowing that you're going to get kicked at the house, because when you're on foreclosure, it doesn't happen overnight they give you plenty of time to come up with the money or to move out. You chose to stay to the last minute a lot of people do that and then that's why you're homeless. I said I'm making plans to do some better.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

Somebody don't add up here. I know there's they're telling me what they want you to hear. I don't believe certain things insane if you had the house before, you must have a job to pay for the house even though it's not enough money, you still have your job even though you got 4 closed on you still had your job, what happened to the job you had that's what I want to hear.

[@qrcodeguy5669]

So this guy wasn’t paying rent or a mortgage and became homeless? Hard to feel bad for this guy. His own choices….

[@stevenweiss2148]

Has a very midwestern attitude about work in spite of his addiction Its admirable and i respect that

[@wolfmoon3431]

I truly hope Dan finds stability and an opportunity for New beginnings in his new home alongside, the supportive help (and inner resolve) to overcome his addictions and live a happier and healthier life. I am living proof it can be done and know only too well, how much dedication, effort and time it can take to recover yourself from serious drug addiction. I was a teenage runaway and was homeless and addicted to both, heroin and amphetamines for a period of 7 years in my troubled youth. I have been clean for 16 years now. I also, didn't know cigarette butts were called 'Snipes' in the US (a country that, has stolen my heart since I began travelling there in 2018)... Here in the UK, we called them "dog ends' when I was on the street! Anyone that, takes the decision to walk the road of recovery has a great deal of courage and hope and, I wish Dan success and healing on his path, from here🕊💞🕊

[@Cece2u]

Good for you Dan! Keep it up!!!

[@qrcodeguy5669]

Maybe don’t let random people taking pictures of your social security card. And people wonder why he’s homeless

[@ruthcampbell5584]

wasting time? Get A JOB???????

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

USA America is a great place to live ....if you have money.

[@unpopularopinion9831]

Anyone 62 or older on the streets are making a choice, they can move into assisted living and everything, I mean everything is provided for them. If your city doesn't have openings, go to the Midwest and you can get in within a month or so if you are already getting social security, if not get that first then go to assisted living. Why are elderly homeless when they know this? Making a choice, drugs, drink/smoke, have dog, want freedom, doesn't matter, it's a choice, there's plenty of places to go, they choose not to. Let them...

[@Joce123]

Assisted living is not free in the Midwest and it is not without a long long list of waiting. Some people wait 10 years.

[@sugarplumenigma4850]

Are you insane ? Assisted living is extremely more expensive than a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living is for people who have savings.

[@SunniNomad]

Assisted living is 1k+ a month in the Midwest. If you're on SSI they take it all and leave them 10-50 dollars. They're also understaffed and under paid. So no seniors can't just do that unfortunately

[@aderodriguez3481]

Wow, poor guy But I admire he seems very eloquently and smart. I always am in shock of How there is so much money in this World and yet the majority of humans ignore the vulnerable don't care about them at all it's unbelievable how Society is so cruel, disgusting etc. Those corrupt politicians and the rich I hear hundreds of people wish the tables would turn around and they will ended up living on the streets with nothing.

[@shirley9066]

Those other people are being good slaves they are forced to be happy so as not to discourage other good slaves. Then they give ur money to other people who will become good slaves in youre place.

[@sammycrangle1000]

All the best to you sir i am so glad you got houseing God bless you sir always

[@shirley9066]

You might make money teaching illegal immigrants how to survive on the streets.

[@MasterDee-yv8bx]

By grace of God Go i

[@anthonykence9954]

God will help this man if he wants to help himself.

[@KayciazWorld]

God will help this man regardless. Sometimes people get so down and tired, that they don't have it in them to fight anymore. God sees it and will bless them regardless

[@anthonykence9954]

@@KayciazWorld God will help him . Our lord loves us

[@jaywatson9476]

😊🙏💜