I always feel bad when I walk by a homeless person. I want to say something but I'm painfully shy and it's hard for me. I hope they're able to one day find a home. Even if it's only for a little while.
The Great Hufflepuff one thing that shows you care, is buying them something to eat and drink, it shows you care, and you only have to say ‘here you go’ and ‘have a good day’ but it can also be a gateway to a conversation. You can also do it in any country and it’ll be appreciated. It’s nice to see another caring Hufflepuff!
Also: Homelessness doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping on the street! I know they talked about living in shelters and stuff, but when I was a teenager I was homeless couch surfing at friends houses. I never slept outside or in a shelter once and I was still homeless. Homelessness can look like a lot of different things.
@@joyontheleft I just feel like I couldn't differentiate between an "I'm better than you I'm happy you're homeless " smile and a "Hi how are you" smile. And I dont like ever carry cash so I couldn't even help them
Natalie some of these people are homeless by choice, where I live people decide to be homeless, it kind of makes me sad to donate to homeless shelters in my area as many are just there by choice
It warmed my heart when they said, “Imagine going to school and being homeless.” Tbh I felt so warm and fuzzy and I felt recognized because I’m in high school and homeless. It’s pretty hard but honestly I’m still sooo grateful because I have a place that gives me two meals every week day and I’m getting an education for my future. To anyone who is homeless, You’re amazing and look out for your people. You never know who may comeback with a crap ton of respect and appreciation for you being there for them.
Just seeing this comment two years after you’ve written it, I hope you managed to finish school and are happy and safe currently 🙂 sending lots of love and positive vibes ❤️
@@andrewcastleberry4921 I know a lot of homeless people, and to get a job you need a fixed address. A lot of people get trapped in the homeless circuit. People wait years on a waiting list for accommodation but in the mean time might fall prey to drink and drugs. A lot of people don't have access to technology so might miss out on the phone call that would have given them a home or a job. I know someone who used to work for the government and got made redundant, then BAM became homeless after his wife left him and took his money. Family isn't always available to help you. Drink and drugs aren't always the reason for homelessness. Homeless people are just people, and what they want more than money is just to be acknowledged as a human.
I've been homeless before yet I still struggle to talk to people in the streets because I just get anxious. I always feel guilty for not saying anything but my heart races when I try to approach people
I was homeless for five months. Donation centers were amazing; I could get nice clothes and even makeup department stores didn't sell. Looking at me you'd think I was the average 21 year old on her way to work.
@@AKayfabe Most cities will drop you if you are homeless for long term because being homeless for a long term is usually an indicator that you're not using the help you are given to help yourself. Many cities will offer help for a year, maybe even two with welfare and such to help you get back on your feet but if you're obviously just using them to get some money to not even improve yourself, they will drop you.
Agreed. Been there; 6 months after 6 months of exhausting my savings and job searching. It was humiliating but there are tons of resources nowadays. Use those free library computers and do a comprehensive search for the nearest shelters and donation centers. Both provide guidance on how to get help and help yourself.
My dad makes a habit of having a conversation with homeless people if he can. Asks them their name, has a bit if banter. I'm trying to pick up that habit too.
Thanks for the tip, thats a nice opening :) ! I never know what to say or start a conversation, to see if they are ok. Cos i always feel like it't non of my business to ask a stranger.
My school went on a camp in the city. We saw a man who was living on the streets. The first thing he said to us was "have a good night girls. Stay safe and make good choices". He was the nicest man I have ever met. Homeless people are not bad at all.
80% of homeless people have mental health problems. They are not bad - the system they live in is. It was Mahatma Ghandi who said “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” That said - I saw a homeless dude on a drunken walk home from the bars and offered food, a shower (he was filthy) and a place to sleep for the night. When I was cleaning the tub after him he robbed me and bolted. I’m a 6’4” 250 fit dude - I had no fear for safety but lost a shit ton of money. Make good decisions and keep yourself safe. Aka - steer clear. Pay your taxes. And vote for people that champion unhoused and poor folks.
*pretends not to see you* - some people don’t know what to say! A lot of homeless people are violent and addicts and it’s frightening. You don’t know who is genuine these days...
I will always try to smile and say hello when I’m out in safe public space, outside shops etc.. a lot of people actively avoid eye contact, which isn’t very nice. I wouldn’t want to be ignored liked that, so assume with them also being human that they feel the same.
11eleven yes of course, I try to smile as well. But if they are trying to start a conversation or are asking for money, I find it quite uncomfortable as 1. I don’t have any money (I’m a teenager) & 2. I don’t like to give someone money if I do not know what they will use it for. I’ve bought food for a homeless man & his dog but I did it without being asked. I try to be kind but obviously don’t know what to say sometimes.
I once sat down next to a homeless man begging for money and just talked to him for like half an hour. He was such a nice and humble person and all he cared about was getting enough food for his two (super cute) dogs. This taught me so much and I will probably never forget that conversation
Maybe a video series on what people should say to all of these people would be good because sometimes people don't know how to help or are too scared for saying the wrong thing! These videos don't help at all they just induce more fear.
Jamie Moger it’s more complicated, everyone’s got baggage, Homeless people more than anyone, and so communicating can be really hard and so learning how not to offend someone can be really hard. Think of it this way, if someone didn’t know anything about a certain group of people, of course you don’t want to offend them
I lived homeless for ten years on the streets and shelters, abandoned buildings, other peoples places, all over. I have been treated so badly by some. Did you go to school. Yes I went to college and I went to school WHILE homeless so yes! Absolutely. It’s BS. How and what people asked me. I am qualified to be a chef but am disabled now. I am going to talk abt it on my channel, I think people don’t understand anything at times, they act like it’s all on purpose like we did something wrong. Just stay with your family. I have no family. They are dead. I ended up homeless in one day and stayed there TEN years
Exactly, there are cases were people regularly stop and give money to homeless people and have then been targeted and attacked. There are volunteers and shelters for these people if they need help. It sounds harsh but i don't owe them anything.
Griogair Straiton shelters! Riiight because shelters give a crap huh? If shelters cared there’d be no homeless. Shelters have alternate motives if all homeless got homes where’d the shelter workers be? Homeless too! No job left. So no shelters and organizations do NOT CARE. They try to keep people homeless. People who think they help and want change are stupid. You are ignorant and need to be taught.
I found the best way is to just observe them for a about 2 minutes. Maybe walk past a few more times, and seeing how they respond to other people giving them money. From that you can kind of see their mental state, or if their really homeless (looking at nails is useful). Then I’d ask if I could get them something (coffee/hot chocolate). But it all really depends on that moment and the vibe I’m getting
"You don't have to be on the street to be homeless." This. I was homeless back in first grade, and my family and I lived in the backyard of a broken down house. We only got to stay there because my mom's boyfriend (at the time) was helping to repair the house (they didn't get far with that; the walls were fucked, floors caved in, stains, everything) We never had decent food, we were cold at night, and everything just sucked. I would definitely consider myself homeless during those times.
I was a homeless person in high school for two years. A person gave me a pamphlet about god and told me to get help from my drug addiction even though I left because I was kicked out because my mom told me to leave after my mom told me to get out because I punched my step dad because he was beating my mum. Everybody has their own story.
I’m still technically homeless, just not on the streets. I ran away to NYC at 18. Partially because I was bored and fed up of my narcissistic dad and partially because I was feeling empty and felt I had nothing to lose. I stay with a friend on the upper east side currently. But I’m still technically “homeless.” I’ve done a lot of crazy shit on this little adventure of mine. But I have a dual diagnosis so that’s why I do the crazy shit that I do. Sometimes it’s hard to function. That’s why I run away so much. I’ll be 20 next month 😊
Србомбоница I wouldn’t say it’s “easy.” I am living in the biggest city in America (population wise). The cost of living is definitely very expensive. This includes rent, food and other goods. And there’s a high tax on everything
I lived in my car for a time. I have autism and had a complete breakdown after trying to survive in a normal job, getting sensory and socially overwhelmed every day. I couldnt handle being around anyone anymore. Im a lovely person - I didnt want to seek help from typical agencies because I didnt want to be seen as a bad person or be shamed. The few times I tried were so awful. They are such dehumanising environments, there is so much social stigma
I hope to goodness everything gets better for you. I just got a job at a food place and there is constant white noise. I also am autistic and I have adhd, so this noise gets me all anxious and I just- I feel m8
in all honesty when i first read the title i assumed they lived on the streets. i wouldn’t have thought that by sofa surfing and hopping from house to house would also be homelessness. i love this series and how it constantly opens my eyes to different perspectives on life.
@@Cassxowary I understand what you're saying but this comment seems kinda invalidating. They have a genuine fear that's valid, based on trauma. Whether or not they want to work through it is their own separate issue But if someone has cynophobia because of a dog attack, and thus actively avoids them; don't tell them "but oh it could have been any kind of animal that attacked you and most dogs are super nice" It just doesn't makes sense to say and is invalidating.
“that could never happen to me” god I’m so glad they touched upon this. homelessness can happen to ANYONE. yes, ANYONE. nearly all these people in the video said that it just happened one day without warning. and there’s so many people who have never been homeless that don’t realize this.
I was homeless and only about two months ago that I finally have enough money to rent a place. Now, although I'm already employed, I have an interview next week and hoping I could get it.
I remember when I was at university and there was this homeless guy with a dog. He was approached by a Thai student who asked the dogs name. He said "Lady" and the Thai student said "oh as in Lady and the Tramp?". I've never felt as sorry for a homeless person as I did that day.
I’m sure he meant as in it’s from the movie/story. He must’ve realized after he said it how it can be interpreted and felt horrible. I feel bad for both parties honestly.
That one was hard to watch because I am saddened. I am almost brought to tears watching this. They are so true. And homelessness can happen to anyone. Kudos to this channel that brought these wonderful individuals here
I often attend housing movement protests and my master’s degree dissertation is on this topic. It’s crazy the fact that some people maintain closed buildings as commodities while others are sleeping on the streets. I hope someday housing will not be considered a human right of “second category” :(
Ive always seen where some ppl are like "homeless are too lazy to get a job" but in actuality they either didnt make enough to support themselves. And being on the street, most dont have a bank account, cell phone, address to put on paper applications, no sufficent clothes for a job interview, on top of that no uniforms to go to work in. Theyre basically limited to jobs closest to shelters. This coming from volunteering in soup kitchens. Its all easier said than done. Women & children get priority so men are often on the streets much longer than women and treated like scum.
A lot of people refuse to work for minimum wage. Small hourly wage is better than no hourly wage. My brother is a testament to that. Best friend's ex is a testament to that. They think they are better than working in fast food. They are lucky they have families who coddle and condone that behavior. But for most people, that would force them onto the street.
I want to see one on things not to say to people with ADHD. Because there's a lot of things people say to me that I think "go shove it where the sun doesn't shine!" Lol
Emily Harman Yup, for example: I don’t think you’re disabled, everyone has those problems. I don’t believe in ADHD. You don’t need medication for that, just try as hard as everyone else. There’s nothing ”wrong” with you, embrace who you are. Are you even trying to listen while I speak? You just need more exercise. It’s probably just anxiety. I think I have ADHD too.(Then they don’t get it checked or want meds.) (If you have ADD:) You don’t seem like you’re suffering from that. You’re not running around.
@@lunanyberg5271 omg yes! I even felt triggered when reading those things. Was feeling peed off lol. Especially the "I don't believe in ADHD" like okay hun. It's not a religion you know!
Unless they talk to me, I generally don’t look at homeless people bc it makes me sad and I’m awkward and a nervous wreck when it comes to people. I do give the occasional smile
Story time: 1. Watched a person on the street curled up in a ball crying, yelling, "please help it's so cold I'm in pain!" Someone put a 20£ down. As soon as the giver was around the corner. The beggar miraculously stopped crying and shivering, walked in to the store right next to him, walked out with bottles of beer and cigarttes, went on to have a nice party with his friends. 2. See this person begging only when it's high tourist time. In the evenings I see him in shisha bars partying it up, not starving. Both of them super convincing if you see them for the first time. Neither of them actually hungry or in need of help. Just faking it to scam you out of your hard earned money. How can I tell who is actually in need of help and who is a scammer or a junkie? I like helping, but there are too many junkies and scammers, I refuse to help them. And all of them know how to tell a pretty story. So don't say that people don't care, it's just that piece of shit people ruin it for the rest. Unfortunately that's how it is.
I used to work in a restaurant. I was waiting at the train station to get home. This guy came up to me and asked me for money. His eyes were full of tears saying he needed money to get home, saying he'd pay me back? I thought whatever, he's crying. I gave him a bit of money from my tips but he could see I had a lot in there so he kept asking so I ended up giving a little more. Still he kept asking at which point I just denied him. In the same week he was still at the same train station looking better dressed and washed asking other people for money. At one point even following a guy to a cash machine so he could give him money. Another time he came into the station itself and sat down to everyone but me asking for money. He really worked this young couple but I couldn't catch their eye to tell them no. Another time he was really bearing down on this young girl. I managed to stand behind him and silently warn her off. He didn't like that. - There used to be a guy who'd sit at another train station while I worked at the restaurant. On the few occasions I had food on me I'd give him the rest. He was so grateful. One time a bunch of loud obnoxious football fans got off a bus and filed past him into the train station. One guy threw a ten pence at him and told him to 'get a job'. This guy followed him and they had an argument on the platform. The homeless guy was really upset trying to explain his situation. He spoke to me a little after when I went to check if he was ok. I went back again but he disappeared and I decided to just leave the chocolates work gave us on his stuff. I never saw him again after that. - But now there's also this guy sitting at a bus stop and local people are helping him out which is really nice. He has cancer, leg ulcers and mental health issues. Unfortunately he's since self-discharged himself from hospital and is back at the bus stop. Which is a shame. But it seems people are still helping him, which is nice. Yeah some people are fakes and some people need help. You just never know until you know.
I’m on the spectrum, so making eye contact/approaching someone I don’t know is really, really difficult- but I always try to acknowledge homeless people’s existence, at least. If I can offer someone something, whether that be some cash or a conversation, I’ll do it. Just being flat out ignored because my existence makes someone uncomfortable is a horrible feeling- I wish that on anybody.
I used to be homeless,yet still a decent sensible person,no criminal record.people need to learn to be less stereotypical.Sometimes i think im glad i went through it because it made me grow loads
I have had a complicated few years with homelessness/hidden homelessness - that whole "its not as valid if you have a roof over your head each night" thing really got to me - it was a different roof every night, i was living out of a bag, I' d just been in hospital for a whole year and then out to that - and apparently it was OK just to put up with it. I was even volunteering at the time! I do make the effort to stop or at least acknowledge people but I find it quite difficult as I can't help everybody but I do have the knowledge that the stuff I do now educating other people in mental health and experiences can help lots more people in the future.
Yes people look the other way or don't speak because of all of the scammers out there pretending to be homeless. The moment you speak they want something from you.
What I don’t understand is that they get mad when you don’t go up to talk to them, but they also get mad when you try to talk about their life and how they got in that situation
Just being friendly, making contact, some human connection is probably very appreciated I think - I feel that won't however give me the right to ask too many questions though, especially not if personal questions. Sometimes I've felt I've gone overboard and asked one or two questions too many. Someone may be outside sleeping rough and wanting contact with people, however I have to make sure not to step over their personal boundaries. It's hard to get a balance perhaps but I guess I try to follow the person's lead, as some people will want to engage in conversation more than others will - and definitely it'll change day to day, or moment to moment...as may be the case for many people, whether homeless or not.
homeless people are just as diverse in their personalities as non-homeless people...it's not hard to understand that one person might enjoy something that another person wouldn't enjoy. I volunteer for a charity that brings food to those living on the streets. Some people love to have a chat and want to hear about my day, some people just thank me and that's the end of it. Some people are quite hostile but at the end of the day there are sociable and not so sociable people in EVERY subsection of society.
Have you ever thought about the fact that people get really, really sick of having to justify why they're homeless? When my mom and I were homeless, we had to tell our story EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. people came up. Some would even hold money in their hand and then demand we tell them our story. And y'know what? We were so desperate that we did it. We loathed every second of it, but we did it, because that was the only way to survive. The only way to survive while homeless is making people feel sorry for you. And you're pretty much over it after the first time. It's the dehumanizing, the retraumatization, the needing to justify why you're homeless... it's literally inhumane. So yeah, we do get mad when we're forced to share our life story over and over again to survive. Clearly you've never been in that situation; lucky you.
I feel like the terms "secondary homelessness" or "transient" would better define the participants.....IDK? 🤷 I've been without a home before and I never really liked the term "homeless". Sure, it means the same thing but the word homeless/homelessness has certain characteristics attached to it. Living on the streets and having to beg is completely different from not having a home or being between homes.
I’m pretty sure the idea is that they used to be homeless and faced these stereotypes but they’re not anymore because they all referred to their experiences in the past tense
That's just reinforcing the class structure, love. There isn't really any difference. It is the same lack of support, lack of security, and vulnerability.
I work with the homeless. I often don't make eye contact because I'll be on my break or my weekend and I want my peace when I'm not working. I love working with the clients I do, don't get me wrong but I see them 9-5 Monday to Friday and my break is my break. If they start up a conversation I will chat with them, but otherwise I try not to start the convo.
I work in homeless services as well. I still smile, but I keep walking. If they ask me for change I'll tell them I don't have cash but I'll also ask if they have a safe place to stay tonight. If they don't, I'll let them know about some resources.
Its not that people pretend NOT TO SEE YOU, i was an addict and homeless as well at one point, and people dont want to STARE AT YOU. dont want to judge you and make you uncomfortable, there just treating you like everyone else and not staring and acting weird . & some people just dont know what to say, dont have any money to give, some are scared and timid because of all the horror stories and terrible things/ stereorypes that exist.
I used to drive a school bus, and a couple of kids were homeless. Their family lived with one of the parents' relatives in the relatives' RV parked in the driveway. Neither of the kids' parents worked. zthese kids were young too---one was in kindergarten, and the other was in third grade. The only clothes the kids had were their school uniforms; they didn't even have coats for winter. I felt bad for them, and bought each kid a hoodie to wear to school in the winter. (Jan Griffiths, on hubby's account).
I must wonder, did you help these people after the interview? Give them money, have a heart to heart with them about it, help them find places to stay, food, etc?
When i pretend to not notice homeless people it's only because I don't have any money. And the reason I don't talk to them is because I'm super shy and I can't even ask grocery store employees where stuff is.
Ok but they want all this understanding and empathy from our end but honestly. How many of these people wouldnt "pretend not to see" homeless people if they never became homeless themselves ?
This is really insightful. I will admit that I was one of those people who looked away and pretended I didn't see anything. And I feel really bad for doing so. :(. I am really shy and I have tried to help homeless people before but on a few occasions they were rude towards me and some of them have just pretended to be homeless to scam me. I know not all of them are like this though. Also I hate how some people judge you as someone who is a crack head, unintelligent, didn't go to school etc. You even get this judgement from working in retail etc. 9 times out of 10 staff in low income jobs are more intelligent and educated than the managers and even customers. Life needs a foundation, stones, bricks etc to hold the walls up and unfortunately there will be cracks in the walls. Most of us are just figuring out where the cracks are.
There’s a bloke who sits outside Greggs near where I get on and off the bus, and I always see him on the way home from college, and every time I buy him a hot drink or whatever, I see about 5 people just completely ignore him and it makes me really angry because it clearly makes him upset, and he’s a really nice chap. If people stopped to talk to him they’d realise that he just likes people to acknowledge him, and he’s just like the rest of them. So even if I don’t have any change on me, or if I can’t get him a hot drink, I’ll always go up and say hi, I’ll never ignore him
I'm an equal opportunity greeter. I smile and say hello to everyone and if I spot someone lying down, I'll go up to them and ask if they're okay. Most of the people I catch lying down and ask that question to appreciate my concern.
tbh i think the main reason i sometimes don’t catch the eye of a person who is homeless is for the same reasons that i wouldn’t look any other person in the eye aha i just feel uncomfortable around strangers it’s nothing personal but like i’ll always try to smile
everything that has been said in this video is so true I have lived on the streets on and since I was 17 and I am 26 now being on the streets can be lonely so its nice when someone stops to talk to you because it makes you feel like feel happy and like one of them said it shows that there is people out there who do actually care so i just ask everyone who has commented on this video to in future instead of just walking straight pass a homeless person please at least say hello because homelessness can literally happen to anyone it doesn't discriminate
The reason I don't always look at homeless people is because I feel bad that I don't have anything to give them. I know it might look bad when doing that but I just feel so bad and I'm in my head like I'm such a bad person and I wish I could help them. 😭
I work in a part of my city with a grave homeless problem. I don’t make eye contact because so many are struggling with mental illness. I don’t make eye contact out of fear for my safety. It’s hard, but as I make my way to the metro, it’s overwhelming. I can’t reach out to every single one. 😔
I was in my 3rd of college when i was kicked out from home and i remember the "at least youre not on streets" or people trying to make me pay more attention in group projects than the fact that i needed a job
On the "pretends not to see you" point, I feel like they're being a bit unfair. I don't talk to strangers unless I really have to because social anxiety and I don't have any way to help them anyway so I just ignore them because staring is rude and I don't want to make them uncomfortable. Also there's a lot of people who pretend to be homeless or in need to get free stuff in my area so I tend to just donate to charities and shelters when I can so that I know I'm helping people who need it and not falling for a scam.
If I see a homeless person I always buy them food and water, I normally get them a meal deal from like a shop or something and give it to them. It always makes me happy when I see them smile afterwards.
What a unique perspective to hear from. My deputy head teacher asked us all to bring things that we didn't need anymore to give to homeless people, and my mum told me that the books I don't read anymore were a good idea. After all, homeless people like reading too, and with less access to wifi, they would probably appreciate the books more. After hearing your experiences, I would imagine that reading is a good distraction from the rotten time that you have in shelters or on the streets.
I may just be a child but I still like to help when I can. My parents grew up in a house where their parents sisnt help homeless people. So I strive to be different from my parents and help when ever I can.
I think I'd like to have a conversation with a homeless person and realize that they're just everyone else but down on their luck. But for me, the reality is that I don't know those people, surely most of them are harmless, and just want to live their lives, but also surely, some of them are dangerous or hard criminals, I just don't know, and that's the kind of thing that stops me from approaching them. I'm also not an outgoing person, so I don't even like to converse with any old stranger. It's just too complicated, and unfortunate.
Just a couple hours ago I met a homeless person. I was eating with my friends when this boy waved from outside, but he was a stranger to all of us. Then we met him again at the park and this time he decided to come talk to us and ask for a few coins to buy food, I think it took a lot of courage for him. He was nice, spoke perfectly both Italian and English and showed he was not dangerous: I was happy to give him a couple euros. There are other kinds of homeless people who have become aggressive because of living such a hard life, and it saddens me that it's not safe for me to trust them and have a contact.
I just can't hold eyecontact with homeless people, because I'm ashamed. I'm barely able to afford my own food and so I can't afford to give money to every one of them. But sometimes I do it anyway. It's not that I don't care or don't wanna see you. I care too much. Furthermore I've got social anxiety, so some days I can't even talk to my friends. Much love and strength to all those suffering homelessness❤
Its sad, a lot of people in my area pretend to be homeless to get free money and food. I've SEEN it happen. So i can never give them anything because you just never who is who.
I was homeless when I was in high school. I’m so glad this video was made. I’ve had people say I don’t look homeless. Also I hate that people think homeless people are dangerous. People used to lead their kids away from where I was sitting because they thought I was homeless.
If i was super rich, i would make shelters all over the world for homeless people, where they will have a warm big room to sleep and live(each one), they will have a health check up, there would be a restaurant for them to eat whenever they want, it will have a small library to study / or learn if they don't know, and homeless people will stay there until i find them jobs to choose one and work. When they will have enought money to survive on their own they will rent/buy a house. I wish someone did this :((
I don't normally offer homeless people money or food... and I feel really bad that I don't. But the reason I do not is because you never know if the person is really homeless or a scammer anymore. I live on a fixed income so I can't just waste money. It's a real shame.
Some people can just say if you are homeless just go to a shelter. I have genuinely talked to homeless people before who live on the streets and they tell me they feel safer on the streets than they do on any shelter. In a shelter you have to risk having your life possessions stolen from you on a regular basis or worse. Also homelessness can really happen to anyone no matter how smart or rich you are. I myself only narrowly avoided homelessness several times due to family issues beyond my control. This all happened despite my family having been financially stable for most of my life. As for being educated, I have taken some of the hardest AP classes my school has to offer and gotten mid to high 90s with minimal effort in them. Also both my parents had been to college before they even decided to start a family. For those of you who are shy talking to people and are also broke try making some cards to hand out that say nice things like have a nice day and other nice words that show people care. :)
You see, i have not acknowledged homeless people. Not out of "not caring" but because A, I don't want them to think I'm judging them. B, I don't have anything to give them C, what do I say?
Every time I pass by a homeless person I always feel awful because for some reason I never have food or money to give them so I usually go for a smile but I know it’s not the same
I wish there was more support for homeless people who are trying to work and go to school. It’s absurd that these people can’t get work purely because they don’t have permanent accomodation
So the one person complained that they would like people to get to know them instead of being ignored, but then turned around & got mad if they got asked “what happened”
Asking "what happened" straight away is something really rude to do. Think about it They just want a simple conversation like "how are you today?" or something like that If a stranger asked you about something you're really sensitive about you'd be offended too
Yikes, it's called having social skills, Shyla. You shouldn't be asking someone that you don't know about something crappy or traumatic that happened to them. That's just being rude. You wouldn't want a someone you don't know well asking about traumatic shit in your life, so don't do that to others. There are plenty of other things to talk about to get to know someone.
I can't ever look homeless people in the eye, especially if they have signs. The absolute instant I make eye contact I will give them everything I own. I can't afford that XD
5:51 makes me genuinely curious how you go from a really good economic position as home and land owner to homeless. Possibly taking on a lot of debt? Maybe a farmer that went bankrupt. Things can go wrong fast as a small-business owner. I wish him all the best.
I saw a homeless girl near the train station, she looked like my age. I felt so bad for her and went to the store to get some food. You never know someones story, but nobody deserves to starve! If I was her, I wouldn’t know what to do.
My ex kicked me out of the house we rented together and then told me I wasn't really homless because I was sofa surfing with friends of mine. My homelessness was shortlived but was one of the most trying times I've been through.
While I understand what they’re saying, did it ever occurred to them that some of us don’t make eye contact cause we’re ashamed that we can’t help them in the manner that would dramatically change their life??? 🤨 Imagine being someone who tries to engage in conversation with someone who’s homeless, and them expecting money that you don’t have or perhaps can’t afford to give away.
''There is no help out there for people who is drinking or doing drugs'' *Bollocks* there are numerous charities and organisations, including the NHS, that provide support, treatment and housing to addicts. People just need to be proactive and look. In fact when I was homeless (through no fault of my own, I left home at 17 because I was being abused by my dad) I went to a few different organisations asking for help and the first 3 said they couldn't help me unless I was an drug addict, alcoholic or had debt problems.
LizzyTheLlama101 Just because things are slow that doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Things haven’t slowed down that much. People often use the excuse of no help being available to not change their ways and help themselves.
Great books to learn personal stories of people experiencing homelessness: “tell them who I am,” “Rachel and her children,” “ hobos, hustlers, and backsliders”
I was disabled, with no job, a cat and 2 parrots and homeless for several years. My family told me I made my bed now lay in it. I lived out of my car, then couch surfed, finally bought a small camp trailer to live in. I also have been asked why dont you go to school? Oh, gee I guess a BA wasnt good enough to keep me working. If only people could walk a mile in your shoes.
I always feel bad when I walk by a homeless person. I want to say something but I'm painfully shy and it's hard for me. I hope they're able to one day find a home. Even if it's only for a little while.
The Great Hufflepuff one thing that shows you care, is buying them something to eat and drink, it shows you care, and you only have to say ‘here you go’ and ‘have a good day’ but it can also be a gateway to a conversation. You can also do it in any country and it’ll be appreciated.
It’s nice to see another caring Hufflepuff!
@@galleryg998 You're a Hufflepuff too?
@@galleryg998 We Hufflepuffs stick together.💛🖤💛🖤
I didn’t read the comment just wanted to say hello potter head friend
Now I red the comment and wanted to say u are a TRU HUFFLEPUFF
I only pretend not to notice because
1. It makes me sad
2. I has no money
3. I don’t want them to think I’m judging them
Just say hi to them
Chiwawah AJ I’m anti social incarnate
Smexywolf Boi yeah same here
Chiwawah AJ ahh you guys both have Animal jam profile pictures 👍👍
you think that you have no money when looking at a homeless person? REALLY!?
Also: Homelessness doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping on the street! I know they talked about living in shelters and stuff, but when I was a teenager I was homeless couch surfing at friends houses. I never slept outside or in a shelter once and I was still homeless. Homelessness can look like a lot of different things.
@Gaymar Gaylord Gay 🤔🤨
@Gaymar Gaylord Gay i was in that situation at 13 after being kicked out of my house for being trans. Never judge people for that
Are you ok now?
@Gaymar Gaylord Gay 😂
@Gaymar Gaylord Gay lmao
I always feel horrible making eye contact and saying hello. I just feel bad knowing I cant really help. I never knew it was a good thing to do.
you never knew that giving them the tiniest bit of respect was a good thing to do?!
@@joyontheleft I just feel like I couldn't differentiate between an "I'm better than you I'm happy you're homeless " smile and a "Hi how are you" smile. And I dont like ever carry cash so I couldn't even help them
Natalie some of these people are homeless by choice, where I live people decide to be homeless, it kind of makes me sad to donate to homeless shelters in my area as many are just there by choice
Same. At the very least, I'll smile and nod at them, as my heart breaks knowing I CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!!
it's is not good tho, this video is trying to sell being homeless as something good
Don't take it personally if I ignore you; I ignore people full stop, homeless or otherwise.
JackHad Room they mean when they try to speak to people and they ignore them
@@virgo4491 I still ignore people then; inflicting conversation on strangers is rude and I won't stand for it.
Jack... hey..
@Amaequiaas Corner... it was what some refer to as a joke.. 😳
@@markgarrod8326 Some people would sooner be woke than have a sense of humour.
It warmed my heart when they said,
“Imagine going to school and being homeless.”
Tbh I felt so warm and fuzzy and I felt recognized because I’m in high school and homeless. It’s pretty hard but honestly I’m still sooo grateful because I have a place that gives me two meals every week day and I’m getting an education for my future.
To anyone who is homeless,
You’re amazing and look out for your people. You never know who may comeback with a crap ton of respect and appreciation for you being there for them.
Kaleena Butler lies
I am glad that some people helped you and were kind.
Just seeing this comment two years after you’ve written it, I hope you managed to finish school and are happy and safe currently 🙂 sending lots of love and positive vibes ❤️
@@charlotterichards3175 I second this sentiment. 🖤
can we just appreciate the girl with the yellow paint
Ahh... No. All these people could get a job and rent a cheap apartment.
@@andrewcastleberry4921 - You've obviously never been homeless. Don't speak on what you don't know.
@@madhatressadastra8267 so how did YOU become nonhomeless? Hard work and a will to make something of yourself
@@andrewcastleberry4921 I know a lot of homeless people, and to get a job you need a fixed address. A lot of people get trapped in the homeless circuit. People wait years on a waiting list for accommodation but in the mean time might fall prey to drink and drugs. A lot of people don't have access to technology so might miss out on the phone call that would have given them a home or a job. I know someone who used to work for the government and got made redundant, then BAM became homeless after his wife left him and took his money.
Family isn't always available to help you. Drink and drugs aren't always the reason for homelessness.
Homeless people are just people, and what they want more than money is just to be acknowledged as a human.
@@andrewcastleberry4921 wHy dOnT HoMeLeSs pEoPlE jUsT bUy hOuSeS
I've been homeless before yet I still struggle to talk to people in the streets because I just get anxious. I always feel guilty for not saying anything but my heart races when I try to approach people
I was homeless for five months. Donation centers were amazing; I could get nice clothes and even makeup department stores didn't sell. Looking at me you'd think I was the average 21 year old on her way to work.
I don’t know where you were homeless, but in my city, hell no. Plus try being homeless LONG term and see how it is
@@AKayfabe Most cities will drop you if you are homeless for long term because being homeless for a long term is usually an indicator that you're not using the help you are given to help yourself. Many cities will offer help for a year, maybe even two with welfare and such to help you get back on your feet but if you're obviously just using them to get some money to not even improve yourself, they will drop you.
i hope you’re doing well now! i’ll keep you in my prayers
Agreed. Been there; 6 months after 6 months of exhausting my savings and job searching. It was humiliating but there are tons of resources nowadays. Use those free library computers and do a comprehensive search for the nearest shelters and donation centers. Both provide guidance on how to get help and help yourself.
😭😭😭😭😭
My dad makes a habit of having a conversation with homeless people if he can. Asks them their name, has a bit if banter. I'm trying to pick up that habit too.
Your dad sounds like a great guy for doin' that :)
he is a good person
I usually don’t have time to stop but I’ll just kinda go past and walk a bit slower for a moment and just say “hope you have a good day!”
Thanks for the tip, thats a nice opening :) ! I never know what to say or start a conversation, to see if they are ok. Cos i always feel like it't non of my business to ask a stranger.
My school went on a camp in the city. We saw a man who was living on the streets. The first thing he said to us was "have a good night girls. Stay safe and make good choices". He was the nicest man I have ever met. Homeless people are not bad at all.
In all fairness there are some bad ones out there so ...
80% of homeless people have mental health problems. They are not bad - the system they live in is. It was Mahatma Ghandi who said “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” That said - I saw a homeless dude on a drunken walk home from the bars and offered food, a shower (he was filthy) and a place to sleep for the night. When I was cleaning the tub after him he robbed me and bolted. I’m a 6’4” 250 fit dude - I had no fear for safety but lost a shit ton of money. Make good decisions and keep yourself safe. Aka - steer clear. Pay your taxes. And vote for people that champion unhoused and poor folks.
*pretends not to see you* - some people don’t know what to say! A lot of homeless people are violent and addicts and it’s frightening. You don’t know who is genuine these days...
This is very true. When its pitch black and and some guy stops directly in my path trying to ask me for money then i don't want to hang round.
I will always try to smile and say hello when I’m out in safe public space, outside shops etc.. a lot of people actively avoid eye contact, which isn’t very nice. I wouldn’t want to be ignored liked that, so assume with them also being human that they feel the same.
Griogair Straiton totally agree!!
11eleven yes of course, I try to smile as well. But if they are trying to start a conversation or are asking for money, I find it quite uncomfortable as 1. I don’t have any money (I’m a teenager) & 2. I don’t like to give someone money if I do not know what they will use it for. I’ve bought food for a homeless man & his dog but I did it without being asked. I try to be kind but obviously don’t know what to say sometimes.
Precisely this
I once sat down next to a homeless man begging for money and just talked to him for like half an hour. He was such a nice and humble person and all he cared about was getting enough food for his two (super cute) dogs.
This taught me so much and I will probably never forget that conversation
:)
amazes me how a homeless person has animals
Maybe a video series on what people should say to all of these people would be good because sometimes people don't know how to help or are too scared for saying the wrong thing! These videos don't help at all they just induce more fear.
I would actually love a series like that.
just treat them like a human being?? they're normal people god damn
Exactly, especially because a question to one person could offend but the same question to a different person could be absolutely fine
Jamie Moger it’s more complicated, everyone’s got baggage, Homeless people more than anyone, and so communicating can be really hard and so learning how not to offend someone can be really hard. Think of it this way, if someone didn’t know anything about a certain group of people, of course you don’t want to offend them
I lived homeless for ten years on the streets and shelters, abandoned buildings, other peoples places, all over. I have been treated so badly by some. Did you go to school. Yes I went to college and I went to school WHILE homeless so yes! Absolutely. It’s BS. How and what people asked me. I am qualified to be a chef but am disabled now. I am going to talk abt it on my channel, I think people don’t understand anything at times, they act like it’s all on purpose like we did something wrong. Just stay with your family. I have no family. They are dead. I ended up homeless in one day and stayed there TEN years
I'd really like to be friendlier towards homeless people, but you can just never be too careful.
Exactly, there are cases were people regularly stop and give money to homeless people and have then been targeted and attacked. There are volunteers and shelters for these people if they need help. It sounds harsh but i don't owe them anything.
Same
Griogair Straiton shelters! Riiight because shelters give a crap huh? If shelters cared there’d be no homeless. Shelters have alternate motives if all homeless got homes where’d the shelter workers be? Homeless too! No job left. So no shelters and organizations do NOT CARE. They try to keep people homeless. People who think they help and want change are stupid. You are ignorant and need to be taught.
I found the best way is to just observe them for a about 2 minutes. Maybe walk past a few more times, and seeing how they respond to other people giving them money. From that you can kind of see their mental state, or if their really homeless (looking at nails is useful). Then I’d ask if I could get them something (coffee/hot chocolate). But it all really depends on that moment and the vibe I’m getting
Well it wasn’t really the point of the video. The point was not to be mean in which there is no harm doing so.
"You don't have to be on the street to be homeless."
This.
I was homeless back in first grade, and my family and I lived in the backyard of a broken down house. We only got to stay there because my mom's boyfriend (at the time) was helping to repair the house (they didn't get far with that; the walls were fucked, floors caved in, stains, everything)
We never had decent food, we were cold at night, and everything just sucked. I would definitely consider myself homeless during those times.
Im sorry you had to grow up like that
May god bless you
I'm so glad you have a home now!
I was a homeless person in high school for two years. A person gave me a pamphlet about god and told me to get help from my drug addiction even though I left because I was kicked out because my mom told me to leave after my mom told me to get out because I punched my step dad because he was beating my mum. Everybody has their own story.
Your life WUS ruff holly shit
I'm giving you a like fore that story
I’m still technically homeless, just not on the streets. I ran away to NYC at 18. Partially because I was bored and fed up of my narcissistic dad and partially because I was feeling empty and felt I had nothing to lose. I stay with a friend on the upper east side currently. But I’m still technically “homeless.” I’ve done a lot of crazy shit on this little adventure of mine. But I have a dual diagnosis so that’s why I do the crazy shit that I do. Sometimes it’s hard to function. That’s why I run away so much. I’ll be 20 next month 😊
@@gypsy-nr9zd its easy to live like that in USA ,try being homeless in a poor country ,you would cry for Mommy and Daddy
Србомбоница I wouldn’t say it’s “easy.” I am living in the biggest city in America (population wise). The cost of living is definitely very expensive. This includes rent, food and other goods. And there’s a high tax on everything
I lived in my car for a time. I have autism and had a complete breakdown after trying to survive in a normal job, getting sensory and socially overwhelmed every day. I couldnt handle being around anyone anymore.
Im a lovely person - I didnt want to seek help from typical agencies because I didnt want to be seen as a bad person or be shamed. The few times I tried were so awful. They are such dehumanising environments, there is so much social stigma
I am so sorry you had to deal with that
I hope to goodness everything gets better for you. I just got a job at a food place and there is constant white noise. I also am autistic and I have adhd, so this noise gets me all anxious and I just-
I feel m8
try working for a university. i do. its less likely to "over-stimulate"
Well, you know, I am pretending not to see EVERYONE.
Same 🤣
As do most people. We don’t go up to random strangers and ask them how they are
😭 same
in all honesty when i first read the title i assumed they lived on the streets. i wouldn’t have thought that by sofa surfing and hopping from house to house would also be homelessness. i love this series and how it constantly opens my eyes to different perspectives on life.
the only reason i pretend not to see them is because *i was attacked by a homeless drug addict at 11:00 pm in pitch black.*
I’m sorry that happened to you, but that could happen whether they are homeless or not, but most are much better than you thhink!
That is terrifying. I’m so sorry. I hope you were okay.
@@Cassxowary I understand what you're saying but this comment seems kinda invalidating. They have a genuine fear that's valid, based on trauma. Whether or not they want to work through it is their own separate issue
But if someone has cynophobia because of a dog attack, and thus actively avoids them; don't tell them "but oh it could have been any kind of animal that attacked you and most dogs are super nice" It just doesn't makes sense to say and is invalidating.
For my case i just happened to pretend not to see everyone
@@Noone-iz1dq What if someone said the same about a certain race? Would it be okay then?
Generalizing is always wrong.
5:24
“Yeah it’s disgusting, they didn’t proposition me!”
I love these two so much lol
“that could never happen to me” god I’m so glad they touched upon this. homelessness can happen to ANYONE. yes, ANYONE. nearly all these people in the video said that it just happened one day without warning. and there’s so many people who have never been homeless that don’t realize this.
Just... When someone ignore you... Autism...social anxiety...
I was homeless and only about two months ago that I finally have enough money to rent a place. Now, although I'm already employed, I have an interview next week and hoping I could get it.
I wish you good luck!! I hope you get the job and be happy, have a nice warm place to live and everything else you need. I'll pray for you❤
@@anastasiabakali7835 thank you so much. That really made my day.
ik this is really late but I hope you got the job!
Yah I also want to know if you got the job
Hey did you ever get that job?
I remember when I was at university and there was this homeless guy with a dog. He was approached by a Thai student who asked the dogs name. He said "Lady" and the Thai student said "oh as in Lady and the Tramp?".
I've never felt as sorry for a homeless person as I did that day.
Ruthy Bap how can you not realize that is beyond offensive ?
Lmao
Tbf she may just have been saying lady as in the movie not actually offending the dude like saying as in Monica from Friends.
Hahaha, this is funny if it happened
I’m sure he meant as in it’s from the movie/story. He must’ve realized after he said it how it can be interpreted and felt horrible. I feel bad for both parties honestly.
That one was hard to watch because I am saddened. I am almost brought to tears watching this. They are so true. And homelessness can happen to anyone. Kudos to this channel that brought these wonderful individuals here
I often attend housing movement protests and my master’s degree dissertation is on this topic. It’s crazy the fact that some people maintain closed buildings as commodities while others are sleeping on the streets. I hope someday housing will not be considered a human right of “second category” :(
Ive always seen where some ppl are like "homeless are too lazy to get a job" but in actuality they either didnt make enough to support themselves. And being on the street, most dont have a bank account, cell phone, address to put on paper applications, no sufficent clothes for a job interview, on top of that no uniforms to go to work in. Theyre basically limited to jobs closest to shelters. This coming from volunteering in soup kitchens. Its all easier said than done. Women & children get priority so men are often on the streets much longer than women and treated like scum.
A lot of people refuse to work for minimum wage. Small hourly wage is better than no hourly wage. My brother is a testament to that. Best friend's ex is a testament to that. They think they are better than working in fast food. They are lucky they have families who coddle and condone that behavior. But for most people, that would force them onto the street.
It's free to set up a bank account tho
@@michaelwheatley7669still need an address
I want to see one on things not to say to people with ADHD. Because there's a lot of things people say to me that I think "go shove it where the sun doesn't shine!" Lol
Emily Harman Yup, for example:
I don’t think you’re disabled, everyone has those problems.
I don’t believe in ADHD.
You don’t need medication for that, just try as hard as everyone else.
There’s nothing ”wrong” with you, embrace who you are.
Are you even trying to listen while I speak?
You just need more exercise.
It’s probably just anxiety.
I think I have ADHD too.(Then they don’t get it checked or want meds.)
(If you have ADD:) You don’t seem like you’re suffering from that. You’re not running around.
@@lunanyberg5271 omg yes! I even felt triggered when reading those things. Was feeling peed off lol. Especially the "I don't believe in ADHD" like okay hun. It's not a religion you know!
YES. We need that. Like right now.
Everyone has those problems.
Just focus
That's just an excuse for bad parenting
General not believing in it.
More examples:
Calm down
How can you focus on _____ and not _____
Unless they talk to me, I generally don’t look at homeless people bc it makes me sad and I’m awkward and a nervous wreck when it comes to people. I do give the occasional smile
I always give them money, its why i keep change on my person
This changed my perception of homelessness. Next time I see a person who's homeless I won't pretend they don't exist
Story time:
1. Watched a person on the street curled up in a ball crying, yelling, "please help it's so cold I'm in pain!"
Someone put a 20£ down. As soon as the giver was around the corner. The beggar miraculously stopped crying and shivering, walked in to the store right next to him, walked out with bottles of beer and cigarttes, went on to have a nice party with his friends.
2. See this person begging only when it's high tourist time.
In the evenings I see him in shisha bars partying it up, not starving.
Both of them super convincing if you see them for the first time. Neither of them actually hungry or in need of help. Just faking it to scam you out of your hard earned money.
How can I tell who is actually in need of help and who is a scammer or a junkie?
I like helping, but there are too many junkies and scammers, I refuse to help them. And all of them know how to tell a pretty story.
So don't say that people don't care, it's just that piece of shit people ruin it for the rest. Unfortunately that's how it is.
I used to work in a restaurant. I was waiting at the train station to get home. This guy came up to me and asked me for money. His eyes were full of tears saying he needed money to get home, saying he'd pay me back? I thought whatever, he's crying. I gave him a bit of money from my tips but he could see I had a lot in there so he kept asking so I ended up giving a little more. Still he kept asking at which point I just denied him. In the same week he was still at the same train station looking better dressed and washed asking other people for money. At one point even following a guy to a cash machine so he could give him money. Another time he came into the station itself and sat down to everyone but me asking for money. He really worked this young couple but I couldn't catch their eye to tell them no.
Another time he was really bearing down on this young girl. I managed to stand behind him and silently warn her off. He didn't like that.
- There used to be a guy who'd sit at another train station while I worked at the restaurant. On the few occasions I had food on me I'd give him the rest. He was so grateful. One time a bunch of loud obnoxious football fans got off a bus and filed past him into the train station. One guy threw a ten pence at him and told him to 'get a job'. This guy followed him and they had an argument on the platform. The homeless guy was really upset trying to explain his situation. He spoke to me a little after when I went to check if he was ok. I went back again but he disappeared and I decided to just leave the chocolates work gave us on his stuff. I never saw him again after that.
- But now there's also this guy sitting at a bus stop and local people are helping him out which is really nice. He has cancer, leg ulcers and mental health issues. Unfortunately he's since self-discharged himself from hospital and is back at the bus stop. Which is a shame. But it seems people are still helping him, which is nice.
Yeah some people are fakes and some people need help. You just never know until you know.
buy them a sandwich or some coffee??
always offer food, or to buy food/supplies (like hand warmers). If they reject your offering, then they just wanted money.
So you help them. What they do with it is on them. But if you can help and don't, you're wrong.
@@jaymesigler6402 so you're gonna give money to a drug addict because it makes you feel like you helped?
That girl with the colorful pastel hair looks cool AF!
Edit: Oh mah satan! Thanks ya'll, I've never gotten s many likes! :3
Yeah, she has a great character, too
@@eimearhannan6420 Yesh! She is also cool AF!
Poison Sweety wtf she looks like a preschooler who just got into the marker box
@@joe972 And i look like a pastel goth boy when i walk outside X3
I’m on the spectrum, so making eye contact/approaching someone I don’t know is really, really difficult- but I always try to acknowledge homeless people’s existence, at least. If I can offer someone something, whether that be some cash or a conversation, I’ll do it. Just being flat out ignored because my existence makes someone uncomfortable is a horrible feeling- I wish that on anybody.
I used to be homeless,yet still a decent sensible person,no criminal record.people need to learn to be less stereotypical.Sometimes i think im glad i went through it because it made me grow loads
I have had a complicated few years with homelessness/hidden homelessness - that whole "its not as valid if you have a roof over your head each night" thing really got to me - it was a different roof every night, i was living out of a bag, I' d just been in hospital for a whole year and then out to that - and apparently it was OK just to put up with it. I was even volunteering at the time! I do make the effort to stop or at least acknowledge people but I find it quite difficult as I can't help everybody but I do have the knowledge that the stuff I do now educating other people in mental health and experiences can help lots more people in the future.
Yes people look the other way or don't speak because of all of the scammers out there pretending to be homeless. The moment you speak they want something from you.
That doesn't mean u can't wait to see what they have to say just because some people scam doesn't mean every homeless person does
@@mildswhite8675 I agree that not everyone is a con artist
@@mildswhite8675 well the ones that are bad ruin it for everyone else my guy
What I don’t understand is that they get mad when you don’t go up to talk to them, but they also get mad when you try to talk about their life and how they got in that situation
Folks can talk about other things then just their life story, my guy
Just being friendly, making contact, some human connection is probably very appreciated I think - I feel that won't however give me the right to ask too many questions though, especially not if personal questions. Sometimes I've felt I've gone overboard and asked one or two questions too many. Someone may be outside sleeping rough and wanting contact with people, however I have to make sure not to step over their personal boundaries. It's hard to get a balance perhaps but I guess I try to follow the person's lead, as some people will want to engage in conversation more than others will - and definitely it'll change day to day, or moment to moment...as may be the case for many people, whether homeless or not.
homeless people are just as diverse in their personalities as non-homeless people...it's not hard to understand that one person might enjoy something that another person wouldn't enjoy. I volunteer for a charity that brings food to those living on the streets. Some people love to have a chat and want to hear about my day, some people just thank me and that's the end of it. Some people are quite hostile but at the end of the day there are sociable and not so sociable people in EVERY subsection of society.
Have you ever thought about the fact that people get really, really sick of having to justify why they're homeless? When my mom and I were homeless, we had to tell our story EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. people came up. Some would even hold money in their hand and then demand we tell them our story. And y'know what? We were so desperate that we did it. We loathed every second of it, but we did it, because that was the only way to survive. The only way to survive while homeless is making people feel sorry for you. And you're pretty much over it after the first time. It's the dehumanizing, the retraumatization, the needing to justify why you're homeless... it's literally inhumane. So yeah, we do get mad when we're forced to share our life story over and over again to survive. Clearly you've never been in that situation; lucky you.
I feel like the terms "secondary homelessness" or "transient" would better define the participants.....IDK? 🤷 I've been without a home before and I never really liked the term "homeless". Sure, it means the same thing but the word homeless/homelessness has certain characteristics attached to it. Living on the streets and having to beg is completely different from not having a home or being between homes.
I’m pretty sure the idea is that they used to be homeless and faced these stereotypes but they’re not anymore because they all referred to their experiences in the past tense
That's just reinforcing the class structure, love. There isn't really any difference. It is the same lack of support, lack of security, and vulnerability.
feel like that’s some internalized and systematic classism xx
I work with the homeless. I often don't make eye contact because I'll be on my break or my weekend and I want my peace when I'm not working. I love working with the clients I do, don't get me wrong but I see them 9-5 Monday to Friday and my break is my break. If they start up a conversation I will chat with them, but otherwise I try not to start the convo.
I work in homeless services as well. I still smile, but I keep walking. If they ask me for change I'll tell them I don't have cash but I'll also ask if they have a safe place to stay tonight. If they don't, I'll let them know about some resources.
Its not that people pretend NOT TO SEE YOU, i was an addict and homeless as well at one point, and people dont want to STARE AT YOU. dont want to judge you and make you uncomfortable, there just treating you like everyone else and not staring and acting weird . & some people just dont know what to say, dont have any money to give, some are scared and timid because of all the horror stories and terrible things/ stereorypes that exist.
I remember I had a friend in SECOND GRADE who was homeless and I felt so bad for them because people actually bullyed them for it
I used to drive a school bus, and a couple of kids were homeless. Their family lived with one of the parents' relatives in the relatives' RV parked in the driveway. Neither of the kids' parents worked. zthese kids were young too---one was in kindergarten, and the other was in third grade. The only clothes the kids had were their school uniforms; they didn't even have coats for winter. I felt bad for them, and bought each kid a hoodie to wear to school in the winter. (Jan Griffiths, on hubby's account).
I’ve had better conversations with homeless people than I have with people in my family.
I always love talking to homeless people and making someone feel like that they matter x
Things not to say to someone who had an abortion
Things not to say to someone with anxiety!!
Things not to say to someone with insomnia
‘This ain’t X Factor’ finally someone said it😂🤦🏿♀️
I must wonder, did you help these people after the interview? Give them money, have a heart to heart with them about it, help them find places to stay, food, etc?
When i pretend to not notice homeless people it's only because I don't have any money. And the reason I don't talk to them is because I'm super shy and I can't even ask grocery store employees where stuff is.
The lady with the pastel dreads and the guy with glasses just vibing was incredible
Ok but they want all this understanding and empathy from our end but honestly. How many of these people wouldnt "pretend not to see" homeless people if they never became homeless themselves ?
And some of us blatantly ignore unhoused/mentally ill/street dwellers bc when we were kind we got robbed. Judgey judgey
This is really insightful. I will admit that I was one of those people who looked away and pretended I didn't see anything. And I feel really bad for doing so. :(. I am really shy and I have tried to help homeless people before but on a few occasions they were rude towards me and some of them have just pretended to be homeless to scam me. I know not all of them are like this though.
Also I hate how some people judge you as someone who is a crack head, unintelligent, didn't go to school etc. You even get this judgement from working in retail etc. 9 times out of 10 staff in low income jobs are more intelligent and educated than the managers and even customers.
Life needs a foundation, stones, bricks etc to hold the walls up and unfortunately there will be cracks in the walls. Most of us are just figuring out where the cracks are.
There’s a bloke who sits outside Greggs near where I get on and off the bus, and I always see him on the way home from college, and every time I buy him a hot drink or whatever, I see about 5 people just completely ignore him and it makes me really angry because it clearly makes him upset, and he’s a really nice chap. If people stopped to talk to him they’d realise that he just likes people to acknowledge him, and he’s just like the rest of them. So even if I don’t have any change on me, or if I can’t get him a hot drink, I’ll always go up and say hi, I’ll never ignore him
I'm an equal opportunity greeter. I smile and say hello to everyone and if I spot someone lying down, I'll go up to them and ask if they're okay. Most of the people I catch lying down and ask that question to appreciate my concern.
tbh i think the main reason i sometimes don’t catch the eye of a person who is homeless is for the same reasons that i wouldn’t look any other person in the eye aha
i just feel uncomfortable around strangers it’s nothing personal but like i’ll always try to smile
Of course you do not want to see them if literally all of them come over to ask you for money as soon as you make eye-contact....
I dont even ask my coworkers how they doin.... how you doin?
everything that has been said in this video is so true I have lived on the streets on and since I was 17 and I am 26 now being on the streets can be lonely so its nice when someone stops to talk to you because it makes you feel like feel happy and like one of them said it shows that there is people out there who do actually care so i just ask everyone who has commented on this video to in future instead of just walking straight pass a homeless person please at least say hello because homelessness can literally happen to anyone it doesn't discriminate
The reason I don't always look at homeless people is because I feel bad that I don't have anything to give them. I know it might look bad when doing that but I just feel so bad and I'm in my head like I'm such a bad person and I wish I could help them. 😭
I work in a part of my city with a grave homeless problem. I don’t make eye contact because so many are struggling with mental illness. I don’t make eye contact out of fear for my safety. It’s hard, but as I make my way to the metro, it’s overwhelming. I can’t reach out to every single one. 😔
I'm binge-watching all of these videos, these are such a helpful resource on how to be a better person.
I was in my 3rd of college when i was kicked out from home and i remember the "at least youre not on streets" or people trying to make me pay more attention in group projects than the fact that i needed a job
On the "pretends not to see you" point, I feel like they're being a bit unfair.
I don't talk to strangers unless I really have to because social anxiety and I don't have any way to help them anyway so I just ignore them because staring is rude and I don't want to make them uncomfortable. Also there's a lot of people who pretend to be homeless or in need to get free stuff in my area so I tend to just donate to charities and shelters when I can so that I know I'm helping people who need it and not falling for a scam.
i can’t imagine how isolating being homeless is
If I see a homeless person I always buy them food and water, I normally get them a meal deal from like a shop or something and give it to them.
It always makes me happy when I see them smile afterwards.
Happy you got enough money to do that
the guy with the yellow girl is just a mood 😅
That one woman was from first dates
LizzyTheLlama101 the one with the really loud annoying voice
LizzyTheLlama101 lady in pink jacket
@@balaoxo I think that's a pink top but looks like a jacket.
What episode? Omg I wanna watch what’s her name
What a unique perspective to hear from. My deputy head teacher asked us all to bring things that we didn't need anymore to give to homeless people, and my mum told me that the books I don't read anymore were a good idea. After all, homeless people like reading too, and with less access to wifi, they would probably appreciate the books more. After hearing your experiences, I would imagine that reading is a good distraction from the rotten time that you have in shelters or on the streets.
I may just be a child but I still like to help when I can. My parents grew up in a house where their parents sisnt help homeless people. So I strive to be different from my parents and help when ever I can.
things not to say to people with anxiety!!
I think I'd like to have a conversation with a homeless person and realize that they're just everyone else but down on their luck. But for me, the reality is that I don't know those people, surely most of them are harmless, and just want to live their lives, but also surely, some of them are dangerous or hard criminals, I just don't know, and that's the kind of thing that stops me from approaching them. I'm also not an outgoing person, so I don't even like to converse with any old stranger. It's just too complicated, and unfortunate.
This made me cry, it doesn't harm saying hello and being kind
Just a couple hours ago I met a homeless person. I was eating with my friends when this boy waved from outside, but he was a stranger to all of us. Then we met him again at the park and this time he decided to come talk to us and ask for a few coins to buy food, I think it took a lot of courage for him. He was nice, spoke perfectly both Italian and English and showed he was not dangerous: I was happy to give him a couple euros. There are other kinds of homeless people who have become aggressive because of living such a hard life, and it saddens me that it's not safe for me to trust them and have a contact.
I just can't hold eyecontact with homeless people, because I'm ashamed. I'm barely able to afford my own food and so I can't afford to give money to every one of them. But sometimes I do it anyway. It's not that I don't care or don't wanna see you. I care too much. Furthermore I've got social anxiety, so some days I can't even talk to my friends.
Much love and strength to all those suffering homelessness❤
Its sad, a lot of people in my area pretend to be homeless to get free money and food. I've SEEN it happen. So i can never give them anything because you just never who is who.
I love these people. Here's hoping their fortunes have changed, sending all the light and love in the universe their way.
I was homeless when I was in high school. I’m so glad this video was made. I’ve had people say I don’t look homeless. Also I hate that people think homeless people are dangerous. People used to lead their kids away from where I was sitting because they thought I was homeless.
If i was super rich, i would make shelters all over the world for homeless people, where they will have a warm big room to sleep and live(each one), they will have a health check up, there would be a restaurant for them to eat whenever they want, it will have a small library to study / or learn if they don't know, and homeless people will stay there until i find them jobs to choose one and work. When they will have enought money to survive on their own they will rent/buy a house. I wish someone did this :((
I’ve had bad experiences with homeless people. Like attempted to be mugged, or attacked.
I don't normally offer homeless people money or food... and I feel really bad that I don't. But the reason I do not is because you never know if the person is really homeless or a scammer anymore. I live on a fixed income so I can't just waste money. It's a real shame.
Some people can just say if you are homeless just go to a shelter.
I have genuinely talked to homeless people before who live on the streets and they tell me they feel safer on the streets than they do on any shelter. In a shelter you have to risk having your life possessions stolen from you on a regular basis or worse.
Also homelessness can really happen to anyone no matter how smart or rich you are. I myself only narrowly avoided homelessness several times due to family issues beyond my control. This all happened despite my family having been financially stable for most of my life. As for being educated, I have taken some of the hardest AP classes my school has to offer and gotten mid to high 90s with minimal effort in them. Also both my parents had been to college before they even decided to start a family.
For those of you who are shy talking to people and are also broke try making some cards to hand out that say nice things like have a nice day and other nice words that show people care. :)
You see, i have not acknowledged homeless people. Not out of "not caring" but because A, I don't want them to think I'm judging them.
B, I don't have anything to give them
C, what do I say?
my mum was homeless when she was younger
FartEar same
my mum lived in a car for a while when she was young :/
@@kingalex29339 mine lived in a tent for a while and sofa surfed
Every time I pass by a homeless person I always feel awful because for some reason I never have food or money to give them so I usually go for a smile but I know it’s not the same
All the homeless people I’ve met are the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet
Are these people homeless? Or have they been homeless in the past and their speaking on their experience?
I don’t know. Why tf do you think I’m asking? You didn’t have be a smart ass. Some homeless people carry themselves well hence the reason I asked.
ᏞᎪᏌᎡYN. Again, you’re being a pompous smart ass.
ᏞᎪᏌᎡYN. You’re being a smart ass and people can be homeless and look like normal people
They used to be homeless
ᏞᎪᏌᎡYN. They were only asking a question, what if they genuinely didn't know?
I Bought grapes for homeless man today it made him smile and it made me smile just making him happy 😊
I wish there was more support for homeless people who are trying to work and go to school. It’s absurd that these people can’t get work purely because they don’t have permanent accomodation
1:08 that is so freaking wholesome and i love it 😭💗
So the one person complained that they would like people to get to know them instead of being ignored, but then turned around & got mad if they got asked “what happened”
There's more to a homeless person than why they are homeless
Shyla Saunders maybe is an emotional subject for them and don’t want to talk about it and instead would like to talk about something else
Asking "what happened" straight away is something really rude to do.
Think about it
They just want a simple conversation like "how are you today?" or something like that
If a stranger asked you about something you're really sensitive about you'd be offended too
Yikes, it's called having social skills, Shyla. You shouldn't be asking someone that you don't know about something crappy or traumatic that happened to them. That's just being rude. You wouldn't want a someone you don't know well asking about traumatic shit in your life, so don't do that to others. There are plenty of other things to talk about to get to know someone.
I can't ever look homeless people in the eye, especially if they have signs. The absolute instant I make eye contact I will give them everything I own. I can't afford that XD
someone smiles at me i smile back obviously but homeless or not i don’t walk up to every person in town and make conversation🤣
Most of the time I've talked to homeless people my "how are you?" Was met with absolute hostility
Its not all of them
Preferring to be homeless over going back to live in a toxic environment with your family. I feel that on a spiritual level.
5:51 makes me genuinely curious how you go from a really good economic position as home and land owner to homeless. Possibly taking on a lot of debt? Maybe a farmer that went bankrupt. Things can go wrong fast as a small-business owner. I wish him all the best.
Could happen just like that.
I saw a homeless girl near the train station, she looked like my age. I felt so bad for her and went to the store to get some food. You never know someones story, but nobody deserves to starve! If I was her, I wouldn’t know what to do.
My ex kicked me out of the house we rented together and then told me I wasn't really homless because I was sofa surfing with friends of mine. My homelessness was shortlived but was one of the most trying times I've been through.
While I understand what they’re saying, did it ever occurred to them that some of us don’t make eye contact cause we’re ashamed that we can’t help them in the manner that would dramatically change their life??? 🤨
Imagine being someone who tries to engage in conversation with someone who’s homeless, and them expecting money that you don’t have or perhaps can’t afford to give away.
Leila Leila or you can use your words and say that
''There is no help out there for people who is drinking or doing drugs''
*Bollocks* there are numerous charities and organisations, including the NHS, that provide support, treatment and housing to addicts. People just need to be proactive and look. In fact when I was homeless (through no fault of my own, I left home at 17 because I was being abused by my dad) I went to a few different organisations asking for help and the first 3 said they couldn't help me unless I was an drug addict, alcoholic or had debt problems.
LizzyTheLlama101 Just because things are slow that doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Things haven’t slowed down that much. People often use the excuse of no help being available to not change their ways and help themselves.
Great books to learn personal stories of people experiencing homelessness: “tell them who I am,” “Rachel and her children,” “ hobos, hustlers, and backsliders”
I was disabled, with no job, a cat and 2 parrots and homeless for several years. My family told me I made my bed now lay in it. I lived out of my car, then couch surfed, finally bought a small camp trailer to live in. I also have been asked why dont you go to school? Oh, gee I guess a BA wasnt good enough to keep me working. If only people could walk a mile in your shoes.
That sounds incredibly tough. I hope you managed to find a new support system and are doing much better now.
@@anotherlemontree I am now in low income housing. Have 4 cats (lol) and still have my parrots. I rely only on myself. I got tired of being told no.