Oakland Homeless Woman on Her Fall into Homelessness, Living in a Tent City, and Drug Addiction
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 лют 2020
- I first met Connie while producing a VR180 video on an Oakland Tent City Homeless Encampment you can watch here • Oakland Tent City Home... .
Late 2015, a nonprofit that was housing Connie and her kids as them to vacate the apartment there were living in. The owner wanted possession of the property. Because the nonprofit didn't have alternative housing solutions for her family, Connie and her children ended up in a motel at the cost of $100 a day, which they could not afford. The family downgraded to a sleazy motel and then eventually ended up living in Connie's van.
Connie asked one of her brothers to take care of her youngest while her older two children went on their own. Connie then bounced from couch to couch. Connie says she met a guy and eventually landed at a tent city in Oakland, California.
Connie has applied for subsidized housing just to be turned down so much that depression set in, and she eventually gave up looking. The social services sector does not make it easy for people to get the help they need. Homeless services are probably the only industry that exists even after repeatedly turning people away. For homeless people, seeking help just to be turned away time and time creates learned helplessness. No one wants to be homeless. They just give up.
Connie receives $900 a month yet the cheapest studios in Alameda County start at $1,200, and landlords require income to be three times the amount of the rent. Renters have to have good credit. Connie also has a felony, which makes it nearly impossible for her to find employment or a place to live.
Connie's children offer to help but Connie doesn't want to put her burden of homelessness onto one of her children. Connie says they worked hard to get where they are and she believes it would not be fair for them to have to help her.
I adore Connie, and I ao so very grateful she shared so openly and honestly about the reality of homelessness and what it's like living in a tent encampment. I spent a good amount of time with her over the week. I had no idea she was using drugs.
Connie had 13 years sober before relapsing. Connie says she knows better but the real truth about addiction is people abuse drugs to escape pain. People need to understand that homelessness is hard to do sober. Addiction takes away people's willpower.
UPDATE from Derrick: Connie was “Crashing” from medical and mental fatigue so she decided to take up an offer of housing from her daughter. Shortly after settling in, Connie’s daughter gave birth to a baby girl. Connie has become a Live-In Grandmother and spends many an hour Crocheting baby clothing and blankets. She still has her medical issues, but being indoors with ACCESS to heat and a real bed, makes things much less stressful these days. Connie is sober because she now has a REASON to stay sober.
Your voice can help end homelessness. If we do not fix the affordable housing crisis, homelessness will continue to get worse. Click here invisiblepeople.tv/getinvolved to tweet, email, call, or Facebook your federal and state legislators to tell them ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing is a priority to you.
#homeless #oakland #tentcity
==================================
Subscribe here: ua-cam.com/users/invisiblepe...
Invisible People’s website:
invisiblepeople.tv
Support Invisible People:
invisiblepeople.tv/donate
On Patreon: / invisiblepeople
Invisible People’s Social Media:
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeopletv
Mark Horvath’s Twitter:
/ hardlynormal
About Invisible People
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.
Good news about Connie is that she is in Housing, and a new Grandmother!
WHAT! That's awesome. I was just going to reach out to you but had a call. Can you message me some details so I can update this?
🙏🏾🙌🏾✌🏾
That's wonderful news. So glad to know
God bless, for I could be Connie.
Congratulations to her.
UPDATE from Derrick: Connie was “Crashing” from medical and mental fatigue so she decided to take up an offer of housing from her daughter. Shortly after settling in, Connie’s daughter gave birth to a baby girl. Connie has become a Live-In Grandmother and spends many an hour Crocheting baby clothing and blankets. She still has her medical issues, but being indoors with ACCESS to heat and a real bed, makes things much less stressful these days. Connie is sober because she now has a REASON to stay sober.
Your voice can help end homelessness. If we do not fix the affordable housing crisis, homelessness will continue to get worse. Click here invisiblepeople.tv/getinvolved to tweet, email, call, or Facebook your federal and state legislators to tell them ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing is a priority to you.
Invisible People I’m so happy for her.
I’m so proud of her.
May God continue to guide her...
All the best to her always💕💕
I'm glad she's off the street and helping her daughter with her new baby. Blessings to all people currently on the street, hoping they too can make their way off it 🙏🏾
Derrick, thanks for update on her..she did the rite thing..God is blessing her!!
Love and blessings from England x What fabulous news!
I’m very happy she is doing much better. Her granddaughter will have the best teacher in life.
I'd be damn if I should ever find out my mother is homeless. Pride or not, she's coming with me.
God bless you...
Good on you for pledging that for your Mumma,
And God bless .
@L B H - Damn right! I do all i can now and then some and she live in the PJs
She does not understand what a burden she IS putting on her children making them worry.
I live in South East Asia. Here, as long as you have family, and even just one of you has a house, you will never live on the street. Western culture is selfish and individualistic. I hope I never have to go back.
Congrats Mrs Connie about getting off the street and becoming a grandma !
This ladies transparency in such a low place in life is something to take note of. She’s sharing some of her darkest secrets with the world.
The honesty, self reflection & ability to stand in the town square and bare all is rare. 🙏
Well said, TruthSEE-er. ♥️
Truthseeker
She's a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN with a beautiful but bruised soul, the pain in her eyes and voice as she tells her life story, I cried my eyes out and just wanted to reach thru the screen, give her a big hug....this mama deserves so much better. 😩 I pray it works out at her daughters home and she lives a long happy life from here on out with her fam and new grandbaby🙏❤
Ya know she along with so many other humanbeings suffer in life on this amazing planet while others roll in wealth and greed and could give a shit about their brothers and sisters or this planet no less. It's absolutely mind boggling to me the horrors that have happened thru the DECADES, how humans treat eachother ya know? Especially when they see their in need, and do nothing or have complete disregard from the get go! It's disgusting.
Yet there's times Im totally overwhelmed in absolute amazement with stories I see and experienced first hand of goodness and selflessness in the mist of all this chaos thats happening now. We humanbeings are such a strange complex species. Some amazing and some horrifying, right? I can only just keep doin my best to make a difference, keep prayin for CHANGE
Be blessed 🙏and much peace ✌to you too👍💪
Lovely lady! I’m so happy she now has a home , nobody deserves to be in this predicament especially as we grow older !
Truth seeker I agree definitely sharing her story so happy she decided to allow her daughter to assist her. GODDDD Blessings
I could listen to this woman for hours. She is very well spoken and has plenty to teach.
Offgrid Jack yes to stay on your grind don't depend on government what happens when the government shut down I pray she stays in her place
Why can't she move in with her daughter or brother? Don't they love her?
Oh, yes GOD is good and my he Bless her and all in Jesus name amen.💕
@@robertjosephgreen She literally said she doesn't want to be a burden to her family, pay attention.
Yes she is very well spoken. Not everyone on the streets is uneducated. Some just fell upon hard times. And once u fall, the system is designed to make it so very damn hard to get back on ur feet. They say "pull urself up by ur boot straps" but they take the straps and put holes in ur boots LMAO
You have to let your kids help you, your are their mother! You've raised them, we are supposed to take care of our parents, especially when something like this happens! My mother is 87 and we still help her, she has her own home, but me and my siblings still help her, no matter what! We will never let her go homeless. Ma'am God would want your children to help you, let your children help you for the meantime till you can get on your feet, so you can get your housing.
Bless your heart
I agree, that girl should ever dream of her mother in the streets, I don't understand
Folks dont follow rules and that sometimes is the problem. I have friends with family members homeless but won't follow rules.
government should be responsible for that no matter how they act as long as no crime
Read the article under the film she now lives with her daughter.
Please, Connie, let your children help you! This breaks my heart.
My heart goes out to her
we've all made mistakes. try to forgive yourself. doesn't mean you are a bad person, right?
It's hard because I think with time pain will go away and people think about this to.but it never does go away.
Thank you for your kind words. As an addict in recovery from opiate painkillers, I did some shitty stuff when I was using that I HUGELY regret even though I made amends and confessed it...the guilt has eased up some, but still...when I think back I CRINGE...
I know right. We're all humans. Life's too damn short to dwell on past bad choices and bad people.
humans have ethics, business (money) does not unless it's applied. yer right: we all make mistakes, decisions that tun out to not be the best, it happens to most... yer right, she can forgive herself.
We all make mistakes. There comes a time when you have to forgive yourself. Yes, it is difficult to reach out for help. Swallow your pride, put out your hand, and change your circumstances. The power is with in you. Not was but it can be done. Believe in yourself....☺️🌹
She is such an eloquent and brilliant woman. And the interviewer is letting her reveal how it is to be in this very difficult situation. Thank you for this video, even though it is heart breaking.
I can imagine this lady telling stories to children in a library 📚 She has a spellbinding voice. Children would LOVE listening to her. Or leading an addiction recovery group. She has noticeable leadership qualities and a very calming presence. In any case I hope she achieves her goals.
Jay Harter Ok thanks, good to know
Being homeless is a complex issue. I will say one thing. Our nation should be ashamed of itself that the elderly and disabled have to live on the streets.
Yes, it's about time somebody say something!
I agree Patricia!
Yes and politicians live in their mansion houses
not only your. in russia we got same.
So true. This is the saddest thing to see, elderly women (and men) pushing their carts with all of their worldly possessions inside! Infuriates me to no end! There is an elderly woman that I always take care of whenever I run into her on the streets....conversation, money, food...when I make it, I intend on creating a space for this woman and I am not even related to her.
Keep waking up Connie it's gonna get better..... I'm a man that is going threw a situation just like you..... Keep loving yourself and never give up.......
Are you ok
@@ashleyreedgaylor8882 thank you for your concern but I'm alive and not living. Some1 broke into the home I was living in back in 2016 and shot me in my head while I was asleep. The bullet is in the part of My brain that controls the breathing so doctors don't know how I'm alive then I have fragments in the memory part of the brain doctors don't know how I have a memory. I am 1 fall away from still dying and 1 seizure away from still dying. I am homeless can't work still haven't gotten disability yet. Life is rough I'm trying my best not to give ☝.
@@JohnDoe-mt9bi can I help you with anything you need
@@ashleyreedgaylor8882 if I may ask of you to help start a go fund me..... That would be truly a blessing......
Yes John Doe can I help you and are you in Oakland if so me and my child was homeless for 7month and living in a shelter god did it for us so yes I would love to help someone
I love this lady's way of speaking. There is poetry in her words. Xxx
Im so happy to hear that Connie is living with her daughter, and congratulations to her on being a grandmother! It’s nice to know she’s now in a warm home with family, “crocheting” like she said she wanted to.
We all need to count our blessings..
Yes I'm very thankful the struggle is real
I've went through the same credit scores three times rent I've gotdeoress but kept on going and pray
Absolutely
I watch all the videos on this channel to constantly remind myself of just how lucky I am and not to get too greedy in life as it may one day all be gone.
“Once you go across that line it is really hard to get back over” words I need to hear thanks.
Mrholmes008 that is so correct. Depend on no one but yourself and be observant of how things come and go!
Same bro
It should remind you to be more "greedy", so this never happens to you.
Gosh wish I could hug her this is to much. 💔 Sending a cyber hug your way my sister plus serious prayer to much Lord 😭
If her children are are willing to help, why refuse? Maybe the Lord blessed her children with good jobs in order to help their mother...
God works through our children. I myself have a illness and my daughter helps me every month... If I allow pride to get in the way I would be homeless too... I understand many family members are evil, controlling and mean when staying with them, but if you have nice loving children why stay on the streets? We all made mistakes in our pass you are not alone, but first you must forgive yourself.. May the Lord recover your heart of hurt, and regret and heal you... Allow your children to help you my love
There's an update. She's with her daughter & new grandchild.
Now we see what's happening drugs use smoke goat wow she trap her self
Kay X At one time I had to live with family and it was a nightmare...lost my job due to health issues. But it is a tremendous blessing to have family members who want to take care of you when you need it the most.
@Queenie Miller those parent's chose 2 have those children though.
Yes pride is never good thing.
When a good door of opportunity opens up , it’s not just for you, it’s for the other person as well.
Her kids need her around, just as she need them.
She can cook and clean, they can pay her... she off the street in a safe comfortable place with family
Praise Yah that Connie is sober and is with her daughter!!!
I love studying the field of economics, both micro and macro, and I love learning about how we can help these people as a society. These are beautiful souls and they deserve to be well.
Write your book, dear.
"People, Places, and Things."
Bless this woman and may caring people help her rise up into the housing she deserves! Also, rheumatoid arthritis is a true medical disability. She needs/deserves proper medical care too. Sending love and prayers your way!❤️🙏🙌
I understand that mom wants to make her own way but all three kids need to come together and get their mom a place. I couldn’t sleep well knowing my mom is sleeping in the streets. Even if she doesn’t want the help, it can be short term until she gets a job. Come on mom, you need to start somewhere and if the kids want to help, let them give you the start.
I'm tired of people saying that people of color speak so eliquent, just because a person is poor or down and out doesn't mean that they are stupid. Also because certain people don't have a AA/ BA, or a Master's degree doesn't mean that they are dumb. You don't know how they got there, be supportive and understanding and offer a solution, not put them (us) down. We have enough problems
Connie is so brave, and an amazing human being. She will do great things in life!
Ms. Connie needs to write a book! So happy she found purpose to change & live! Congrats on the new grandbaby!
I live in my truck Ms.Connie 🙏 for you!!! Same situation domestic abuse for 6 years,but NO MORE,NEVER AGAIN!
Oh my god. I got to sit down with Connie being from Oakland and she opened my eyes to so much I do everything . I love this lady so much.
"I know what's in my toolbox, but I can't find my toolbox. By choice" ...
That was very profound🙏
I love her honesty
I’m so glad her kids helped her because I was already feeling some type of way ! You just can’t forget about your mother 💕
I hear you, love.
Sadly, there ARE adult children who actually have the ability to help their parent(s), but won't. This is truly the age of the selfie and the extremely selfish, coldhearted narcissist.
I knew that addiction was somewhere in this story, I'm so glad she's doing better
It isnt always addiction. Alot of them are educated too. People should'nt judge cause you don't know when you may find yourself in that situation and don't say not me, never, cause most people whether they admit it or not are 1 paycheck away fron homelessness
@@michaelshuey9670 So true! And when the housing crisis hit a lot of hard working middle class families became homeless. The school bus was literally stopping at a bridge to pick up homeless students who where living in tents with their families under that bridge. This should never be so in America. Best wishes!
@@sonjastanley1067 Best Wishes to you too!😊
@@michaelshuey9670 😊
@@michaelshuey9670 Judjement belongs to God, show some love instead
Thanks Mark for updating us on Connie. Very happy she is a grandma participating in her daughter's life. This is encouraging!!!! This is a success story....out of all the sad ones. The government doesn't care too much about affordable housing bcz they can't make money with it!! What else is new? Only money counts in this world- all for profit margins~!!!!!! Shame on them! We have to jump through 5 hoops in order to make one movement!!! It's challenging to climb out & move forward!!! I know about fibromyalgia and it is a real thing. there are over 100 symptoms & it is debilitating. Let's hope Connie can overcome!!! Prayers
Praise God.....thank u all for praying for her.....God got you Connie
Very, very intelligente woman. She deserves another chance! I feel that she could be a great teacher or social worker.
commend this lady for her honesty and strength good lord
Miss connies 3 wishes all came true!!!! This makes me SO happy to read in the comments she went to live with her daughter and is a live in grandma!! What a blessing 🙏🏼As a grandma myself( call me ZsaZsa NOT gMa) I love being close to my grand babies and helping to raise them and spend quality time. No daycare for these babies and I bet ms Connie is just in heaven to spend all her time with her grand baby!!!💕🥰💕
What a lovely, strong and determined woman. I wish I could help her somehow. I hope and pray things turn around for her soon, and she can achieve the dreams and goals that she has and reunite with her family. May The Most High keep her and surround her with love and protection 🙏💛.
What a wonderful woman ❤️ She deserves only the best ❤️ I hope she finds a beautiful home very very soon ❤️
Hope doesn't get it. We must march in the streets for tiny home communities NOW!!!!!
I can see this lady in an employment position as a counselor or officer helping the homeless. She's just too smart to be out there homeless on drugs and suffering from domestic violence. Great interview thank you.
I hope things get better for you Connie, You seem like a really nice woman
I hope you find some help soon. God bless you.
🤔 Believe it or not this lady right here would be a blessed motivational speaker.....is what I'm saying. I pray that someone will read this and help her in that area....
I'm very happy to hear that she's doing better.
That danger zone though 🤷.
Stay away from it beloved.
May God continue to bless you and your journey...
I am so happy that connie has nice kids and they are helping her. I wish my kids were so nice. God Bless you Connie.
I'm so glad to see the positive update.
Connie, if you ever read this, just know that there is a lot of people out there rooting for you to stay safe, clean, and cared for. Much love from D.C. 💙❤💙❤💙❤
I weep for the childhood of her kids. I'm glad they found lives of their ownl
It
Jay Harter there is something in between - hope you know that .
Her kids are fine she said.
Absolutely brilliant that u got housed!!!!! Granma Connie congratulation too u and ur daughter,🤗 I am glad ur daughter and son stepped up for u. U r a proud lady and I no u didn't want to b a burden but Connie u was an still is an angel, God Bless u and ur family especially the new addition👶👼🙏
My heart breaks, hearing her situation! My God... She's ill with multiple diagnosis'. Fibro and arthritis make it hard to even move around in an independent physical capacity.
I'm happy and relieved to see the update that her daughter has brought her momma to her home and got her out of this homeless situation. What a relief!! THAT'S HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO WORK. 🙏❤️. We should not feel as if we are a burden in these circumstances, to our children who are willing and able to help.
The update to her story blessed my soul!
Plz don’t give up, I’m a Victim of Marital Domestic Violence, been homeless for four years and living with 4 Chronic Disabilities, having Fibromyalgia my whole life when they told my Moma it was just growing pains & my now ex- husband is not even a U.S. Citizen. Tell me why I’ve been traumatized devastated had to drop out of school with just about two months to graduate. I understand EVERYTHING you are feeling. Omg this hurts me so much. All this was way out of my comfort zone, nothing I’ve ever been exposed too. I’m a mother of three grown children and the two oldest and all family members turned their backs. Now never use drugs but I don’t see a drug addict, crazy angry woman. I see a very intelligent heartbroken Mother who just like myself sacrificed everything for them but I don’t exist to them. I’m numb, terrified can’t even feel my heart. I’ve always been in church but I saw how God carried me although I have been going through this. Nothing belonged to ,y then husband, everything was mine I had before I married him. I had nothing but my Faith and God looking out for me, carried me when I didn’t even know it. But I went to church every Sunday and my doctors told me don’t worry about not having no family because God Will Build Me a Family....All Family is Not Blood. Before I knew it God has Blessed me with a small group of loving supportive encouraging Spiritual family who showed me the love I didn’t have and they fed me, gave me what ever they had no matter how little. I wish I knew how to contact you because I got a Testimony for you. But you are Blessed with children who STILL LOVE YOU, Let them help you; let them loved and be a Blessing to you, their Mother. I was a dedicated loving devoted Mother and this is how they treat me. I have no home, my cars at no more; I have been belittled humiliated and then some BUT I NEVER GAVE UP MY FAITH IN GOD. Believe me, I even now feel like I have no reason to live. My house, all my personal memories of my children growing up, medical record from birth and their schooling and awards......All gone, that demon of an abuser stripped me of everything IN MY OWN COUNTRY. I wish my two older kids would acknowledge that I exist. I have three beautiful grandchildren I am not allowed to see get to know and love. But I’ve forgiven everyone and I have my Faith He kept me safe in the worst conditions & situations and He never gave up on me stop blaming myself for things I had not done. But I still felt like a failure. God will Bless me just as He’ll Bless you. Just talk, pray to Him. But please if your kids want you in their life, please let them because you are a beautiful person and everyone can see from this documentary that your a Wonderful Mother. We all make mistake or get fooled by the adversary’s demons leaking this earth. God will see You through but forgive yourself and know that you are LOVED SO YOU MUST LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF AGAIN. Like you, I never saw this coming but I’m grateful to God for showing the harmfulness of people, services that are out her to help but they don’t, and let’s not forget about so called family & friends. Find your Peace in your heart for yourself and for your children who regardless still love you dearly. As long as you pray and Trust in God, He Will, He Does come, maybe not when we want Him BUT HE’s Always in time and I’m so PROUD TO SAY THAT I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND HE DOES LOVE AND TAKE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN. BLESSINGS TO YOU AND NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE HE HAS BLESSINGS COMING THATS MUST FOR YOU.
Amazing story! God bless you!
🙏😢God bless you! Your faith, strength and your love for others is so encouraging! You have a beautiful heart ❤️ and yes, you are a child of the Almighty Most High God and you are dearly loved! 🙏❤️
He could sit and talk to Ms Connie forever??? I could listen for forever. Love you Ms. Connie!
This woman is a beautiful testimony of a strong black woman. I admire her and her story and her life. I pray that God blesses her abundantly and keeps her strong and heals her body in the name of Jesus and give the desires of her heart.🙏🏽❤️
I’m going to pray for her everyday! I will always remember her face. This woman is so amazingly intelligent and well spoken and sincere. God Be with her Always🙏
God bless Connie!
Connie you are wonderful, I'm glad you finally found your way home where you belong. Keep doing God's work. ♥️
Sending you all the love and strength that you need to keep on keeping on and find a place to call home and the love and joy you need.Praying for you Connie,please don't give up.Love yourself and you will never have to put up with domestic violence or abusive relationships.
Miss Connie, I could sit and listen to you All day ! BEST BEST Of Luck Beautiful. G D BLESS You and Your Family 🙏♥️♥️♥️🌞👍
I was thinking about letting Ms connie live with me then i started reading everyones comments and found out she is doing just wonderful...love Ms Connie...stay well
Man this breaks my heart, she reminds me a lot of my mom, wish her the best! Glad she’s living with her daughter now
Connie, I hope you're enjoying being a grandma. You are so strong to face all you have and to be so open and honest about it. So glad your kids want to help you and that you finally moved in with your daughter. Sending love and light ❤
You have opened my eyes to the problem of homelessness. I now can appreciate what they’re going through, and have become more understanding. I’ll buy people food or give some money when I can. It’s never going to be enough, but if I can be moved then anyone can. You are doing great work here.
Homelessness is a billion dollar industry... Yes, they making money from our destitution
I hope she finds the strength that she needs to get her life back on track again, with her acknowledgement about her issue it's not impossible for her to do so, I wish her well.
She has such a charismatic character and such a tender soul that I can't see how she could ever be a burden on her kids. She has so much to offer her family, she should think of herself as an asset. Her smile alone is therapeutic.
@Queenie Miller Bless you.
I pray the new baby brings new Life to Connie. May she find help and solace for her medical and mental issues, and I also pray her children continue to thrive. I know they want the best for their mom, too.
Thank you for sharing this important video.
I am sending Connie the biggest hugest hug from here in Canada. May your old age be a breeze compared to the troubles you experienced up to age 58.
❤❤❤❤ A 60 yr old woman
She can't be that bad. She's raised 3 good kids
Her blessings are coming.she will be ok . You can tell she has a good heart. Thanks for allowing her to share her story.
no one should be homeless we can set up small places in this day and age....goodness!
tony they are setting up small homes all over in Detroit for the homeless.....it’s a start. You can donate items, time, or money to help those housing for homeless projects.
Tiny houses would be ideal. I'd even live in one myself.
@@annsilliman6184 i would to!
Met this guy... and here I am ✝️... stay strong.. you shall persevere!
Let me go praise my mother for being responsible, resilient, hard working woman who raised 4 kids on her own. Without any government assistance. No section 8. No child support. Just hard work. I never understand how an immigrant has more to show than the people who were born here. Mind blowing.
Stay strong sweetie..God will answer your prey,🙏
If you can afford a rv get one, it’s a home that will allow you freedom and travel the world if you can afford...the state of Arizona has a lot of affordable land to live cheap as possible...
Nettie Holmes 🤔 This is why I’m considering Florida because there are many RV parks...it would be much more affordable in the long run......
Insurance and repairs. Insurance and repairs.
RVs arent that cheap unless you stay somewhere free like rest stops or truck stops but you have to keep moving and they take alot of gas.
When I retired, I found a nice little RV on Craig's list. I rent a space with a decent-sized yard for $500. a month. I pay utilities as well. (Anywhere from $30 to $170, depending on the time of year.) It's a simple life, but it works for me!
@mxlbabe I was very fortunate that a relative left me some money in her will. The RV cost me $6,500. Paid it in full. Still haven't paid the sales tax, though, and, if I can get away with it, I probably never will!
My heart is with this beautiful, wonderfully made, strong woman! None of us should part our lips to speak down on any person struggling, is homeless, and dealing with mental health struggles as well. I was meant to be a statistic, but fought my way through with my husband, my faith, and the gift from God a spirit of perseverance. I know how in a split second, this woman’s story could be ours. Now, I don’t judge, nor ask questions, I give whenever I have cash or food. I pour all that I can into those who don’t have. I just gave away furniture to families in need.
We need to pull together to help those left behind, pour into public education, healthcare for all, mental health, affordable housing, and free college education or trade schools for all who want it. A country is where they put their money. Let that sink in. Where does that put America?
I am so happy for Connie and I hope she has let go of that abusive relationship! She is worth so much and she is a beautiful person!!!
Your heart seems so pure and oh so broken..💔 I can totally relate. Sending perpetual LOVE & LIGHT my beloved big sis... 💫
Just like in Pasadena the amount of income that is needed for a place is crazy and the same 3X the amount of rent is needed.
What I appreciate about her interview is she is taking self accountability for her situation. The interviewer is trying to coach her into not being self accountable. But she’s very aware that this was all her choice. This is how you improve your life, by being self-accountable.
So happy for this precious woman
May God bless her and strengthen her and help her to stay focused. Her new granddaughter gives her just what she needs.
KEEP PRAYING, with believing, please! We skip that step too often...
"I met a man,now I'm here"...
Thank you for caring so much to interview the many people living on the streets , I'm a Oakland native . In 2015 I started driving uber mostly in S.F. I started to learn about how outrageously high the cost of housing was & most of my passengers were not natives to the city's they call home , i had alot of resentment , I did not reflect it to my passengers but especially seeing the mass gentrification in Oakland as I'm dropping off newbies it has been difficult for me to accept knowing it was throwing folks to the curb people I was raised around . Difficult times , not such a great party for everyone . I'll add another truth both San Francisco & Oakland are designated as sanctuary cities , i guess the homelessness isn't that much of a dire priority they are willing to invite more people desperately needing housing , & they say it's about compassion , God bless .
I cried over this beautiful woman! May God grant her the peace and love that she so deserves!🙏
I love Oakland.. I live in concord ca where she mentioned couple times.. I do homeless feeds once a month
Aww 🥰 I am so happy for Connie congrats 🎉 on your granddaughter and being sober so happy she has a home to go to and is with family 🙏🏼
This one is particularly touching, I’m glad to hear she is doing better 🥲
I can listen to Connie and learn from her...never get tired of listening to Connie. I'm very happy you went to be with you daughter and grandbaby! Blessings to you. I wish you peace and warmth and happiness. Stay strong. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs from a stranger here. 💛
Life could be unfair.
I can’t get enough of your videos they are amazing and very touching I wish I could help I really do I’m a Muslim Arab American and it hurts me and pains me to see my fellow humans in such dire condition
This shatters my heart
I enjoyed listening to you so much Connie! I would listen to you for hours. I am so glad you are in a loving home now. God bless
Connie, thank you for sharing your life story! It's so good that you accepted help from your daughter and I wish you all the best. Welcome to the Grandma Club!
🌹💙 🌹
Connie you speak well and im sorry about all that happened, dont have shame on your situation, proffessionals many are going through the same all around the world. Is not your fault is a sad system.we feed.. hoping you find a good network of friends and are able.to thrive soon...
Connie, you should write a book about homelessness and addiction. Self publish it digitally. You could collect royalties and such. You really have so much to say. You’re a wealth of knowledge. Perfect people can’t teach others to be perfect. You could help others. You’re strong.
This woman is so smart and I feel everything she is saying. It is so real. I hope she finds a home soon.
America sucks period! Majority of Americans are over worked and under paid. Medical sucks, getting help is a challenge. We have a large population of homelessness in this country. It's heartbreaking to know that many are there not by there own doing. Something has to change. My prayers are with Ms. Connie💕
You are free to leave.
@olahshiab Well said Olah ❤
@@katiehealybarcelon9070No worries Katie
You will soon be joining Connie
@katiehealybarcelih.OH....GET REAL....you are out of touch with Reality
@@katiehealybarcelon9070 I pray for your heart.
I love that this channel is dismantling the bullshit misconceptions that most people have about homeless people!
Very happy having read the update. Your children are there to help you as you are there to help them. Family should not be considered a burden.
She is well spoken. We all has fallen. She seem very intelligence. May God help her