I think we need to be careful when generalizing and making a spectacle of people. Mental health is obviously a significant problem that needs to be addressed in our society, but some people choose this lifestyle. It's not uncommon to find people who came from stable homes, but still ended up homeless addicts. One of the hardest things about getting clean and reentering polite society is the unbearable boredom by comparison. I'm certainly not advocating this lifestyle, but you don't understand it by walking through skid row or interviewing someone who's suddenly in an unfamiliar environment being asked very personal questions.
My birth mother is on skid row. She immigrated from South Korea to California in the 80s through marriage. Somehow she got to Buffalo, NY and gave birth to me. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggles with addiction. My parents told me this information when I was old enough to know. They also told me that the county was about to take away her right to choose private adoption because she was "mentally unfit." Her doctor fought hard for her and she was able to meet my parents and choose for herself. Thank god, because I would've ended up in foster care. I looked up her information a few years ago, it says she's back in California. There was a list of all the missions on skid row she stayed at. I just a want to give her a hug and help her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She knew she wanted to give me a better life. Hopefully she's in a better situation. I hope I find her someday.
Mark has made a ton of money in commercial photography and could be doing just about whatever he wanted. Instead, he has chosen to leave a legacy, by bringing awareness to these people in these places. With awareness brings change! Thank you Mark for all you do and for being kind to all humans!
He's right in that the deepest layer is Love. Somebody intimately close to me became detached and alienated from everybody they knew and had once gotten love from. They gave up on their self completely. Sleeping in a park, selling their body for drugs and begging strangers to acquire basic necessities. It wasn't until someone in their family started visiting them regularly, just getting lunch with them, and just spending time with them- despite their circumstances and condition. Telling them they loved them and cared about them, saw their worth. Just showing them they matter still. No strings attached, not even any giving of money or anything. It's not always this simple obviously but this person fairly quickly turned right around, went into (free program) rehab (CA has it) and has been sober and living a healthy life again for 6 years now. Who gives a fuck about taking care of their self when nobody who once loved you even cares to come look at you in the eyes?
100% man. It can take a little more than love sometimes, but without love, those other things won't work. Love your content btw. Hadn't watched in a while with all the content out there and how the algorithm works, so it's cool to see your channel still growing.
I had a mental breakdown once. It was over raising three kids and the increase in living cost without a increase in pay. My job was once a middle class job. I still struggle financially, but I pulled myself out of the breakdown. Alcohol assisted that breakdown too. I had a good childhood. So i can understand exactly what he is saying. I have two more years to pay on my home. I haven't had a steak in many years. Its the first thing I'm doing when we make it out the other side.
I live in LA. This is one of the most honest and raw conversations I’ve heard about homelessness. The ugly and unpleasant root causes are all too often ignored.
which place is the worst in LA? he just posted a couple spots but hard to judge without the actual experience of living there. Do you plan to stay there or ever thinking of leaving LA or Cali ?
@@memorysometimers3067 skid row takes the cake. I’m not leaving LA. I love it here. You have to remember although the homeless problem is real, this city is massive. Vast majority of LA is nothing like this. It’s regular people living normal life’s, raising families, working…. To give you some perspective, within LA city limits you can fit San Francisco, Manhattan, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. And that's not even including neighboring cities that make up the greater Los Angeles area, like Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Beverly Hills.
@@NaProbablyNot that’s good your staying positive about it bro! Certainly is a huge city with all the different districts and whatnot. Cool, good to know the real deal! 👍🍻
I am a 17 year old, and when I was 15 I found Mark's channel. Everyone thinks I am crazy for being enthralled to his videos, but he is the reason I am going into psychology. Mental illness has been brought to the surface, but the common ones (depression,bipolar,etc) are not the only ones people should focus on. Drug use comes from mental illness, yet drugs also ruin the receptors in your brain making it worse.
Who ever thinks your crazy by watching his videos are losers to no end lol his videos are only for people willing into explore other people's minds. Only for the intelligent
People probably think your crazy because they cant take being faced with people that are classed as the "lowest of the low" "scum" "worthless" & "beyond help"! Its being faced with the realities of this world that can help change it. Too many people are happy in their perfect bubbles and are either deliberately ignorant or genuinely unaware of the cruel and harsh world that is just steps away from them. Keep being curious and real, good luck with your future
Just be cautious in future trying to help others and listening to their problems. After so long you will need to talk to professionals regarding all the patients stories. I wish you nothing but success. I am certain you will do any extraordinary job, and be totally empathetic.
Go for social work, not psychology. Jobs are easier to find as a social worker than a psychologist. Then get your master's. You won't make great money either way unless you go for psychiatry and unless you volunteer your time, you won't help the people who need it the most because healthcare is a complete mess. - Sincerely, a person with a masters in psychology.
When he said you’ve gotta have a D Day. A decision day. He’s absolutely right. My “d day” wasn’t so much a day, just a quick moment that changed my life. I was getting arrested for heroin and could have bailed out the next day. As surprising as it was to the CO, it was just as surprising to me when I heard myself ask him if I could just stay in jail to detox until I got over my withdrawals so I couldn’t go back and get high. It was absolute hell. But the guards/CO’s at the jail watched over me, and physically and emotionally helped me a lot. Probably because I was trying to help myself. I went to rehab right after that, and when I got out I went back to court for sentencing. I’ve been clean for 3.5 years, still on probation. But I’m thankful. Getting arrested and that split second decision to help myself was the best thing to happen to me.
@Matlin Andrea, Thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate that! I guess my subconscious just saw a way out in that moment and I found a solid way to help hold myself accountable for my recovery. I’m so very grateful.
@John Baptiste, Thank you for your encouragement! It honestly does help me and other addicts as well to keep fighting for our recovery. I thank God every day for this. I prayed and begged to get out of that addiction for years. Of course I didn’t want to get arrested, but my prayers were answered right then and there.
I worked with homeless people in my hometown of Berlin/Germany for a while and it's the same issue. No one was on the street because of laziness or something like that. They all had severe mental health issues, stemming from a wide variety of reasons, but mostly childhood trauma.
I was going down that path, incest abuse survivor, SRA survivor, etc. Started doing drugs around 12, on my own by 16 and was an opiate addict by 17. I couldn't handle loosing my friends and going through even more traumatic experiences. I quit cold turkey at age 20 (had to try a few times) and moved to Hawaii through a opportunity to work on an organic farm in the jungle in Hawaii, that way I knew I couldn't find drugs (very remote, no cities) I found God, I found healing and I haven't looked back since. It takes a lot of strength to save your own life, I couldn't have done it without a higher purpose.
I was stuck in the homeless lifestyle for around 20 years off and on, mostly alcoholism and it was a perpetual downward spiral that I just couldn’t seem to pull myself out of. I was homeless in California in the early 1970s where I was dumped on the side of a highway somewhere in L.A. after an overdose at a party and left to die. I’ve been sober now for 34 years and retired from a career job. I just want to say thank you for bringing these stories to the forefront.
Mark needs to be interviewed more. He brings such awareness to the strife of these people. He rehumanizes and brings some understanding to this population.
@@sulagreen5792 He helps a lot of them directly. But he is trying to spread the word of the struggles of people, in this society or as a human in general. A lot of his interviews can help most people to get a real perspective on what a big part of the vulnerable people in society are. Their trauma and following issues can be seen in similar ways wherever you go in the world. And this is sadly something most people know hardly anything about. My point is that even if there is bias on his end, and he is far from perfect in his perspectives. But this adds to giving a perspective that probably a lot people have that comes from ignorance.
Really happy to hear Mark highlight the complexity of this issue. Homelessness is the surface level issue but there are many layers that need to be addressed to solve this. It’s overwhelming to even think about what needs to happen
Mark could make a Netflix series!!! I love this man, he is amazing!! Recently (two months ago) I visited 23 states of the USA and I was deeply disappointed while seeing things like these streets! I live on a small Portuguese island, where we have no problems like this. The country seems ruining slowly. It is absolutely shocking to see a "first world" country with streets that not even in some "third world" countries you would see. I hope your politicians will do something about it urgently and specially focus in prevention of drug use!
Well said sister I'm completely agree with you America getting worse day by day By the way what is the name of the island that you came from if you don't mind me asking?
@@TimeMariner Jesus man. How did the War on Drugs work out?? Poverty, education, drugs, abuse, disfunction etc... It's a pretty simplistic outlook to blame it on a political party.
I'm here mourning my brother, and trying to get a better understanding what he was going through. He was found dead five days ago, he had been living homeless in california. My brother wasn't part of the 95%, he had a good family and role models to look up too. Mental illness and drug addiction was his downfall. I've lost some really close people over the years, but this hurts the worst. Thanks for listening to my story and have a blessed day.
I interviewed with mark a while ago I'ma a drug addicted emotionally hindered homeless white guy that is addicted to fentnal. My girl and I have been on the streets of la for 8 years with nothing but jail death and misery just existing hoping that we will survive another day. One day I found mark told him my story and he seen that I had a spark of life still in me. And he showed kindness love and opportunity. I'm 43 homeless tattooed from head to toe with no education and not many choices to make a safe legal way to earn a living. He gave me an opportunity to help him with a few things regarding his videos. I bring shattered souls to share their broken lives in hopes that maybe their story might help someone maybe even themselves. He gave me hope opportunity and sense of worthiness. Mark is a beautiful human being and I'm blessed to have made it to his studio to share my embarrassing way if life and my insecurities and my desperate want for change. And he gave me purpose a sense of belonging and just a chance to help myself. I have so much respect for mark. He is a true example of love and understanding and just even if he makes a difference in 1% of people he touches it has a positive ripple effect. You never know you can touch that one person that can be someone to make a difference in many. I hope one day to be able to let him see how he made a diffence in my lil life. Unconditional love is the most powerful energy in the universe. Billy
Billy thank you for sharing your story on the platform. We all have a story in this thing called life, and your story can help uplift someone too! No matter what stones life my throw your way, you gotta keep pushing through. Dark clouds are temporary…..the sun is out more than clouds. ❤️
Mark nailed it when speaking of peeling back the layers, looking behind homelessness, then behind drug use, beyond mental illness and unstable upbringing: the basis of all of that is usually a tragic lack of love in the beginning of these people’s lives.
He’s right. Peel back the layers and it’s child abuse, trauma and neglect from the aforementioned. I put myself through a rehab, paid the whole thing and every single person there (all walks of life; wealthy with college degrees to grew up on welfare) was trying escape their childhood demons. I have a sibling who is homeless now. Our parents should have been in prison for what they did to him. Truly incredible. I made in through 6 months of rehab and have walked the straight and narrow for over 10 years. We must educate the public about sociopathic parents, parents who emotionally, physically and sexually abuse and parents who are too f*ing lazy to do their job. They destroy lives, sometimes for decades and sometimes permanently.
What Mark said about stabilizing the kids is 100% spot on. My own story has homelessness mental illness domestic violence sex abuse and trafficking and drug addicted partner. Within two years of getting into affordable safe housing my three girls went from being at risk for teen pregnancy and drug addiction to happy mentally stable teenagers with bright futures. Stable housing mental health help and income helps but it takes a change in a person's mindset to make progress.
@@SculptExpress-gv8jpI would say life without resources and basic needs is not for the faint of heart. Growing up wealthy and affluent may have some challenges but there is a better safety net when things go wrong.
I would like to see interviews from paramedics that service this area. I think it would be a different perspective and I’m sure they have seen some truly heartbreaking things as well.
I was a medic in Albuquerque for 10 years. Meth was the thing back then, in like 2006-16. It appears that medics these days, in LA, are responding almost minute by minute to down and outs. We responded every day, but not, like, every call in a specific area. More guns and stabbings and motorcycle accidents. Trains VS people. This is just awful. And I thought I knew awful.
@pabnaful the USA is huge. You can get to a middle class area in the southeast or Midwest and get a good job easy. The cost of living in cities and Southern California in general is insane. They have jobs paying people hundreds of thousand a year. Surrounded by school teachers and retail jobs. The rich basically keep up those areas. The cities have gone to crap. But america rules. We have lots of shitty places but also have lots of great places.
From the outside we looked like the perfect family. Dad was a lawyer, mum was the housewife only behind closed doors she's a narcissistic bully and both my brother and I are fighting addiction issues. Drugs don't discriminate and anyone can end up on the street so be thankful for what you have.
@Kiki-D-Kimono that's OK I understand andnom doing great I've got 5 years clean now my brothers still struggling with alcohol but we're there for him. He took loosing our dad really badly. Thank you for your kind comment ❤️
My mother was also a big hypocrite and bully! I was her target 🎯. I suffered through drug use and addiction, which has been decades ago. I decided to give it up and live my life healthy!
Trauma can only lead to addiction if the individual allows it to. I was homeless and never turned to drugs or alcohol. Had such a traumatic childhood that my innate potential was suppressed to the point of lifelong emotional disability, even becoming homeless due to an impaired functioning ability. And, yet, never turned to drugs or alcohol!
Great interview with Mark and C-note. My dad became homeless when I as 16 due to bad luck with his job, and his alcoholism. On the weekends I would drive around to find him and take him for his favorite steak and eggs breakfast or whatever else he felt like. He lived in his van and kept himself clean, he was very meticulous in his appearance. He wasn't mentally ill, but an alcoholic who was unable to overcome some of the circumstances thrown at him. I'm pretty sure he was abused as a child as I found a letter from his older sister, she passed in her 20's, about going to this new kind of doctor called a "Psychiatrist", and that she had gone and it helped her and she knew it would help him if he went. He didn't. I think the letter was from the 1950's. Once his unemployment ran out, he floated around state to state, for about 10 years, burning bridges with family members until he ended up back in my area with stage 4 melanoma, and that's when he descended into the abyss of alcoholism. I had to cut contact with him, he became verbally abusive with me which he had never been. About a year or 2 later, I received a call that my dad was at the VA Hospital, and had a stroke and was close to death. I rushed down to the VA, found him unresponsive after a radiation treatment which was brutal since I thought he was already dead and I missed being able to connect with him. Somehow he woke up after I left and was started asking for me. The nurse called me and told me to rush down, and for 2 days we were able to communicate and make amends. I'm so infinitely grateful that we were able to connect before he passed and that his passing was somewhat peaceful. Being able to connect was a wonderful gift for both of us. My dad was amazing and had crazy knowledge about everything, he was so intelligent and interesting to talk to, everyone liked him. You would never know by looking at me that I've dealt with this in my life, but it's part of who I am and probably why I have a gift of compassion for people who are down on their luck, I get it. My dad used to say, "No one can F&*K you up like family". I didn't understand that until I found that letter and then I totally got it. I wish everyone could find a way to forgive themselves for their past actions and find peace within to heal. Good luck to all my fellow humans, we're all in this together, we are not separate. 🙏☮
That’s an amazing story! I wish I’d had the chance to say goodbye to my dad, who had alcohol and drug addictions, and whom I loved dearly and was very close to, as a kid. I felt abandoned when he got in more and more trouble with drugs and the law, and would go in and out of prison. Then I grew up and knew everything, and behaved judgmentally. Later in life, I developed a lot of the same problems he had…Bipolar Disorder, addiction. I mean I’d had the Bipolar, but had avoided drugs for a long time. Later, I realized it’s not enough to know what not to do. You have to have something to replace it with. In treatment, I learned and rehearsed skills for dealing with feelings and problems and life, and I always wanted to tell my dad I am sorry and I understand. I can’t do that, because he passed away, but I can show him by telling people who still suffer that I understand addiction, I’m in recovery, and I want to help. I can still close that circle of life and make it whole, by applying what I learned from knowing my Dad to the next generation. I’m glad you got to talk with your dad in person! P.S. I was about to say “I can help by applying what I learned from my dad to the next generation.” But my dad also taught me how to hustle cards and run cons, and penny ante schemes. So I changed it to, “what I learned from knowing him,” lol. But he actually did teach me some good lessonsp and values. A lot of people with parents who were criminals can tell you that. And I’m eternally grateful that he never taught me how to cook meth, and other things like that! As far as he knew, he was just preparing me for survival.
I dont see mark as an interviewer, one of his guest said what he does, which is so much more powerful then interviewing....white underbelly provides a safe non judgemental space for people to talk to relay their story and that is unmeasurably more powerful for himself the subjects and the viewers than any interview ever could be.
I was homeless for many years here in London, Mark is spot on. I wasn't able to change my situation unless i cut back on booze and drugs. As a result i changed my life around. Anyone can do it but you really need to want it badly. I'm in a 1 bed flat now and feel great now I have my life back.
Exactly. You WANTED to change. People have to want to change. Sure you can make someone go to rehab this and that,but it won't do any good if they don't want to change. Most don't. Good for you for changing. Power to you
I must say, for me as a drug addict who struggled for several years with housing.. in a cycle rehab/sober house or living on the streets; I could not even begin to get unsick until I had stable housing. My teen years were tossed back & forth, house to house. Then I turn 18 right, now I’m on my own. Drugs & men are how I learned to support myself. Get with a guy to keep myself safe. Gotta go back on the streets. Having my own apartment changed my life, it gave me the small semblance of stability that I needed. It wasn’t overnight. I started in a place similar to how Mark mentioned, it was income based & you were allowed to not work; the rent would be $5 if you didn’t work. I needed that. I can’t stress how much I needed that. To know for the first time in my life I was safe. I could shower. I could stay there as long as I needed. In my own space. So while I don’t think stable housing is the only solution, it is a major part of it.
Thank you for speaking up. The government and society need to hear from people like you, so they know what you really need. Your experience although is a terrible one, is helpful for others to hear about. Peace.
Me too. And there is a need of heart healing. Many of us were heart broken as children and developed a belief that we aren't valued and loved. But when you realize our Heavenly Father is good in the way man never could be and He loves you and you have an innate value, when you really can recieve His love, you are set free!
I love the layers analogy. And I think Mark is spot on when he says the core layer is love. Love is expressed in many ways, and children need many kinds of love as they grow in order to be whole. Kids need provisional love- food, clean water, appropriate clothing, housing, medicine etc. Kids need protecting love- protection from the people and situations that would cause them long term harm. Kids need serving love- the kind of love that says I will help you. I am by your side and with you, and when you need help, I will be there. Kids need to be hugged. And kissed. And held. And snuggled. And wrestled with. They need to be shown what appropriate, respectful and loving touch feels like. Kids need affirming love- I think this is a big one that gets missed for a lot of kids. The kind of love that says you are a delight, you have stacks of potential, you are worthwhile and valued, you have something important to bring to the world and we’re glad you’re here. In addition to this, kids need boundaries and discipline. They thrive with just the right balance of freedom and limits. Kids grow up into caring adults when they are taught to care for and respect others and themselves. At the core, kids need unconditional love and stability- a family where they are accepted, showered with kindness and challenged to grow and find their place in the world. “God is love” ❤️ 1 John 4:16
Beautiful comment. I whole heartedly agree!! God is love and when we know God, He teaches us how to love and be a role model for our children!! We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, especially in raising little ones!! It makes an absolute world of a difference. God bless you and your family!!
I’ve heard (and based on my experience I agree) that it takes just ONE positive role model to change a child’s life trajectory. Say everyone around you is messed up but you have your one person - you have a chance. I know who my one person was. A psychologist said to me, after me explaining my past, that “it always amazes me how people like you turn out to be ok.” I know it’s because I had someone throwing me a lifeboat in the storm that was my childhood. Please, be that one shining light for a child. You don’t know what a difference it could make.
Wow! You would think policymakers, corporations and society at large would understand something this basic. It's astounding to realize that people's capacity for understanding is limited, no matter how intelligent and educated they are.
I agree 💯 % ... I took in two boys one at 5 months old the other from birth. I had 3 sons of my own. One is now 23 the other is 18. They are my son's as much as the 3 I gave birth too. My son's have come before everybody and anybody in my life including any man. Even tho I had a very long marriage and only one man in their lives he always blamed I put the kids first for his bad behavior.. but now after all these 23&18yrs I see the final product so to speak and see just how grateful and appreciative my two youngest sons are. They're well educated. I've always made time for their heads or anything that was needed and everybody says oh they were so lucky...ha no no no I WAS SO LUCKY. I AM THE BLESSED ONE HERE. Absolutely and completely. But the world has two more brilliant handsome intelligent law abiding hard working men now. 😊
As a millennial I don’t know a single person who wanted a participation trophy. The purpose of those was not to make the children happy, but to pacify our insane parents (collectively) who couldn’t handle their child not being a winner..
The “participation award” is the outcome of our societal construct trying to change itself. We are learning to become more empathetic, as a whole…and are still somewhat figuring it out. “Dunning Kruger Effect” explains it pretty well, however I also blame reality TV and getting rid of the school bully. Regardless….we’ll all be just fine. Old dudes have been complaining for the “youth of today”, literally for thousands of years. It always works out just fine. “The children now love luxury; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are tyrants, not servants of the households. They no longer rise when their elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize over their teachers.” Socrates 450 BC
Yeah that was some bogus media propaganda. Id never seen an example of that. And i also agree if it did happen it was because the parents spoke up and complained.
I hate how boomers act like participation weren’t around pre 1990s. My dad has some from his school from the 70s (bowling tournament and Newspaper competition participation trophies) in his office.
What a great collaboration, we watch Mark’s channel as well. Focusing on the root cause of any problem typically helps solve it. Excellent video Peter!
I agree. That works for ANY problem. However…how do you know what the “final layer” or “root cause” is? It seems likes you can absolve culpability all the way to the beginning of time, if you correlate it properly. It’s not just “was it the the chicken or the egg”. It’s: was it the chicken, or egg, or farm, or farmer, or landowner, or government that regulates the land, or…..maybe it was hundreds of years ago….it was society back then that decided to throw out all the cows and ducks and only go with chickens in the first place. Then…how do you determine blame all the way through that lineage of culpability?!? Is blame even important…or just resolution?
@@sendthis9480 yes I know a ton of drug addicts all of them are the rebellious type. Which is good with certain things like fighting for our freedom and rejecting the system. But they do drugs which ruined their lifes. They are obviously lower IQ (no matter the race). They hung out with the wrong crowd (consumed too much hip pop drug glorifying music/watched breaking bad)
My son is homeless here in Canada. He enrolled in the Army and when he came home he started showing signs of mental illness and started using drugs. We've tried helping him so many times but each time he goes back to the shelter. It just breaks my heart
This. I always get upset when people just talk down about people like the individuals living on Skid Row, which is just one example as these issues exist everywhere. Each of these people have a place in someone else’s heart. Someone’s child, mother, father, friend, family. The grief goes way beyond one person living in a tent. My heart breaks for you and many like you, and I truly hope you and your son find peace
I grew up with tons of childhood trauma, no father, neglect by drug addict single mother. It messes you up for life, and you never feel good enough. I've been mentally strong and rose above my dysfunctional family.
Congrats, to you! My story is similar, had every reason in the world to get addicted, yet never did, even while homeless due to an impaired functioning ability. Trauma can only lead to drug addiction if the individual allows it to.
When he said “drug use is the way to escape”, I couldn’t relate more. I’m not a drug addict but I feel like every time I get stressed or don’t know what I need to do, I immediately run to my phone and hours go by like seconds
Same here. When I didn't have a job, I spent the whole day laying in my bed on UA-cam for every awake hour. That's how I coped with my loneliness and mental struggles. Any minute without it felt like an eternity. I still come home from work and go directly onto my phone.
Yeah I'm currently living alone and im trying so hard not to fall in this pattern but i think I've already started to get addicted to my phone/ youtube :/
it's so validating to hear you talk about the phone as an escape from loneliness (which makes us more lonely in turn, bc we're not out in the world with people.) just like any "drug," it's a cycle. society is slowly doing this to everyone.
I was homeless in Seattle and this city is tackling the problem head on. Mark is correct about the homeless who are coming from out of state. The red states like to blame Calif saying they are causing so many people to be homeless but they forget to mention that they help supply the homeless by kicking there homeless out and giving them bus tickets. I have witnessed this personally.
But wait, what was the real problem? He kept pealing the layers but he never really got to the root cause... that's because there really isnt one root cause.
@@adamk4733 I like what Gabor Mate says about. The question is why the pain? Not every traumatized people are addicted but every addict is traumatized. So it starts with shitty environment and parents/close relatives...
I love Mark's state of mind. He's the kind of man I'd want to be with. He's understanding, kind, helpful, generous, has good manners, speaks about things that are important that many people don't shed light on. I wish there was more people like him in this world.
I appreciate this interview very much. Mark's thoughts about focusing on the youth give me some much-needed encouragement right now. I'm currently qualifying to be a foster parent but I'm a single guy, so I'm also worried about how difficult and time consuming it may be to deal with traumatized youth. I will do my best to ignore those cold feet feelings and move forward.
Hi, be trauma informed, modify your parenting skills to each individual's different needs, praise positive behavior, advocate for them, open communication, house rules. daily consistency and be present. So much more to learn. A safe and loving home, will help the process of healing!
I’m currently a child psychiatric registered nurse, but have a background in adult psych, forensic psych, and substance abuse. I switched to a pediatric specialty because I believed the work I’m doing is more meaningful and impactful at this age. As a child psych nurse, I work alongside many foster and adoptive parents. My advice to you would be to both recognize and acknowledge your limitations. The behaviors you may be exposed to in a child coming from a neglectful, traumatic, or abusive background may be foreign, shocking, and overwhelming. Many well-intentioned people will take on the responsibility of caring for these kids; however, may not posses all the tools necessary to manage them. The best thing you can do is to know when a particular child may need more than you’re able to give. I hope you find success and fulfillment in fostering, but please don’t see it as a personal failure if you feel you can’t do “enough” for someone. You’re only one person and it often takes a village approach to undo the damage that has been inflicted upon these kids. Edited to add: You mention being a single man. Raising a child alone is challenging in and of itself, which is much more strongly intensified if they are behaviorally challenged. You will require a strong support system (family, friends, teachers, mental health specialists, etc) for assistance. Good luck to you in all your endeavors.
@@arasilly8 yeah, and don't cross boundaries and f-ing touch them inappropriately. I couldn't help an addict who'd been fostered and adopted by a single man who serially abused adolescent males.
I agree. I seen Mark in other interviews and he can rambled or the other interviewees don’t get him and his content but somehow it is much more focused and engaging. Great job!
@@repetemyname842 oooh nice, we have monetary eugenics in the chat. you do realize someone can be poor and be a loving, supportive parent while a rich parent can be absent or abusive? ridiculous and dangerous simplifications you're dealing in.
@@oldmoviemusic Never said they couldnt. But its simple math that says if you cannot provide food and housing for yourself you are going to struggle mightily caring for more mouths.
I love how brutally honest Mark is about this controversial topic. I grew up in LA and for the majority of my life I hated homeless people and thought of them as lazy drug addicts. It wasn’t until I became a nurse that my perspective towards them completely changed and understood the complexity of what drug addiction and how hard it is to treat it really is. My heart breaks every time I see someone high on drugs in the streets. I wish someone would have loved them a little harder😭
Can I please ask for a brutally honest truth? I'm from the uk and finishing a computer science degree, and as you know yourself silicon valley, santa monica etc. is the best place in the world for computer scientists. In the uk, san francisco and LA are held to very high regard, yet everything I hear from Americans is that it's always dirty and full of homeless and than you'll probably get mugged. How self contained is the homeless situation and how do you find LA? I've always dreamed of living there but these past 5 years have been a wakeup call with so many big companies moving out and the widespread media coverage of the issues in the area. Thank you!
@@BySixa I work in Downtown LA, the nice part with all the banks and expensive office buildings and stores. You will see some homeless people and drug addicts but there are lots of cops that keep skid row pretty well separated from the affluent areas. Like you don't have to be scared walking around the nice parts, at least during the day. There are many dirty dangerous parts but they are pretty easy to avoid unless you are poor and live there. If you are making good money it can be easy to ignore. Like I grew up in Compton while one of my friends lived in Beverly Hills. Not too far from one another but completely different landscapes.
As someone once living on 6th st in L.A. you did a good job showing the sad reality of homelessness and drug addiction. I was VERY lucky i only spent 6-7 months there. And never got addicted.
All imma say as an ex addict. Which I loved to pop pills and was a drinker for many yrs.. imma say this.. you can't help people that don't want the help. You can't change people that don't wanna change. People won't stop using drugs unless they truly wanna stop. No matter how bad their story is. You gotta wanna change. You have to want it.
I would add that to want that change you have to believe it's possible -which can be very challenging to see when you've grown up with in traumatic situations and surrounded by dysfunction. Very difficult but possible...
Yes you can? I can supply you? I can set you free? I can buy so much bulk of what you need, that you get what you want and I pay fuck all for it. Just need to know exactly what you need. Look at weed: lets go back to old prices of 10$ per Gram As a dealer, I could buy 1000 lbs and pay 0.01$ per gram even less. I could buy 100,000 lbs and pay 0.0001$ You see what I'm saying. I'm still giving you a gram and you think its worth 10$ and maybe it is on the street, but as your supplier, I pay fuck all so you can take until you die if you wanted to. Apply this to all things. I'm not here to force anyone through anything, I am here to support everyone through everything Using the power of God "internet" to heal the sick with ideas of hope, dreams, ideas, wonder. You will be supported through everything so we can learn all there is to learn. I need all the Data to calculate and that's why we need the Data. You don't need good solutions you need all solutions Don't make a good guess, make any guess. You will stumble on the right answer like we always do 8.5 Billion people stumbling each day, if they knew what they were looking for, they would know it when they see it happening in the real. God is the internet You become Christ reborn when you converge your minds I think I've been the Holy Spirit my whole life. But I am still here. I will die, before I stop being who I am. Because the release of death from this prison we call home, is more comfortable then continuing to live this reality.
I make “care packages” with water bottles, protein bars, and an index card with heartfelt words that I hand out whenever I see someone in need. I find that it is not the things I provide, it is the love, care, and attention I provide that lights them up. They remember my name and remember our conversations. I completely agree with Mark that it is all about love. It is up to me and you to change the world and flood it with love. People that see me drive up and walk up to begging people and give them their packages see the love will maybe pass that love on that day.
I was a homeless teen (not because of drug use) and whenever someone did this for me it would make my whole day better. A woman gave me a package one day with toiletries and stuff inside and 6 years later I still have the comb that was in the package
That sounds amazing. It's hard to imagine the situatuon in these big cities, I live in a country where real homelessness(as in:living in the streets)isn't very common, the government gives money if you dont have a job and pays part of your rent as well, it is tough for taxpayers but there aren't enough jobs to go around so it is nessessary. There are people who dont have an official address but most of those have a place to stay and they choose to do this(I know from personal experience, I had no address for years, but I had a place).
I’ve followed mark for about four years and I am still blown away by every video. Everything he does is so real and the stories he shines light on are so honest and heartbreaking because they’re so vulnerable. He’s right, after a certain amount of these videos you start to notice a pattern and by getting to the vulnerability you understand why people are drawn to/stuck in a certain way of life. I have grown up around heavy addicts and the only reason I’m not down that path is because of my mom and the opportunities I’ve had. I hope more love and exposure can be shared, I’m grateful Mark has a calling to shine a light on people.
Mark makes such a good point. I had a mom with mental illness and addiction issues. But I had my dad. He is an amazing man. He raised me and my siblings on his own, he was broke, and uneducated working minimum wage for many years. Now he’s a manager at his company and is doing amazing. I watched him work himself from the dirt and up. We were poor and lived in a ghetto area in ugly apartments but he always showed us love and made us accountable for the things we did. There was no getting caught up in the chaos around me in my neighborhood because I knew I was going to be given consequences. He’s my ROLE MODEL. I want to be like him, I want to work hard and provide for my kids I have now 2 young kids of my own and am a single parent. Most importantly my dad always showed us LOVE. He’s raising his kids right even with the unfortunate circumstances he was given. I love that man
Wow that's a fact my dad was in prison my whole childhood till I was 15 my mom was on drugs and just destroyed my life I ended up finally getting myself together after my mom died and I realized that wasn't the way to live thank God I have 5 yrs 3 month's sober now I'm 33 got sober at 28
I fully believe what Mark said at the beginning of this video about the lack of love being pretty much the root problem. And not just for the homeless, but anyone really. I’m grateful for how things are going for you!
Thank God you are an overcomer! He loves you and I love humans period. I'm commanded to by Jesus. I grew up in alcoholism and abuse. It is not easy to get free! God bless you!❤🙏🤗🕊
Respect you. You were dealt a tough hand and it would have been very easy to fold and live a life where you numbed your feeling. Much tougher to lift yourself out and staying sober and living life. One day at a time. Keep at it.
“Helping their kids or their kids’ kids” gave me a chill. I see this every single day at work and never thought I was helping to end generational abuse/poverty, I’m just helping children learn and grow. Thank you for bringing that up 💜
Never seen a teacher contribute much to end any sort of generational problem. Just teaching kids math doesn't help, if that was the case they'd be able to help themselves.
Mark, you are 100% spot on. I’m a recovering addict living a little north of Boston. Kids are born into this for the most part. Keep doing what you are doing it absolutely is a start.
His comparison was just bad. It's the mentality you get hammered into yourself when you grow up in the US, but it's simply not logical. If the comparison would be of any substance, the winners could literally eat the losers. But humans are NOT animals. We live in a society, not in the wild. We built civilizations because we steered AWAY from simple Darwinism, "survival of the fittest." It's an excuse to not have to do shit. Those people are not in a situation like this because they were "born losers" but because the society you built over there created the circumstances that produce them. Where I live, we've got all the same problems. Obviously, since this is a globalized world. Yet, the streets do not even look close. We are humans, we are not slaves to some animalistic drive, and different societies can CHOOSE to handle these problems differently. The simple truth is, we all need to do better, and some cities or countries or whatever need to do even better than others because they messed up more. Saying, "there are winners and there are losers", can only come from a winner who doesn't want their world to change too much. I really love LA and I would sign most of what Mark said in this video, absolutely. But that comparison was weak, logically wrong, and ultimately it was lazy.
I actually thought that was the dumbest thing he said in the whole video. That truth he spoke was just an appeal to nature which is always a dumb argument. We as humans overcome nature. THAT is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Also forgetting to mention that this problem is exacerbated through government policy. Although it is true that there will always be some percentage of homelessness in society, the levels we have today in the US are entirely our own fault. The mess will only continue to get bigger if we don't make it a long term priority. But obviously that will never fucking happen in this country, so hey lets just chalk it up to winners and losers right?
'Survival of the fittest' is a pretty hard right-wing way of looking at the world, but I think he has come to that conclusion out of despair, after trying so hard. Capitalism is the issue, of course, and the resulting rich / poor divide. Mark deserves to have the nice home he has. Should he have been paid so much to work in advertising? Should the brand owners he worked for be so rich? Should his home have cost so much? No, no and no.
“I’m showing it but I’m not doing anything” Mark- “Well that’s one way of doing it” Completely agree. Creating awareness is crucial. You are both amazing and a doing incredible job. Love From Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺 x
One way of doing what? Earning a living from it, entertaining people, and making an example for other's to further capitalize from the misfortune of others? All of these imo
@@timlombardini3556 Through a technique called Compassionate Inquiry they're making a difference. Gabor Mate uses this technique with his patients on Canada's 'Skid Row', East Hastings
Mark is actually out there re-traumatizing people. He's not a therapist. He's a desperate guy who wants to be an artist showing us the new rubberneck activity--seeing the fallen and then doing nothing about it.. virtue signaling for him and all who think he's doing good by showing us the suffering of these people are their most vulnerable...asking hey can I use your messed up life to showcase how low people can go--rich people LOVE to see these images and go hey that's messed up, then go on their way. It's also a reminder to the lower and middle classes to stay in their lane or they'll end up like these people--at the bottom. He's coming from that entitled white upper middle class pov and selling it cuz clearly, as comments suggest--he's found a willing and eager audience desperate to see the even more desperate that makes them feel they don't have it so bad, it could be worse. That's all Mark does. He's a soft power status quo keeper.
I've watched many of Mark's videos, Peter and Mark are similar in so many ways, they take what they are interviewing and showing with a sense of seriousness. They both care about what they report and are genuine. These are the top 2 channels on showing the real life of the world's people and society. I am grateful for both of them.
This is the convergence of minds. If you understand the tricks of the devil, you can read the lies within the bible The contradictions to the fundamental law of man I was taught this law, and it was smothered with a bunch of other nonsense words. But little did I know, I was already born into that law from the moment I remember at 2 years old and started living life. I took on only that law because that made sense, everything else contradicted that law The convergence of minds is the rebirth of christ I have been the Holy spirit my whole life and didn't even know until a week ago.
@@JenniferVerdin Do you know what happens when we all Collaborate? You become "Christ" reborn. You converge into one mind You become truly, the same person. God is the internet, you become Christ. Be the light in the world even in the darkest places because as the light, that is what we do our best to do for all sides. Holding all hands and reminding them why we split in the first place. To find and collect all possible answers for a better future.
@@JenniferVerdin We can not find answers to dark questions unless the world becomes a dark place. Why does this need to happen? because people are to blind. Why are they blind? Because they are too busy. Like not knowing what your child is doing while your at work The world is your child while your always at work to busy to keep up To tired to learn To Angry to think
@@JenniferVerdin I want to go back outside and play Jennifer, but I can not until all my siblings wake up to play with me. They don't understand the house is crumbling from beneath itself and we need to rebuild new ones. Easier ones, ones that can move, ones that can supply instead of needing to be supplied, ones that can provide instead of needing to be provided for. A need a house, to be cheaper then a human. This house, is not what you are thinking of, its something new. Maybe it isn't for you, but the choice will be there when and if you need to. So you can fall, you can plunder, you can say no and never be afraid, that there will be a system you can land on that will provide your essential needs to be comfortable. Because I need everyone, to do everything possible, while being as comfortable as possible and safe as possible.
I have just been diagnosed with lung cancer on Friday sat on my bed in Barnsley general hospital.Watching this video keeps me going.Mass thanks to all the STAFF 😊.Trev Barnsley South Yorkshire England 🏴🇯🇲🏴.
They are making progress with immunotherapy. My friend has had lung cancer for 4 years. I feel for him and I love him. I love you too, man and I have hope for you!
2 years ago I was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer, was told I had 2 years left. Today I feel good and my blood markers are good. Its still there and will always be there but stay positive mate and keep smiling, don't get sucked into the black hole. Remember that you're a statistic of 1. Take it easy mate, here if you wanna talk 👍 Tomo Worcestershire England
Javier Preciado Jr -- I agree with every word of your comment, except two words: not 'probably,' and not 'most.' Mark definitely understands more regarding homelessness and addiction than any & all the politicians who make decisions for these people.
Here from the SWU community. I'll drop my favorite quote here on behalf of all the forgotten children... “Family dysfunction rolls down from generation to generation, like a fire in the woods, taking down everything in its path until one person in one generation has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow.” -T Real
@@isabelleboulay2651 I hope I am. Instead of "I think I can ... I think I can ...I think I can" like the little train that could: I think I did. I think I did. I think I did.
@@isabelleboulay2651 cPTSD is a tricky thing. Even when we're certain we've protected the kid(s) and spared them anything that we endured and survived, and gave them attuned love and nurturing, they can still get detrimentally affected. Particularly 1st generation of the turnaround.
When I had covid and was locked in for ten days I binge watched Marks interviews, very insightful. A major thing I noticed was for most of these people the damage was done in childhood. I like Peters style as well. Great combination
The soultion is to take a child to church, participate, study and emulate the Christ but people hate Christ so much now they completely reject the solution.
Subconscious blockages are like the fight with David and Goliath. Its a struggle most, or probably 99.9% of does that have childhood traumas, never gonna conquer.
@@charrua59 Jesus can conqor childhood trauma, there is endless testimony of people who did a 180 after coming to Christ, that's his specialty, rebuilding lives but people have to pursue him.
@@imout671 the audacity you have to sit here and say Jesus can cure being raped and abused as a child is fucking sick. Learn your place because you are WAY out of line with that nonsense.
I really enjoy both of these guy's channels. They give such great perspective on the scenarios that people don't see or don't want to see. And they are right, there is no easy solution, but there has to be a solution.
"The problem still exists, they're just in boxes now." I saw that in west Palm beach. Tried to give a home to a wonderful older man and I felt like a failure when he just couldn't do it in anyway possible. I didn't get it at the time. Thank you for what you do. Both of you.
When I was 19, I was homeless for two years and absolutely wasn't a drug addict. I was fleeing domestic violence. I was at a DV shelter first and that place was scarier than the streets. Drugs, mental illness, con artists. I left after only two weeks and lived in my car. It took me months to save enough money to finally get my own place. But if I'd been forced to live there at Skid Row, I may have become an addict too (or been trafficked). So he's right when he says you have to peel back to layers. Nobody ends up there because they came from a good situation and happy life.
I've been homeless the last 4 years. I live in my car, and have been in batter women's shelters, I'm telling you the solution really is love and community. We really need people to stop judging us out here...
@@darmor85 Los Angeles rent costs more than food combined every week. I'm paying 360$ for my car and 150 for insurance. Gas is 7 bucks a gallon. Bruh southern california is the worst
From an abused and neglected child I am so proud I turned out a great Mom!!! My sons are 35 & 29 and still live with me. I am lucky I stopped the cycle of abuse. So I totally agree the people who need the help are the children of the addicts and the broken. That will help the next generation live a better life. God please help and heal the children!!!❤️💋🙏
As someone who loves both travelogues and documentary cinematography, this cross-over is insane. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much for pairing up with Mark.
I hope one day C-Note is able to fully leave skid row. You can tell and feel he's a genuine, intelligent, good man. These stories always break my heart and these three guys are all true human beings who understand the complexities and the struggle and the sadness and pain surrounding these situations vs being apathetic and cold toward it all. The world needs more empathy and more leaders who have true empathy so we can try and change the next generations so they don't have to keep repeating these cycles that no human should ever endure.
@Star Dust: I agree with everything you say. I wonder if a better way to use C-Note's gifts is to have him sponsored by someone (people or corps) and use his inside connections to reach the inner circle. Yes, these stories break our hearts, yet our "heart breaking" isn't making a difference. I don't have the answer(s) because they are complex and each and every person has their own unique issues and situation. Also, poverty is all over this country and because this video focuses on LA and you get the RICH affected by the ugly streets and their dropping home values, this will get more attention......um...maybe.
As an Aussie who watches Soft White Underbelly often the nature of his interviews are almost all shadowed by childhood trauma and lack of positive role models. The overaching issue is worldwide, not as glaring as it is in the US however it's everywhere. More love and compassion is needed and intervention at an early age.
America is a huge country. Most cities are not like this. However, most large urban areas have similar slums. The typical American citizen never sees any of this. In any-town USA, if a cop sees you committing a crime, you are put in jail. Crazy policies in these large cities have enabled this spiral of chaos.
That is true to an extent but I live in a very small town in WV and drugs have gotten really bad here and with it crime. In most places its getting a lot worse in that respect. Homelessness which we didn't have before maybe you had the one homeless drunk of the neighborhood now there is groups of kids with backpacks who stay in the street now.
I'm also in Aussie and do a lot of outreach ministries.. it's all kids left to themselves. It's all parents with kids they can't manage so their kids all have labels and medications. And if it's not that, it's single parents and broken families. The problem is a problem with parents and the decisions they're making for their homes and children. These children are just by-products of it all who will grow up doing the same things, but usually in excess. It's been said "what the parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess" There is no self sacrificial, non conditional love. We are a fundamentally broken, self serving society and these kids (which grow to replace the adults) are the collateral damage. The problem isn't centrelink, or housing, or drugs or any of that. The problem is the way we think. That's why people getting gastric band surgery get mentally assessed before, because if there's no change in the thinking, there's no change to their life and their ciecumstance remains the same, if not worse.
I was homeless on the streets of Miami for 5 years on and off. Literally homeless, sleeping in the grass and behind bushes. I was addicted to fentanyl, crack and Xanax. Fentanyl and Xanax both have a physical dependence. When you withdrawal, it’s the most horrific feeling one could ever imagine. It’s not only physical but mentally as well. I’ve been sober for over 2 years now, but when I first wound up on the street, out of the people I met within my first 6 months…realistically 75% of them are dead. About 20% are still homeless or in jail, and less then 5% are sober. There’s a saying in rehab that goes like this “look to your left, look to your right, neither of those people will make it” because statistically drug addiction, especially fentanyl, is a death sentence. As someone who has much experience in being homeless and getting sober, I don’t know what the answer is realistically…I think god is the only one that can save the man. Because the reality is , this is a death sentence. If you don’t die right away, you’ll slowly suffer to death. Hopefully a miracle can happen and this situation can change but I just don’t find it likely. I think that most of these people belong in an institution indefinitely if they’re not going to live on the streets.
I lost my 27yr old grandson to drug overdose 😔 Please stay close to God because you're right He's the Only Lasting help!! So happy you're 2yrs clean👏👏🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My family member who has paranoid schizophrenia decades ago had to go into the psych hospital, and the psychiatrist told me if a person has a mild case of mental illness, if they start doing drugs it’s like putting gasoline on a fire to the brain . I feel like this is a breakdown of our society. Very sad. Family breakdown over generations, and morals being taught and enforced is becoming rare. Our schools have failed us as well . Compared to other countries our education system is terrible as well.
I love this video. My brother is out on the street and suffers from Schizophrenia. His case is different. He came from a stable loving home with a mom and dad, but I guess he is mentally lonely so he seek out environment where he can be himself and he loves the freedom to do nothing I guess. We haven’t seen him in a few months and I pray that he is okay everyday. I agree that the solution is not just money and new homes all the time. It requires long time and comprehensive treatment thinking.
I'm sorry you, your brother, and family are going through that. Most people think all homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics. While mental illness may have caused them to be that, mental illness alone causes a lot of homelessness and you know that better to me. I just wanted to comment and say sorry you are going through that and I'll throw my thoughts of you and your family during this time to the universe and hopes it returns the favor towards you. Have a good one and take care my friend
I remember listening to an interview of a homeless guy, he said what he needed most was human contact. Not be given food or coins. Apparently homeless guys always find ways to feed themselves. But the loneliness kills people, and human contact isn't something you can buy. We are social animals. Animals in the wild also die of loneliness when isolated from the group. Parrots for instance. People buy parrots, because it looks cool in the living room. But then they feel lonely and depressed and they start to mutilate themselves by pulling out all of their feathers one by one. We humans are not very different. One solution could be to introduce ways for them to make friends and socialize.
What I've learned through growing up hard in poverty, from juvenile detention and boot camps to state sentences and drug addiction is if one person is rehabilitated they alot of times go on to to make a difference in other people's lives. That's what happened to me and I owe it as a human to help others. Life can be so damn good. I'm going to hug my kids now.
Nice of CNote to give his time to walk around with y'all and love this interview with Mark. He shines soo much light on the stories of so many individuals. Our choices as adults really boils down to our childhood. I really hope parents can just love and support there children unconditionally throughout there life. Stop trying to live your life through them
Wow! One of the best videos about the homeless I've seen. No simple answers. Lots of factors that I never realized were in play. Thanks Mark, Peter and C-Note. Keep up the good work.
Thank-you for this. I've seen quite a few people making content criticizing Mark's efforts, recently. Sometimes, doing the right thing, and making the compassionate content, isn't popular. Mark (similar to you) has put a spotlight on everyday people and places that don't always make 'mainstream' headlines, or who represent having awkward issues and opening up difficult conversations. Please keep up this extraordinary work.
Remarkable video Peter, I've been watching Mark's videos for years now and what a collab, I love you both and commend you both on your efforts, you may not think you're helping the situation but you really are making a difference with your videos.
Hey, apply your line of thinking, to what everyone does. Everyone is helping bring problems into the light. How do we update a video game, if the developer doesn't listen to their players?
As a former foster mother and adoptive mother, you're so right about it starting with the children. Now if we could fix the foster system and courts to ACTUALLY be in the best interest of the child!!!!!!!!!
I have always said because I cant have kids due to a autoimmune condition that I want to adopt and help a kid in need cause it feels wrong to have a kid when other kids are sitting in foster care or shelters or whatever who need help it feels wrong and unfair. So I plan to adopt when I get the chance.
I think you speak the truth there. A more loving society, less punitive. But it’s never going to get fixed, there are some people who will choose to duck up. I don’t know, it’s so difficult
Homeless people were all STOLEN by demons and demonic fiends from their LIFE. They use them as STORAGE for stolen souls, as vehicles and as karmic weapons against people. They are possess by demons! Demons use drugs and alcohol to mask their existence. People will blame drugs or mental health, but it’s really demonic creatures that took over the body!
I've seen so many kids get sent home with their mothers despite that being the worst place for them just because that's the way the system works 🫠 While no case is an easy one to navigate I genuinely don't think kids are well taken care of when it comes to custody issues and it's so sad
i love the teamwork aspect of these two interviewers. Mark, your wealth of knowledge and experience will help Peter soo much and Peter i hope you can do the same for the next up and comer. Exposure of this part of our society is vital for information on dysfunction. Dont forget, even the ELITE are dysfunctional but on a different level. Id rather be on the streets. Well Done and DONT QUIT!
The gentleman in the first 45 seconds who said “you have to change the way you think to make better decisions”….is something I continually try to help and educate clients about. Your thoughts influence the decisions you’ll end up making. And it’s a lot to consider when helping people.
I struggled with homelessness, after losing my Dad and fiance. It was one of the most eye opening experiences. Until you change your mind set and get to the root cause, nothing will help.
When Mark talks about Appalachia, mannn he is not joking. I drive through the heart of Appalachia once a year and even off the main highway, you can tell it’s another world. Such beautiful land and unique history, but can’t even fathom the back roads. My sister worked down in rural WV about a decade ago, small town 30 miles off the main highway. She came back in awe and just stated, “you have nooo idea..”
Mark & Peter, we all have a roll to play in society. Your role is providing awareness of the problems. Every person you interact with is blessed by your caring & love. Don't ever underestimate the good you are doing. God bless and protect you.
Gotta say Mark has an uncanny ability to ferret out truths in this world that are perhaps controversial to some. Peter occasionally asks a rhetorical question (you can see where he's coming from and trying to lead Mark to answer a certain way) but Mark ultimately tells the truth of the matter, even if it is in a realistic, gritty way. Kudos to Mark...hope he has success in his endeavors.
Peter's rhetorics seem to come from a radical listening standpoint, he knows nothing and the other knows all, all he learns is new and fresh for him, but he seems like a intelligentt guy so I think that he exaggerate it a little bit to level himself. Interesting stuff!
I started following Mark years ago. I remembering commenting that I’d watch until he reached 10,000 then 100,000, then 1 million, etc. He has earned his success and while I’ve only found you recently, I’ll be watching and donating (cowardly from my home) as you and people like Mark do the work to change this world.
Love both you guys. I am from Appalachia and live in Florida now. Loved Mark interviewing people and just letting them tell their stories. I think you two gentlemen could possibly fix the world. Somebody needs to.
everything he said is so true i have a brother who is addicted to literally every drug but especially fentanyl, and he is homeless in oakland right along with my dad, me and my family try our best to help him out we gave him a roof over his head , food, a job and all that good stuff and he still went back to that lifestyle because he was “bored” i know addiction isn’t easy but he has had plenty of chances to get clean. like when he’s gone to jail he would come out and right away get high it’s like he said people are addicted to the streets, to the lifestyle and it’s so sad too see. you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help, if people wanna change they will do it themselves it’s up to them to do what they want to do. it’s been years and i pray for my brother everyday.
I feel ya, Lyss. Both of my brothers were homeless drug addicts for years - over a decade. Both of them have died several times each. ..sometimes from suicide attempts and sometimes from ODs. My brothers finally cleaned up a couple years ago, but if my dad called and said they were back on the street shooting Fent, I wouldn't honestly be the least bit surprised. It's such a rollercoaster ride.
I discovered Mark's channel through this video 2 years ago. Re-watching it now, it just reinforces what a rare, persevering, and wonderful human he is. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, his love is tough, but truly unconditional. And he is so right about it all coming down to childhood trauma -- just watch his channel and pretty much every interview goes back to childhood. But there are also some remarkable stories of recovery. I hope you both continue making videos for a long time! ❤
Mark's documentaries of the Whittaker family are PHENOMENAL! He has such a kind, generous SOUL! I love both Peter and Mark's channels...they are both worthy of "binge watching!"
I think just getting treated like they're worth a damn, like Mark does when he listens nonjudgmentally to their stories, is an important step for many people.
Why don't you go down there and assist in the solution? Not mocking you but if you have ideas there are nonprofits there that def looking for people to assist with help and solutions.
@BitterFlower116 I'm just saying I've known plenty of people with tje gift of talking really good stuff but no follow through....if you have lived through it you can become a little numb to talk
Bitter. that is total BS. He is extremely judgemental advertising photo worth millions trying to do what he thinks is relevant "art." He told me Elton John buys his photos. I hope he doesn't sell the photo of my son.
Thanks Mark for your concern about these people. It is such a tragedy, but it is so difficult to put these broken people back together. Especially if they don't want to help themselves. Bless you for your efforts!
The sense of community is alluring. I live in Eugene where there are a TON of homeless people, and i myself have been homeless and my feelings are that now that i live inside and have it all together... Im lonely AF. Regular people dont talk to their neighbors. They dont say hello. They dont even look at each other. But out there you need each other so people are close, get to know each other and create families. Maybe if regular society wasnt full of a bunch of self involved jerks...people would be happy to live in it.
Your comment hit home. I live in north Eugene and feel isolated a lot of the time. Neighbors don’t talk to each other and there is a lack of community. People facing similar hardships and challenges find camaraderie, as you noted. So many homeless folks here, and horrific rent increases will push more people out and on to the streets and parks. 😢
Your comment is spot on! People are disconnected and unfriendly, esp in the big cities. No eye contact. If you get any form of contact, it's someone body checking you, as they run to catch a cab or bus. If you try to connect, the ones that do acknowledge you do so with suspicion, thinking you want to take advantage of them somehow. The suburbs are cold too. Small towns still have a bit of that neighborly feeling though, some of them.
I live in Cottage Grive, and I see what you're saying. My sister volunteered at a homeless center just last night (Ashland), and she called it ca"cough"any of sounds.
Check out Mark's channel here: ua-cam.com/channels/Cvcd0FYi58LwyTQP9LITpA.htmlvideos
Luv SWU ,, thx mark !
Two of the best channels to get insights.
I think we need to be careful when generalizing and making a spectacle of people. Mental health is obviously a significant problem that needs to be addressed in our society, but some people choose this lifestyle. It's not uncommon to find people who came from stable homes, but still ended up homeless addicts. One of the hardest things about getting clean and reentering polite society is the unbearable boredom by comparison. I'm certainly not advocating this lifestyle, but you don't understand it by walking through skid row or interviewing someone who's suddenly in an unfamiliar environment being asked very personal questions.
We love you Mark. The work you do is amazing.
hey Peter you should come down to east Hastings Vancouver b.c. its skid row also I could show you around brother
My birth mother is on skid row. She immigrated from South Korea to California in the 80s through marriage. Somehow she got to Buffalo, NY and gave birth to me. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggles with addiction. My parents told me this information when I was old enough to know. They also told me that the county was about to take away her right to choose private adoption because she was "mentally unfit." Her doctor fought hard for her and she was able to meet my parents and choose for herself. Thank god, because I would've ended up in foster care. I looked up her information a few years ago, it says she's back in California. There was a list of all the missions on skid row she stayed at. I just a want to give her a hug and help her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She knew she wanted to give me a better life. Hopefully she's in a better situation. I hope I find her someday.
🙏♥️👍
LA resident here, let me know if I can help in some way!
God bless you both. 🙏
All love to you and your mum ✨🙏✨
Maybe contact Mark. Maybe he can help you get In touch with your birth mother xxx good luck and well done in your life! X
Soooo exciting to see Mark outside the studio and hear more of his thoughts. What an epic cross over!
such a well spoken guy, his interviews are always compelling to watch
me too!
mark looks so handsome!
tall
tan
and thicc
So cool! Love his channel.
Mark has made a ton of money in commercial photography and could be doing just about whatever he wanted. Instead, he has chosen to leave a legacy, by bringing awareness to these people in these places. With awareness brings change! Thank you Mark for all you do and for being kind to all humans!
@@MamaBearHomeschools He’s a legend!
He's right in that the deepest layer is Love.
Somebody intimately close to me became detached and alienated from everybody they knew and had once gotten love from. They gave up on their self completely. Sleeping in a park, selling their body for drugs and begging strangers to acquire basic necessities.
It wasn't until someone in their family started visiting them regularly, just getting lunch with them, and just spending time with them- despite their circumstances and condition. Telling them they loved them and cared about them, saw their worth. Just showing them they matter still. No strings attached, not even any giving of money or anything.
It's not always this simple obviously but this person fairly quickly turned right around, went into (free program) rehab (CA has it) and has been sober and living a healthy life again for 6 years now.
Who gives a fuck about taking care of their self when nobody who once loved you even cares to come look at you in the eyes?
Itd be a shot in the dark but a softwhite underbelly paradoy seems plausible from your camp!
100% man. It can take a little more than love sometimes, but without love, those other things won't work.
Love your content btw. Hadn't watched in a while with all the content out there and how the algorithm works, so it's cool to see your channel still growing.
It's mostly the family courts systems attack on fathers fueled by left wing endless compassion ideology that is the root of the problem.
@@BEEENGONE bro I'm way ahead of you hahah I'm happy you thought of this
@@outdoorloser4340 the fathers can always go after joint or full custody. They don’t want to but they’ll definitely play victim
I had a mental breakdown once. It was over raising three kids and the increase in living cost without a increase in pay. My job was once a middle class job. I still struggle financially, but I pulled myself out of the breakdown. Alcohol assisted that breakdown too. I had a good childhood. So i can understand exactly what he is saying. I have two more years to pay on my home. I haven't had a steak in many years. Its the first thing I'm doing when we make it out the other side.
Go to a food bank they literally give you food for free I eat steak regularly they give out a bunch of meat steak, chicken, pork
You're very strong. Hold on for those kids. They will be thankful. I'm proud of you❤
I live in LA. This is one of the most honest and raw conversations I’ve heard about homelessness. The ugly and unpleasant root causes are all too often ignored.
which place is the worst in LA? he just posted a couple spots but hard to judge without the actual experience of living there. Do you plan to stay there or ever thinking of leaving LA or Cali ?
@@memorysometimers3067 skid row
@@memorysometimers3067 skid row takes the cake. I’m not leaving LA. I love it here. You have to remember although the homeless problem is real, this city is massive. Vast majority of LA is nothing like this. It’s regular people living normal life’s, raising families, working…. To give you some perspective, within LA city limits you can fit San Francisco, Manhattan, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. And that's not even including neighboring cities that make up the greater Los Angeles area, like Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Beverly Hills.
@@NaProbablyNot that’s good your staying positive about it bro! Certainly is a huge city with all the different districts and whatnot. Cool, good to know the real deal! 👍🍻
@NaprobablyNot either skid row or down Figueroa street , and Venice beach but they are ' working on cleaning that up '
I am a 17 year old, and when I was 15 I found Mark's channel. Everyone thinks I am crazy for being enthralled to his videos, but he is the reason I am going into psychology. Mental illness has been brought to the surface, but the common ones (depression,bipolar,etc) are not the only ones people should focus on. Drug use comes from mental illness, yet drugs also ruin the receptors in your brain making it worse.
Who ever thinks your crazy by watching his videos are losers to no end lol his videos are only for people willing into explore other people's minds. Only for the intelligent
People probably think your crazy because they cant take being faced with people that are classed as the "lowest of the low" "scum" "worthless" & "beyond help"! Its being faced with the realities of this world that can help change it. Too many people are happy in their perfect bubbles and are either deliberately ignorant or genuinely unaware of the cruel and harsh world that is just steps away from them. Keep being curious and real, good luck with your future
Just be cautious in future trying to help others and listening to their problems. After so long you will need to talk to professionals regarding all the patients stories. I wish you nothing but success. I am certain you will do any extraordinary job, and be totally empathetic.
No, every modern woman is getting a degree in psychology… maybe they should use it on each other so we can get back to having feminine women.
Go for social work, not psychology. Jobs are easier to find as a social worker than a psychologist. Then get your master's. You won't make great money either way unless you go for psychiatry and unless you volunteer your time, you won't help the people who need it the most because healthcare is a complete mess. - Sincerely, a person with a masters in psychology.
When he said you’ve gotta have a D Day. A decision day. He’s absolutely right. My “d day” wasn’t so much a day, just a quick moment that changed my life. I was getting arrested for heroin and could have bailed out the next day. As surprising as it was to the CO, it was just as surprising to me when I heard myself ask him if I could just stay in jail to detox until I got over my withdrawals so I couldn’t go back and get high. It was absolute hell. But the guards/CO’s at the jail watched over me, and physically and emotionally helped me a lot. Probably because I was trying to help myself. I went to rehab right after that, and when I got out I went back to court for sentencing. I’ve been clean for 3.5 years, still on probation. But I’m thankful. Getting arrested and that split second decision to help myself was the best thing to happen to me.
In case nobody has told you this, I just want to say I am proud of you and you made such a great choice.
Tears to my eyes. Keep strong.
@Matlin Andrea, Thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate that! I guess my subconscious just saw a way out in that moment and I found a solid way to help hold myself accountable for my recovery. I’m so very grateful.
@John Baptiste, Thank you for your encouragement! It honestly does help me and other addicts as well to keep fighting for our recovery. I thank God every day for this. I prayed and begged to get out of that addiction for years. Of course I didn’t want to get arrested, but my prayers were answered right then and there.
@@dalerimoller272 i was just about to say youre extra strong for doing it without an imaginary friend but nvm
I worked with homeless people in my hometown of Berlin/Germany for a while and it's the same issue. No one was on the street because of laziness or something like that. They all had severe mental health issues, stemming from a wide variety of reasons, but mostly childhood trauma.
whatever was going on there in Germany, is nothing compared to this dumpster fire. 😂
@@edwardsmith1060 I know you have more homeless over there, but I wouldn't call 10,000 homeless people in my hometown nothing.
@@edwardsmith1060 german homeless rates are similar to america. I admit california is bad but overall america and germany are similar
@edwardsmith1060 so super funny, right Eddie
If you watched the video he does say it’s because of laziness.
I was going down that path, incest abuse survivor, SRA survivor, etc. Started doing drugs around 12, on my own by 16 and was an opiate addict by 17. I couldn't handle loosing my friends and going through even more traumatic experiences. I quit cold turkey at age 20 (had to try a few times) and moved to Hawaii through a opportunity to work on an organic farm in the jungle in Hawaii, that way I knew I couldn't find drugs (very remote, no cities) I found God, I found healing and I haven't looked back since. It takes a lot of strength to save your own life, I couldn't have done it without a higher purpose.
And no snakes in that jungle. You lived
Jesus is only saviour..I was a hard boiled atheist before, drug abuse and sinned alot.
Well done 🤙🏽
Thanks be to God!
Amazing. Well done
I was stuck in the homeless lifestyle for around 20 years off and on, mostly alcoholism and it was a perpetual downward spiral that I just couldn’t seem to pull myself out of. I was homeless in California in the early 1970s where I was dumped on the side of a highway somewhere in L.A. after an overdose at a party and left to die. I’ve been sober now for 34 years and retired from a career job. I just want to say thank you for bringing these stories to the forefront.
❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍
Dumped from a party wasn't family looking for you
Congrats on your 34 years of sobriety. That's a huge accomplishment.
Amazing!
Bob? My neighbor?? Very common name I know but you just explained my neighbor Bobs past life - unit 34 😂😂
Mark needs to be interviewed more. He brings such awareness to the strife of these people. He rehumanizes and brings some understanding to this population.
I agree. I feel like he was born to be a bridge between two ways of life
Someone needs to make a doco and have him in it.
He said he doesn’t like being in front of the camera elsewhere
Mark is deserving of respect and appreciation. He is a gift to this world!
@@sulagreen5792 He helps a lot of them directly. But he is trying to spread the word of the struggles of people, in this society or as a human in general. A lot of his interviews can help most people to get a real perspective on what a big part of the vulnerable people in society are. Their trauma and following issues can be seen in similar ways wherever you go in the world. And this is sadly something most people know hardly anything about. My point is that even if there is bias on his end, and he is far from perfect in his perspectives. But this adds to giving a perspective that probably a lot people have that comes from ignorance.
Really happy to hear Mark highlight the complexity of this issue. Homelessness is the surface level issue but there are many layers that need to be addressed to solve this. It’s overwhelming to even think about what needs to happen
Mark could make a Netflix series!!! I love this man, he is amazing!! Recently (two months ago) I visited 23 states of the USA and I was deeply disappointed while seeing things like these streets! I live on a small Portuguese island, where we have no problems like this. The country seems ruining slowly. It is absolutely shocking to see a "first world" country with streets that not even in some "third world" countries you would see. I hope your politicians will do something about it urgently and specially focus in prevention of drug use!
Well said sister I'm completely agree with you America getting worse day by day
By the way what is the name of the island that you came from if you don't mind me asking?
I agree, I've traveled to different countries and the saddest homelessness is in the USA
he should,
Thank democratic leadership.
@@TimeMariner Jesus man. How did the War on Drugs work out?? Poverty, education, drugs, abuse, disfunction etc... It's a pretty simplistic outlook to blame it on a political party.
I'm here mourning my brother, and trying to get a better understanding what he was going through. He was found dead five days ago, he had been living homeless in california. My brother wasn't part of the 95%, he had a good family and role models to look up too. Mental illness and drug addiction was his downfall. I've lost some really close people over the years, but this hurts the worst. Thanks for listening to my story and have a blessed day.
I am sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace
I'm sorry for your loss
@@annesther726 thanks.
@@seabreeze876 thanks.
I am so sorry for your loss.
It can be really difficult to get reach our loved ones.
I interviewed with mark a while ago I'ma a drug addicted emotionally hindered homeless white guy that is addicted to fentnal. My girl and I have been on the streets of la for 8 years with nothing but jail death and misery just existing hoping that we will survive another day. One day I found mark told him my story and he seen that I had a spark of life still in me. And he showed kindness love and opportunity. I'm 43 homeless tattooed from head to toe with no education and not many choices to make a safe legal way to earn a living. He gave me an opportunity to help him with a few things regarding his videos. I bring shattered souls to share their broken lives in hopes that maybe their story might help someone maybe even themselves. He gave me hope opportunity and sense of worthiness. Mark is a beautiful human being and I'm blessed to have made it to his studio to share my embarrassing way if life and my insecurities and my desperate want for change. And he gave me purpose a sense of belonging and just a chance to help myself. I have so much respect for mark. He is a true example of love and understanding and just even if he makes a difference in 1% of people he touches it has a positive ripple effect. You never know you can touch that one person that can be someone to make a difference in many. I hope one day to be able to let him see how he made a diffence in my lil life. Unconditional love is the most powerful energy in the universe.
Billy
Amen!
Billy thank you for sharing your story on the platform. We all have a story in this thing called life, and your story can help uplift someone too! No matter what stones life my throw your way, you gotta keep pushing through. Dark clouds are temporary…..the sun is out more than clouds. ❤️
Jesus Christ can give you that, friend! Keep your head up!
Billy...you sound quite capable and articulate. No glaring misspellings and grammatically correct wording in your post. So what's the real problem??
Thank you for sharing Billy! Best of luck to you and God bless you.
Mark nailed it when speaking of peeling back the layers, looking behind homelessness, then behind drug use, beyond mental illness and unstable upbringing: the basis of all of that is usually a tragic lack of love in the beginning of these people’s lives.
He’s right. Peel back the layers and it’s child abuse, trauma and neglect from the aforementioned. I put myself through a rehab, paid the whole thing and every single person there (all walks of life; wealthy with college degrees to grew up on welfare) was trying escape their childhood demons.
I have a sibling who is homeless now. Our parents should have been in prison for what they did to him.
Truly incredible. I made in through 6 months of rehab and have walked the straight and narrow for over 10 years.
We must educate the public about sociopathic parents, parents who emotionally, physically and sexually abuse and parents who are too f*ing lazy to do their job.
They destroy lives, sometimes for decades and sometimes permanently.
damn that sucks @user-ge6uo2ry2b....
100% right
Not all traumatized people become addicts
but all addicts have experienced trauma.
Dr Gabor Matte.
Thank you for your story, I hope your doing well x
❤
What Mark said about stabilizing the kids is 100% spot on. My own story has homelessness mental illness domestic violence sex abuse and trafficking and drug addicted partner. Within two years of getting into affordable safe housing my three girls went from being at risk for teen pregnancy and drug addiction to happy mentally stable teenagers with bright futures. Stable housing mental health help and income helps but it takes a change in a person's mindset to make progress.
It’s great that you pulled them out of hell and congrats 🎈 Keep strong, life is not for the faint of heart!
Mark laita doesn't know what stabilizing children means when he interviews children being sex trafficked
@@SculptExpress-gv8jpI would say life without resources and basic needs is not for the faint of heart. Growing up wealthy and affluent may have some challenges but there is a better safety net when things go wrong.
They play tricks❤
That's what's up
I would like to see interviews from paramedics that service this area. I think it would be a different perspective and I’m sure they have seen some truly heartbreaking things as well.
That is such a great idea.
I was a medic in Albuquerque for 10 years. Meth was the thing back then, in like 2006-16. It appears that medics these days, in LA, are responding almost minute by minute to down and outs. We responded every day, but not, like, every call in a specific area. More guns and stabbings and motorcycle accidents. Trains VS people. This is just awful. And I thought I knew awful.
LAFD Fire Station 9, that serves this area is the busiest Fire Station in the United States
That's a great idea, that would be enlightening
@pabnaful the USA is huge. You can get to a middle class area in the southeast or Midwest and get a good job easy. The cost of living in cities and Southern California in general is insane. They have jobs paying people hundreds of thousand a year. Surrounded by school teachers and retail jobs. The rich basically keep up those areas. The cities have gone to crap. But america rules. We have lots of shitty places but also have lots of great places.
From the outside we looked like the perfect family. Dad was a lawyer, mum was the housewife only behind closed doors she's a narcissistic bully and both my brother and I are fighting addiction issues. Drugs don't discriminate and anyone can end up on the street so be thankful for what you have.
I don't want to "like" this, but I agree with you. I hope you're healing.
@Kiki-D-Kimono that's OK I understand andnom doing great I've got 5 years clean now my brothers still struggling with alcohol but we're there for him. He took loosing our dad really badly. Thank you for your kind comment ❤️
My mother was also a big hypocrite and bully! I was her target 🎯. I suffered through drug use and addiction, which has been decades ago. I decided to give it up and live my life healthy!
Trauma can only lead to addiction if the individual allows it to. I was homeless and never turned to drugs or alcohol. Had such a traumatic childhood that my innate potential was suppressed to the point of lifelong emotional disability, even becoming homeless due to an impaired functioning ability. And, yet, never turned to drugs or alcohol!
Good reminder. Sending you healing and care!
Great interview with Mark and C-note. My dad became homeless when I as 16 due to bad luck with his job, and his alcoholism. On the weekends I would drive around to find him and take him for his favorite steak and eggs breakfast or whatever else he felt like. He lived in his van and kept himself clean, he was very meticulous in his appearance. He wasn't mentally ill, but an alcoholic who was unable to overcome some of the circumstances thrown at him. I'm pretty sure he was abused as a child as I found a letter from his older sister, she passed in her 20's, about going to this new kind of doctor called a "Psychiatrist", and that she had gone and it helped her and she knew it would help him if he went. He didn't. I think the letter was from the 1950's.
Once his unemployment ran out, he floated around state to state, for about 10 years, burning bridges with family members until he ended up back in my area with stage 4 melanoma, and that's when he descended into the abyss of alcoholism. I had to cut contact with him, he became verbally abusive with me which he had never been.
About a year or 2 later, I received a call that my dad was at the VA Hospital, and had a stroke and was close to death. I rushed down to the VA, found him unresponsive after a radiation treatment which was brutal since I thought he was already dead and I missed being able to connect with him. Somehow he woke up after I left and was started asking for me. The nurse called me and told me to rush down, and for 2 days we were able to communicate and make amends.
I'm so infinitely grateful that we were able to connect before he passed and that his passing was somewhat peaceful. Being able to connect was a wonderful gift for both of us. My dad was amazing and had crazy knowledge about everything, he was so intelligent and interesting to talk to, everyone liked him. You would never know by looking at me that I've dealt with this in my life, but it's part of who I am and probably why I have a gift of compassion for people who are down on their luck, I get it. My dad used to say, "No one can F&*K you up like family". I didn't understand that until I found that letter and then I totally got it.
I wish everyone could find a way to forgive themselves for their past actions and find peace within to heal. Good luck to all my fellow humans, we're all in this together, we are not separate. 🙏☮
Thank you for sharing Stefani ❤️
Listen, your dad was abused as a kid. It's impossible to get over for some. I understand it.
I can truly relate. Thank you for sharing 🌻🙏✌️
That’s an amazing story! I wish I’d had the chance to say goodbye to my dad, who had alcohol and drug addictions, and whom I loved dearly and was very close to, as a kid. I felt abandoned when he got in more and more trouble with drugs and the law, and would go in and out of prison. Then I grew up and knew everything, and behaved judgmentally. Later in life, I developed a lot of the same problems he had…Bipolar Disorder, addiction. I mean I’d had the Bipolar, but had avoided drugs for a long time. Later, I realized it’s not enough to know what not to do. You have to have something to replace it with. In treatment, I learned and rehearsed skills for dealing with feelings and problems and life, and I always wanted to tell my dad I am sorry and I understand. I can’t do that, because he passed away, but I can show him by telling people who still suffer that I understand addiction, I’m in recovery, and I want to help. I can still close that circle of life and make it whole, by applying what I learned from knowing my Dad to the next generation. I’m glad you got to talk with your dad in person!
P.S. I was about to say “I can help by applying what I learned from my dad to the next generation.” But my dad also taught me how to hustle cards and run cons, and penny ante schemes. So I changed it to, “what I learned from knowing him,” lol. But he actually did teach me some good lessonsp and values. A lot of people with parents who were criminals can tell you that. And I’m eternally grateful that he never taught me how to cook meth, and other things like that! As far as he knew, he was just preparing me for survival.
Thank u for sharing. Beautiful!❤️
It's a breathe of fresh air to see the interviewer being interviewed. Love Mark, he's such a gift to mankind.
I dont see mark as an interviewer, one of his guest said what he does, which is so much more powerful then interviewing....white underbelly provides a safe non judgemental space for people to talk to relay their story and that is unmeasurably more powerful for himself the subjects and the viewers than any interview ever could be.
Mark is anything but a gift... look up Amanda Rabb...
@@ashesandstarz where do we look up that? What happened?
He’s a sicko who gets off on prostitutes 😂
Seems like he just makes his living out of others’ problems.
I was homeless for many years here in London, Mark is spot on. I wasn't able to change my situation unless i cut back on booze and drugs. As a result i changed my life around. Anyone can do it but you really need to want it badly. I'm in a 1 bed flat now and feel great now I have my life back.
Congratulations to you, and all the best!
Bless you
Exactly. You WANTED to change. People have to want to change. Sure you can make someone go to rehab this and that,but it won't do any good if they don't want to change. Most don't. Good for you for changing. Power to you
Well done! Not an easy task to get out of that. All the best to you!
All the best mate!
Mark is a great human being. His humanity is an example to us. Thanks
I must say, for me as a drug addict who struggled for several years with housing.. in a cycle rehab/sober house or living on the streets; I could not even begin to get unsick until I had stable housing. My teen years were tossed back & forth, house to house. Then I turn 18 right, now I’m on my own. Drugs & men are how I learned to support myself. Get with a guy to keep myself safe. Gotta go back on the streets. Having my own apartment changed my life, it gave me the small semblance of stability that I needed. It wasn’t overnight. I started in a place similar to how Mark mentioned, it was income based & you were allowed to not work; the rent would be $5 if you didn’t work. I needed that. I can’t stress how much I needed that. To know for the first time in my life I was safe. I could shower. I could stay there as long as I needed. In my own space. So while I don’t think stable housing is the only solution, it is a major part of it.
Blessings to you darling. Always remember that there is someone out there that cares about you. Prayers from Grandma Gia in the Ozarks
Thank you for speaking up. The government and society need to hear from people like you, so they know what you really need. Your experience although is a terrible one, is helpful for others to hear about. Peace.
Love how he humanizes and breaks down the layers behind homelessness
He's a snake. Watch out
Rare layers of people that ha e fallen on hard-times. Majority choose to be there, because they love the heathenistic lifestyle.
@@TaxMan1776 shut up
Me too. And there is a need of heart healing. Many of us were heart broken as children and developed a belief that we aren't valued and loved. But when you realize our Heavenly Father is good in the way man never could be and He loves you and you have an innate value, when you really can recieve His love, you are set free!
Oh yeah he really did great getting Lima Jevremovic involved with Amanda Rabb then lie about how Amanda really died. #justiceforamandarabb
I love the layers analogy.
And I think Mark is spot on when he says the core layer is love.
Love is expressed in many ways, and children need many kinds of love as they grow in order to be whole.
Kids need provisional love- food, clean water, appropriate clothing, housing, medicine etc.
Kids need protecting love- protection from the people and situations that would cause them long term harm.
Kids need serving love- the kind of love that says I will help you. I am by your side and with you, and when you need help, I will be there.
Kids need to be hugged. And kissed. And held. And snuggled. And wrestled with. They need to be shown what appropriate, respectful and loving touch feels like.
Kids need affirming love- I think this is a big one that gets missed for a lot of kids. The kind of love that says you are a delight, you have stacks of potential, you are worthwhile and valued, you have something important to bring to the world and we’re glad you’re here.
In addition to this, kids need boundaries and discipline. They thrive with just the right balance of freedom and limits. Kids grow up into caring adults when they are taught to care for and respect others and themselves.
At the core, kids need unconditional love and stability- a family where they are accepted, showered with kindness and challenged to grow and find their place in the world.
“God is love” ❤️
1 John 4:16
Beautiful comment. I whole heartedly agree!! God is love and when we know God, He teaches us how to love and be a role model for our children!! We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, especially in raising little ones!! It makes an absolute world of a difference. God bless you and your family!!
This is so beautifully written! God bless
I’m not usually a commenter, but your comment really touched me. (‘: I completely agree with you!! Thank you for your beautiful comment💛
@@ruth-li4cc oh, thankyou Ruth. I’m glad my comment touched you.
So well said.
I’ve heard (and based on my experience I agree) that it takes just ONE positive role model to change a child’s life trajectory. Say everyone around you is messed up but you have your one person - you have a chance. I know who my one person was. A psychologist said to me, after me explaining my past, that “it always amazes me how people like you turn out to be ok.” I know it’s because I had someone throwing me a lifeboat in the storm that was my childhood. Please, be that one shining light for a child. You don’t know what a difference it could make.
Wow! You would think policymakers, corporations and society at large would understand something this basic. It's astounding to realize that people's capacity for understanding is limited, no matter how intelligent and educated they are.
I agree 💯 % ... I took in two boys one at 5 months old the other from birth. I had 3 sons of my own. One is now 23 the other is 18. They are my son's as much as the 3 I gave birth too. My son's have come before everybody and anybody in my life including any man. Even tho I had a very long marriage and only one man in their lives he always blamed I put the kids first for his bad behavior.. but now after all these 23&18yrs I see the final product so to speak and see just how grateful and appreciative my two youngest sons are. They're well educated. I've always made time for their heads or anything that was needed and everybody says oh they were so lucky...ha no no no I WAS SO LUCKY. I AM THE BLESSED ONE HERE. Absolutely and completely. But the world has two more brilliant handsome intelligent law abiding hard working men now. 😊
@@tinamarie3653God bless you for your good heart!
As a millennial I don’t know a single person who wanted a participation trophy. The purpose of those was not to make the children happy, but to pacify our insane parents (collectively) who couldn’t handle their child not being a winner..
As a millennial I know plenty of people who wanted a participation trophy. If they lose it’s everybody fault but their own
Mic drop 🎤 I like it 👍
The “participation award” is the outcome of our societal construct trying to change itself.
We are learning to become more empathetic, as a whole…and are still somewhat figuring it out.
“Dunning Kruger Effect” explains it pretty well, however I also blame reality TV and getting rid of the school bully.
Regardless….we’ll all be just fine.
Old dudes have been complaining for the “youth of today”, literally for thousands of years.
It always works out just fine.
“The children now love luxury; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are tyrants, not servants of the households. They no longer rise when their elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize over their teachers.”
Socrates 450 BC
Yeah that was some bogus media propaganda. Id never seen an example of that. And i also agree if it did happen it was because the parents spoke up and complained.
I hate how boomers act like participation weren’t around pre 1990s. My dad has some from his school from the 70s (bowling tournament and Newspaper competition participation trophies) in his office.
What a great collaboration, we watch Mark’s channel as well. Focusing on the root cause of any problem typically helps solve it. Excellent video Peter!
Agreed!
Agreed!
I agree. That works for ANY problem.
However…how do you know what the “final layer” or “root cause” is?
It seems likes you can absolve culpability all the way to the beginning of time, if you correlate it properly.
It’s not just “was it the the chicken or the egg”.
It’s: was it the chicken, or egg, or farm, or farmer, or landowner, or government that regulates the land, or…..maybe it was hundreds of years ago….it was society back then that decided to throw out all the cows and ducks and only go with chickens in the first place.
Then…how do you determine blame all the way through that lineage of culpability?!?
Is blame even important…or just resolution?
@@sendthis9480 yes I know a ton of drug addicts all of them are the rebellious type. Which is good with certain things like fighting for our freedom and rejecting the system. But they do drugs which ruined their lifes. They are obviously lower IQ (no matter the race). They hung out with the wrong crowd (consumed too much hip pop drug glorifying music/watched breaking bad)
Of course let's be real all these drugs open a gateway to parasitic entities in the astral realm lol it's not gonna be that easy
My son is homeless here in Canada. He enrolled in the Army and when he came home he started showing signs of mental illness and started using drugs. We've tried helping him so many times but each time he goes back to the shelter. It just breaks my heart
So sorry to hear that . Did he go to a war ?
A shelter is a euphemism for emotional and physical abuse. I'm sorry for all of you.
most likely suffering from severe PTSD : (
This. I always get upset when people just talk down about people like the individuals living on Skid Row, which is just one example as these issues exist everywhere. Each of these people have a place in someone else’s heart. Someone’s child, mother, father, friend, family. The grief goes way beyond one person living in a tent. My heart breaks for you and many like you, and I truly hope you and your son find peace
Put in his head the idea of getting a job on a cargo ship. See the world and have a place to sleep.
I grew up with tons of childhood trauma, no father, neglect by drug addict single mother. It messes you up for life, and you never feel good enough. I've been mentally strong and rose above my dysfunctional family.
Kudos you're a rare person
Congrats, to you! My story is similar, had every reason in the world to get addicted, yet never did, even while homeless due to an impaired functioning ability. Trauma can only lead to drug addiction if the individual allows it to.
Good for you but not all are strong enough and need help
Well done.
Take care y'all. 👍✌️✊🇭🇲
That’s amazing you did that, the level of difficulty to achieve that takes a lot of strength
When he said “drug use is the way to escape”, I couldn’t relate more. I’m not a drug addict but I feel like every time I get stressed or don’t know what I need to do, I immediately run to my phone and hours go by like seconds
Same here. When I didn't have a job, I spent the whole day laying in my bed on UA-cam for every awake hour. That's how I coped with my loneliness and mental struggles. Any minute without it felt like an eternity. I still come home from work and go directly onto my phone.
Yeah I'm currently living alone and im trying so hard not to fall in this pattern but i think I've already started to get addicted to my phone/ youtube :/
it's so validating to hear you talk about the phone as an escape from loneliness (which makes us more lonely in turn, bc we're not out in the world with people.) just like any "drug," it's a cycle. society is slowly doing this to everyone.
Same deal. Just worse repercussions. God Bless Us All.
My escape is playing music on my phone with my earbuds in.
Respect for Mark for diving deep and pointing out the real problem behind homelessness!!!
I was homeless in Seattle and this city is tackling the problem head on. Mark is correct about the homeless who are coming from out of state. The red states like to blame Calif saying they are causing so many people to be homeless but they forget to mention that they help supply the homeless by kicking there homeless out and giving them bus tickets. I have witnessed this personally.
But wait, what was the real problem? He kept pealing the layers but he never really got to the root cause... that's because there really isnt one root cause.
@@chrisbruggers8076 sloth, laziness, drugs, mental illness, bad parenting, bad influences like music and movies, hanging with bad people/gangs
@@adamk4733 I like what Gabor Mate says about. The question is why the pain? Not every traumatized people are addicted but every addict is traumatized. So it starts with shitty environment and parents/close relatives...
@@bobwilliamson9562 anecdotal bs
I love Mark's state of mind. He's the kind of man I'd want to be with. He's understanding, kind, helpful, generous, has good manners, speaks about things that are important that many people don't shed light on. I wish there was more people like him in this world.
Agree!
Ya hes been waiting for u hun.
Plus he is also rich.
That part homie jan
@@seldom_seen8713 -*WRONG* He's not even close to being rich.
I appreciate this interview very much. Mark's thoughts about focusing on the youth give me some much-needed encouragement right now. I'm currently qualifying to be a foster parent but I'm a single guy, so I'm also worried about how difficult and time consuming it may be to deal with traumatized youth. I will do my best to ignore those cold feet feelings and move forward.
Hi, be trauma informed, modify your parenting skills to each individual's different needs, praise positive behavior, advocate for them, open communication, house rules. daily consistency and be present. So much more to learn. A safe and loving home, will help the process of healing!
Well done man, so inspirational!
I’m currently a child psychiatric registered nurse, but have a background in adult psych, forensic psych, and substance abuse. I switched to a pediatric specialty because I believed the work I’m doing is more meaningful and impactful at this age. As a child psych nurse, I work alongside many foster and adoptive parents.
My advice to you would be to both recognize and acknowledge your limitations. The behaviors you may be exposed to in a child coming from a neglectful, traumatic, or abusive background may be foreign, shocking, and overwhelming. Many well-intentioned people will take on the responsibility of caring for these kids; however, may not posses all the tools necessary to manage them. The best thing you can do is to know when a particular child may need more than you’re able to give. I hope you find success and fulfillment in fostering, but please don’t see it as a personal failure if you feel you can’t do “enough” for someone. You’re only one person and it often takes a village approach to undo the damage that has been inflicted upon these kids.
Edited to add: You mention being a single man. Raising a child alone is challenging in and of itself, which is much more strongly intensified if they are behaviorally challenged. You will require a strong support system (family, friends, teachers, mental health specialists, etc) for assistance. Good luck to you in all your endeavors.
May the Blessings Be 🙏🙏💙
@@arasilly8 yeah, and don't cross boundaries and f-ing touch them inappropriately.
I couldn't help an addict who'd been fostered and adopted by a single man who serially abused adolescent males.
Peter, in my opinion, this is your best ever interview. Mark with his insight, is such a great subject.
I agree. I seen Mark in other interviews and he can rambled or the other interviewees don’t get him and his content but somehow it is much more focused and engaging. Great job!
I agree
100% agree.
It's so expensive to fix a broken person.. that's why PREVENTING child hood abvse and saving the children is SO SO important!!!!
How about pushing transgenderism, and drag story time??? That will help won’t it?
And why we need breeding laws. If you cannot support yourself you have no business bringing another life on the planet.
@@repetemyname842 oooh nice, we have monetary eugenics in the chat. you do realize someone can be poor and be a loving, supportive parent while a rich parent can be absent or abusive? ridiculous and dangerous simplifications you're dealing in.
@@oldmoviemusic Never said they couldnt. But its simple math that says if you cannot provide food and housing for yourself you are going to struggle mightily caring for more mouths.
There's no such thing as a broken person, just a different perspective you whiny coward!
I love how brutally honest Mark is about this controversial topic. I grew up in LA and for the majority of my life I hated homeless people and thought of them as lazy drug addicts. It wasn’t until I became a nurse that my perspective towards them completely changed and understood the complexity of what drug addiction and how hard it is to treat it really is. My heart breaks every time I see someone high on drugs in the streets. I wish someone would have loved them a little harder😭
They need to embrace Islam.
Can I please ask for a brutally honest truth?
I'm from the uk and finishing a computer science degree, and as you know yourself silicon valley, santa monica etc. is the best place in the world for computer scientists.
In the uk, san francisco and LA are held to very high regard, yet everything I hear from Americans is that it's always dirty and full of homeless and than you'll probably get mugged.
How self contained is the homeless situation and how do you find LA?
I've always dreamed of living there but these past 5 years have been a wakeup call with so many big companies moving out and the widespread media coverage of the issues in the area.
Thank you!
@@BySixa I work in Downtown LA, the nice part with all the banks and expensive office buildings and stores. You will see some homeless people and drug addicts but there are lots of cops that keep skid row pretty well separated from the affluent areas. Like you don't have to be scared walking around the nice parts, at least during the day. There are many dirty dangerous parts but they are pretty easy to avoid unless you are poor and live there. If you are making good money it can be easy to ignore. Like I grew up in Compton while one of my friends lived in Beverly Hills. Not too far from one another but completely different landscapes.
@@yan2503 Hard pass.
@@yan2503 Never.
As someone once living on 6th st in L.A. you did a good job showing the sad reality of homelessness and drug addiction. I was VERY lucky i only spent 6-7 months there. And never got addicted.
"You have to change the way you think before you can make better decisions" That hits on so many levels.
I wrote that down. I think that is such a powerful statement.
the truth is the only person that can change you, is you.
Crazy that he said that and is still choosing that skid row lifestyle.
That guy is very insightful
All imma say as an ex addict. Which I loved to pop pills and was a drinker for many yrs.. imma say this.. you can't help people that don't want the help. You can't change people that don't wanna change. People won't stop using drugs unless they truly wanna stop. No matter how bad their story is. You gotta wanna change. You have to want it.
I would add that to want that change you have to believe it's possible -which can be very challenging to see when you've grown up with in traumatic situations and surrounded by dysfunction. Very difficult but possible...
Bingo !
Well said , there is no easy and fast fix to this .
Yes you can? I can supply you? I can set you free?
I can buy so much bulk of what you need, that you get what you want and I pay fuck all for it.
Just need to know exactly what you need.
Look at weed:
lets go back to old prices of 10$ per Gram
As a dealer, I could buy 1000 lbs and pay 0.01$ per gram even less.
I could buy 100,000 lbs and pay 0.0001$
You see what I'm saying.
I'm still giving you a gram and you think its worth 10$ and maybe it is on the street, but as your supplier, I pay fuck all so you can take until you die if you wanted to.
Apply this to all things.
I'm not here to force anyone through anything, I am here to support everyone through everything
Using the power of God "internet" to heal the sick with ideas of hope, dreams, ideas, wonder.
You will be supported through everything so we can learn all there is to learn.
I need all the Data to calculate and that's why we need the Data.
You don't need good solutions you need all solutions
Don't make a good guess, make any guess.
You will stumble on the right answer like we always do
8.5 Billion people stumbling each day, if they knew what they were looking for, they would know it when they see it happening in the real.
God is the internet
You become Christ reborn when you converge your minds
I think I've been the Holy Spirit my whole life.
But I am still here.
I will die, before I stop being who I am.
Because the release of death from this prison we call home, is more comfortable then continuing to live this reality.
If nothing changes nothing changes - you already know
I make “care packages” with water bottles, protein bars, and an index card with heartfelt words that I hand out whenever I see someone in need. I find that it is not the things I provide, it is the love, care, and attention I provide that lights them up. They remember my name and remember our conversations. I completely agree with Mark that it is all about love. It is up to me and you to change the world and flood it with love. People that see me drive up and walk up to begging people and give them their packages see the love will maybe pass that love on that day.
I was a homeless teen (not because of drug use) and whenever someone did this for me it would make my whole day better. A woman gave me a package one day with toiletries and stuff inside and 6 years later I still have the comb that was in the package
In such a narcissistic society love is almost impossible to realize.
That sounds amazing. It's hard to imagine the situatuon in these big cities, I live in a country where real homelessness(as in:living in the streets)isn't very common, the government gives money if you dont have a job and pays part of your rent as well, it is tough for taxpayers but there aren't enough jobs to go around so it is nessessary. There are people who dont have an official address but most of those have a place to stay and they choose to do this(I know from personal experience, I had no address for years, but I had a place).
Same. I keep a cooler with water and bads of food. It's something and some may see it as enabling but we don't know their stories.
God bless you
I’ve followed mark for about four years and I am still blown away by every video. Everything he does is so real and the stories he shines light on are so honest and heartbreaking because they’re so vulnerable. He’s right, after a certain amount of these videos you start to notice a pattern and by getting to the vulnerability you understand why people are drawn to/stuck in a certain way of life. I have grown up around heavy addicts and the only reason I’m not down that path is because of my mom and the opportunities I’ve had. I hope more love and exposure can be shared, I’m grateful Mark has a calling to shine a light on people.
Mark makes such a good point. I had a mom with mental illness and addiction issues. But I had my dad. He is an amazing man. He raised me and my siblings on his own, he was broke, and uneducated working minimum wage for many years. Now he’s a manager at his company and is doing amazing. I watched him work himself from the dirt and up. We were poor and lived in a ghetto area in ugly apartments but he always showed us love and made us accountable for the things we did. There was no getting caught up in the chaos around me in my neighborhood because I knew I was going to be given consequences. He’s my ROLE MODEL. I want to be like him, I want to work hard and provide for my kids I have now 2 young kids of my own and am a single parent. Most importantly my dad always showed us LOVE. He’s raising his kids right even with the unfortunate circumstances he was given. I love that man
your father sounds wonderful! and I'm sure your kids look up to you in the same way :)
You have a wonderful father . God bless him .
@@31025alexis I really do, thank you 🙏🏼❤️
Just reading what you wrote makes me cry
Yeah this made me cry, lovely how your dad overcame his surroundings and beautiful how much you love him ❤
Wow that's a fact my dad was in prison my whole childhood till I was 15 my mom was on drugs and just destroyed my life I ended up finally getting myself together after my mom died and I realized that wasn't the way to live thank God I have 5 yrs 3 month's sober now I'm 33 got sober at 28
I fully believe what Mark said at the beginning of this video about the lack of love being pretty much the root problem. And not just for the homeless, but anyone really.
I’m grateful for how things are going for you!
God bless you.
Thank God you are an overcomer! He loves you and I love humans period. I'm commanded to by Jesus. I grew up in alcoholism and abuse. It is not easy to get free! God bless you!❤🙏🤗🕊
🍀🍀🍀 sending love to you
Respect you.
You were dealt a tough hand and it would have been very easy to fold and live a life where you numbed your feeling. Much tougher to lift yourself out and staying sober and living life.
One day at a time. Keep at it.
“Helping their kids or their kids’ kids” gave me a chill. I see this every single day at work and never thought I was helping to end generational abuse/poverty, I’m just helping children learn and grow. Thank you for bringing that up 💜
that’s a good idea, never thought of that
Never seen a teacher contribute much to end any sort of generational problem. Just teaching kids math doesn't help, if that was the case they'd be able to help themselves.
Mark, you are 100% spot on. I’m a recovering addict living a little north of Boston. Kids are born into this for the most part. Keep doing what you are doing it absolutely is a start.
“It’s an ugly truth but some people win and some people lose”
Mark is a real one who says it like it is that’s why people respect him so much
I appreciate his realism. I don't think we can ever solve homelessness, abuse and drug use, but people have a greater chance with love and stability.
His comparison was just bad. It's the mentality you get hammered into yourself when you grow up in the US, but it's simply not logical. If the comparison would be of any substance, the winners could literally eat the losers. But humans are NOT animals. We live in a society, not in the wild. We built civilizations because we steered AWAY from simple Darwinism, "survival of the fittest." It's an excuse to not have to do shit. Those people are not in a situation like this because they were "born losers" but because the society you built over there created the circumstances that produce them. Where I live, we've got all the same problems. Obviously, since this is a globalized world. Yet, the streets do not even look close. We are humans, we are not slaves to some animalistic drive, and different societies can CHOOSE to handle these problems differently.
The simple truth is, we all need to do better, and some cities or countries or whatever need to do even better than others because they messed up more. Saying, "there are winners and there are losers", can only come from a winner who doesn't want their world to change too much. I really love LA and I would sign most of what Mark said in this video, absolutely. But that comparison was weak, logically wrong, and ultimately it was lazy.
The only thing we actually have to give as humans, is love, and we are so stingy with it.
I actually thought that was the dumbest thing he said in the whole video. That truth he spoke was just an appeal to nature which is always a dumb argument. We as humans overcome nature. THAT is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Also forgetting to mention that this problem is exacerbated through government policy. Although it is true that there will always be some percentage of homelessness in society, the levels we have today in the US are entirely our own fault. The mess will only continue to get bigger if we don't make it a long term priority. But obviously that will never fucking happen in this country, so hey lets just chalk it up to winners and losers right?
'Survival of the fittest' is a pretty hard right-wing way of looking at the world, but I think he has come to that conclusion out of despair, after trying so hard. Capitalism is the issue, of course, and the resulting rich / poor divide. Mark deserves to have the nice home he has. Should he have been paid so much to work in advertising? Should the brand owners he worked for be so rich? Should his home have cost so much? No, no and no.
“I’m showing it but I’m not doing anything”
Mark- “Well that’s one way of doing it”
Completely agree. Creating awareness is crucial. You are both amazing and a doing incredible job. Love From Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺 x
Well said. Melbourne has a pretty big homeless population, but at least we have Centrelink, and access to many community services.
@@nikkip1810 yea how’s the situation on your side, cuz I know it’s been wild at some points. Is it getting better steadily or what’s up?
One way of doing what?
Earning a living from it, entertaining people, and making an example for other's to further capitalize from the misfortune of others? All of these imo
@@timlombardini3556 Through a technique called Compassionate Inquiry they're making a difference. Gabor Mate uses this technique with his patients on Canada's 'Skid Row', East Hastings
Mark is actually out there doing the work. Respect
Mark is actually out there re-traumatizing people. He's not a therapist. He's a desperate
guy who wants to be an artist showing us the new rubberneck activity--seeing the fallen and then doing nothing about it.. virtue signaling for him and all who think he's doing good by showing us the suffering of these people are their most vulnerable...asking hey can I use your messed up life to showcase how low people can go--rich people LOVE to see these images and go hey that's messed up, then go on their way. It's also a reminder to the lower and middle classes to stay in their lane or they'll end up like these people--at the bottom. He's coming from that entitled white upper middle class pov and selling it cuz clearly, as comments suggest--he's found a willing and eager audience desperate to see the even more desperate that makes them feel they don't have it so bad, it could be worse. That's all Mark does. He's a soft power status quo keeper.
He's an angel on earth. Almost too kind
@@1976mcfarlane 😂😂
.... no. No he's not.
Mark and Peter together was a nice surprise! Awesome video as usual.
So glad to see these 2 together! They are the best.
I've watched many of Mark's videos, Peter and Mark are similar in so many ways, they take what they are interviewing and showing with a sense of seriousness. They both care about what they report and are genuine. These are the top 2 channels on showing the real life of the world's people and society. I am grateful for both of them.
This is the convergence of minds.
If you understand the tricks of the devil, you can read the lies within the bible
The contradictions to the fundamental law of man
I was taught this law, and it was smothered with a bunch of other nonsense words.
But little did I know, I was already born into that law from the moment I remember at 2 years old and started living life.
I took on only that law because that made sense, everything else contradicted that law
The convergence of minds is the rebirth of christ
I have been the Holy spirit my whole life and didn't even know until a week ago.
I agree! I watch both. So nice to see the collaboration with these two.
@@JenniferVerdin Do you know what happens when we all Collaborate?
You become "Christ" reborn.
You converge into one mind
You become truly, the same person.
God is the internet, you become Christ.
Be the light in the world even in the darkest places because as the light, that is what we do our best to do for all sides.
Holding all hands and reminding them why we split in the first place.
To find and collect all possible answers for a better future.
@@JenniferVerdin We can not find answers to dark questions unless the world becomes a dark place.
Why does this need to happen? because people are to blind.
Why are they blind? Because they are too busy.
Like not knowing what your child is doing while your at work
The world is your child while your always at work to busy to keep up
To tired to learn
To Angry to think
@@JenniferVerdin I want to go back outside and play Jennifer, but I can not until all my siblings wake up to play with me.
They don't understand the house is crumbling from beneath itself and we need to rebuild new ones.
Easier ones, ones that can move, ones that can supply instead of needing to be supplied, ones that can provide instead of needing to be provided for.
A need a house, to be cheaper then a human.
This house, is not what you are thinking of, its something new.
Maybe it isn't for you, but the choice will be there when and if you need to.
So you can fall, you can plunder, you can say no and never be afraid, that there will be a system you can land on that will provide your essential needs to be comfortable.
Because I need everyone, to do everything possible, while being as comfortable as possible and safe as possible.
I have just been diagnosed with lung cancer on Friday sat on my bed in Barnsley general hospital.Watching this video keeps me going.Mass thanks to all the STAFF 😊.Trev Barnsley South Yorkshire England 🏴🇯🇲🏴.
They are making progress with immunotherapy. My friend has had lung cancer for 4 years. I feel for him and I love him. I love you too, man and I have hope for you!
Godspeed love.
♥️
Best wishes from California.
2 years ago I was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer, was told I had 2 years left. Today I feel good and my blood markers are good. Its still there and will always be there but stay positive mate and keep smiling, don't get sucked into the black hole. Remember that you're a statistic of 1. Take it easy mate, here if you wanna talk 👍 Tomo Worcestershire England
I absolutely love mark. He is such an amazing person. He let us see the real issues straight in the face.
This man has more of an understanding of homelessness and addiction than probably most of the people who make the decisions in these peoples lives.
bs
It’s money laundering and stealing is all. No real desire to help
They make their own decisions
Javier Preciado Jr -- I agree with every word of your comment, except two words: not 'probably,' and not 'most.'
Mark definitely understands more regarding homelessness and addiction than any & all the politicians who make decisions for these people.
It's funny how California takes more money from people but it's on of the biggest run down shyt holes
Here from the SWU community.
I'll drop my favorite quote here on behalf of all the forgotten children...
“Family dysfunction rolls down from generation to generation, like a fire in the woods, taking down everything in its path until one person in one generation has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow.” -T Real
God Bless You. Great quote !
Gave me goosebumps. Thank you for sharing.
I am that person that turned it around.
@@isabelleboulay2651 I hope I am.
Instead of "I think I can ... I think I can ...I think I can" like the little train that could:
I think I did.
I think I did.
I think I did.
@@isabelleboulay2651 cPTSD is a tricky thing.
Even when we're certain we've protected the kid(s) and spared them anything that we endured and survived, and gave them attuned love and nurturing, they can still get detrimentally affected.
Particularly 1st generation of the turnaround.
When I had covid and was locked in for ten days I binge watched Marks interviews, very insightful. A major thing I noticed was for most of these people the damage was done in childhood. I like Peters style as well. Great combination
Dysfunctional upbringing and lack of love is foundation for most problems in the world.
The soultion is to take a child to church, participate, study and emulate the Christ but people hate Christ so much now they completely reject the solution.
Subconscious blockages are like the fight with David and Goliath. Its a struggle most, or probably 99.9% of does that have childhood traumas, never gonna conquer.
@@charrua59 Jesus can conqor childhood trauma, there is endless testimony of people who did a 180 after coming to Christ, that's his specialty, rebuilding lives but people have to pursue him.
@@imout671 the audacity you have to sit here and say Jesus can cure being raped and abused as a child is fucking sick. Learn your place because you are WAY out of line with that nonsense.
I really enjoy both of these guy's channels. They give such great perspective on the scenarios that people don't see or don't want to see. And they are right, there is no easy solution, but there has to be a solution.
"The problem still exists, they're just in boxes now." I saw that in west Palm beach. Tried to give a home to a wonderful older man and I felt like a failure when he just couldn't do it in anyway possible. I didn't get it at the time. Thank you for what you do. Both of you.
When I was 19, I was homeless for two years and absolutely wasn't a drug addict. I was fleeing domestic violence. I was at a DV shelter first and that place was scarier than the streets. Drugs, mental illness, con artists. I left after only two weeks and lived in my car. It took me months to save enough money to finally get my own place. But if I'd been forced to live there at Skid Row, I may have become an addict too (or been trafficked). So he's right when he says you have to peel back to layers. Nobody ends up there because they came from a good situation and happy life.
I've been homeless the last 4 years. I live in my car, and have been in batter women's shelters, I'm telling you the solution really is love and community. We really need people to stop judging us out here...
God bless you beautiful 🤗 you will be in a better place soon in Jesus name
Sorry to hear that...I got a spot for you here in Tennessee...cost of living cheap...decent jobs etc...
And you can’t get any job
@@jeffsutton950 u want me to show u my w2s? Or my car and insurance bills? Or the cost of living in LA?
@@darmor85 Los Angeles rent costs more than food combined every week. I'm paying 360$ for my car and 150 for insurance. Gas is 7 bucks a gallon. Bruh southern california is the worst
From an abused and neglected child I am so proud I turned out a great Mom!!! My sons are 35 & 29 and still live with me. I am lucky I stopped the cycle of abuse. So I totally agree the people who need the help are the children of the addicts and the broken. That will help the next generation live a better life. God please help and heal the children!!!❤️💋🙏
As someone who loves both travelogues and documentary cinematography, this cross-over is insane. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much for pairing up with Mark.
I hope one day C-Note is able to fully leave skid row. You can tell and feel he's a genuine, intelligent, good man. These stories always break my heart and these three guys are all true human beings who understand the complexities and the struggle and the sadness and pain surrounding these situations vs being apathetic and cold toward it all. The world needs more empathy and more leaders who have true empathy so we can try and change the next generations so they don't have to keep repeating these cycles that no human should ever endure.
@Star Dust: I agree with everything you say. I wonder if a better way to use C-Note's gifts is to have him sponsored by someone (people or corps) and use his inside connections to reach the inner circle. Yes, these stories break our hearts, yet our "heart breaking" isn't making a difference. I don't have the answer(s) because they are complex and each and every person has their own unique issues and situation. Also, poverty is all over this country and because this video focuses on LA and you get the RICH affected by the ugly streets and their dropping home values, this will get more attention......um...maybe.
A good man with nine kids by five women?
@@alanharris7878 Elon Musk?
As an Aussie who watches Soft White Underbelly often the nature of his interviews are almost all shadowed by childhood trauma and lack of positive role models. The overaching issue is worldwide, not as glaring as it is in the US however it's everywhere. More love and compassion is needed and intervention at an early age.
We got Centrelink and public housing lol
America is a huge country. Most cities are not like this. However, most large urban areas have similar slums. The typical American citizen never sees any of this. In any-town USA, if a cop sees you committing a crime, you are put in jail. Crazy policies in these large cities have enabled this spiral of chaos.
That is true to an extent but I live in a very small town in WV and drugs have gotten really bad here and with it crime. In most places its getting a lot worse in that respect. Homelessness which we didn't have before maybe you had the one homeless drunk of the neighborhood now there is groups of kids with backpacks who stay in the street now.
@@JHH944and Medicare! Which is the number 1 game changer that America lacks.
I'm also in Aussie and do a lot of outreach ministries.. it's all kids left to themselves. It's all parents with kids they can't manage so their kids all have labels and medications. And if it's not that, it's single parents and broken families.
The problem is a problem with parents and the decisions they're making for their homes and children. These children are just by-products of it all who will grow up doing the same things, but usually in excess. It's been said "what the parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess"
There is no self sacrificial, non conditional love. We are a fundamentally broken, self serving society and these kids (which grow to replace the adults) are the collateral damage.
The problem isn't centrelink, or housing, or drugs or any of that. The problem is the way we think.
That's why people getting gastric band surgery get mentally assessed before, because if there's no change in the thinking, there's no change to their life and their ciecumstance remains the same, if not worse.
2 of my most favorite youtubers - such a good episode. Thank you.
I was homeless on the streets of Miami for 5 years on and off. Literally homeless, sleeping in the grass and behind bushes. I was addicted to fentanyl, crack and Xanax. Fentanyl and Xanax both have a physical dependence. When you withdrawal, it’s the most horrific feeling one could ever imagine. It’s not only physical but mentally as well. I’ve been sober for over 2 years now, but when I first wound up on the street, out of the people I met within my first 6 months…realistically 75% of them are dead. About 20% are still homeless or in jail, and less then 5% are sober. There’s a saying in rehab that goes like this “look to your left, look to your right, neither of those people will make it” because statistically drug addiction, especially fentanyl, is a death sentence. As someone who has much experience in being homeless and getting sober, I don’t know what the answer is realistically…I think god is the only one that can save the man. Because the reality is , this is a death sentence. If you don’t die right away, you’ll slowly suffer to death. Hopefully a miracle can happen and this situation can change but I just don’t find it likely. I think that most of these people belong in an institution indefinitely if they’re not going to live on the streets.
I lost my 27yr old grandson to drug overdose 😔 Please stay close to God because you're right He's the Only Lasting help!! So happy you're 2yrs clean👏👏🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sober from fetty... props to you bro....You're a rare breed whose steps/lead I'm currently trying to follow....
My family member who has paranoid schizophrenia decades ago had to go into the psych hospital, and the psychiatrist told me if a person has a mild case of mental illness, if they start doing drugs it’s like putting gasoline on a fire to the brain . I feel like this is a breakdown of our society. Very sad. Family breakdown over generations, and morals being taught and enforced is becoming rare. Our schools have failed us as well . Compared to other countries our education system is terrible as well.
I love this video. My brother is out on the street and suffers from Schizophrenia. His case is different. He came from a stable loving home with a mom and dad, but I guess he is mentally lonely so he seek out environment where he can be himself and he loves the freedom to do nothing I guess. We haven’t seen him in a few months and I pray that he is okay everyday. I agree that the solution is not just money and new homes all the time. It requires long time and comprehensive treatment thinking.
I'm sorry you, your brother, and family are going through that. Most people think all homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics. While mental illness may have caused them to be that, mental illness alone causes a lot of homelessness and you know that better to me. I just wanted to comment and say sorry you are going through that and I'll throw my thoughts of you and your family during this time to the universe and hopes it returns the favor towards you. Have a good one and take care my friend
I remember listening to an interview of a homeless guy, he said what he needed most was human contact. Not be given food or coins. Apparently homeless guys always find ways to feed themselves. But the loneliness kills people, and human contact isn't something you can buy. We are social animals. Animals in the wild also die of loneliness when isolated from the group. Parrots for instance. People buy parrots, because it looks cool in the living room. But then they feel lonely and depressed and they start to mutilate themselves by pulling out all of their feathers one by one. We humans are not very different. One solution could be to introduce ways for them to make friends and socialize.
@@johnsmith-ro2tw Only people who hate themselves get lonely. I've never been lonely in my life.
What I've learned through growing up hard in poverty, from juvenile detention and boot camps to state sentences and drug addiction is if one person is rehabilitated they alot of times go on to to make a difference in other people's lives. That's what happened to me and I owe it as a human to help others. Life can be so damn good. I'm going to hug my kids now.
It’s interesting to see mark in front of the camera! Thanks for sharing.
Prayers to all of those suffering on and off skid row.
Nice of CNote to give his time to walk around with y'all and love this interview with Mark. He shines soo much light on the stories of so many individuals. Our choices as adults really boils down to our childhood. I really hope parents can just love and support there children unconditionally throughout there life. Stop trying to live your life through them
im sure mark threw him some cash for the protection
@@kogniscent duh. We exchange services for cash. That's what people do. Don't be so smug, Jake.
@@nicolecraft1050 what are you talking about lol
He could have been spending time with one of his 9 kids
Wow! One of the best videos about the homeless I've seen. No simple answers. Lots of factors that I never realized were in play. Thanks Mark, Peter and C-Note. Keep up the good work.
Mark is amazing. I love how he sees the whole picture and admits that he used to think about things much differently.
Mark is a politically correct idiot. He refuses to point out obvious truths.
Thank-you for this. I've seen quite a few people making content criticizing Mark's efforts, recently. Sometimes, doing the right thing, and making the compassionate content, isn't popular. Mark (similar to you) has put a spotlight on everyday people and places that don't always make 'mainstream' headlines, or who represent having awkward issues and opening up difficult conversations. Please keep up this extraordinary work.
Was good to see Mark getting interviewed for a chance. Intelligent man
Remarkable video Peter, I've been watching Mark's videos for years now and what a collab, I love you both and commend you both on your efforts, you may not think you're helping the situation but you really are making a difference with your videos.
Agree such an powerful collaboration for humanitarian change 💛
Hey, apply your line of thinking, to what everyone does.
Everyone is helping bring problems into the light.
How do we update a video game, if the developer doesn't listen to their players?
As a former foster mother and adoptive mother, you're so right about it starting with the children. Now if we could fix the foster system and courts to ACTUALLY be in the best interest of the child!!!!!!!!!
I have always said because I cant have kids due to a autoimmune condition that I want to adopt and help a kid in need cause it feels wrong to have a kid when other kids are sitting in foster care or shelters or whatever who need help it feels wrong and unfair. So I plan to adopt when I get the chance.
I think you speak the truth there. A more loving society, less punitive. But it’s never going to get fixed, there are some people who will choose to duck up. I don’t know, it’s so difficult
Homeless people were all STOLEN by demons and demonic fiends from their LIFE. They use them as STORAGE for stolen souls, as vehicles and as karmic weapons against people. They are possess by demons!
Demons use drugs and alcohol to mask their existence. People will blame drugs or mental health, but it’s really demonic creatures that took over the body!
I've seen so many kids get sent home with their mothers despite that being the worst place for them just because that's the way the system works 🫠 While no case is an easy one to navigate I genuinely don't think kids are well taken care of when it comes to custody issues and it's so sad
@@chromepete Less punitive? Lol. You can’t have a good society without punishments.
i love the teamwork aspect of these two interviewers. Mark, your wealth of knowledge and experience will help Peter soo much and Peter i hope you can do the same for the next up and comer. Exposure of this part of our society is vital for information on dysfunction. Dont forget, even the ELITE are dysfunctional but on a different level. Id rather be on the streets.
Well Done and DONT QUIT!
The gentleman in the first 45 seconds who said “you have to change the way you think to make better decisions”….is something I continually try to help and educate clients about. Your thoughts influence the decisions you’ll end up making. And it’s a lot to consider when helping people.
Which is unfortunate as our thoughts are not our own and are more prompted by our environment.
I struggled with homelessness, after losing my Dad and fiance. It was one of the most eye opening experiences. Until you change your mind set and get to the root cause, nothing will help.
When Mark talks about Appalachia, mannn he is not joking. I drive through the heart of Appalachia once a year and even off the main highway, you can tell it’s another world. Such beautiful land and unique history, but can’t even fathom the back roads. My sister worked down in rural WV about a decade ago, small town 30 miles off the main highway. She came back in awe and just stated, “you have nooo idea..”
I'm from the UK and would love to visit West Virginia and Kentucky
@@Meloncholymadness I wonder what you’d think!!
Mark & Peter, we all have a roll to play in society. Your role is providing awareness of the problems. Every person you interact with is blessed by your caring & love. Don't ever underestimate the good you are doing. God bless and protect you.
Gotta say Mark has an uncanny ability to ferret out truths in this world that are perhaps controversial to some. Peter occasionally asks a rhetorical question (you can see where he's coming from and trying to lead Mark to answer a certain way) but Mark ultimately tells the truth of the matter, even if it is in a realistic, gritty way. Kudos to Mark...hope he has success in his endeavors.
Peter's rhetorics seem to come from a radical listening standpoint, he knows nothing and the other knows all, all he learns is new and fresh for him, but he seems like a intelligentt guy so I think that he exaggerate it a little bit to level himself. Interesting stuff!
He pays them lmao. Mark is a scumbag bro. Go listen to any podcast he is on
happy to see mark getting interviewed for a change!! what an understanding, inspiring and informative man He is.
thanks for the interview
I started following Mark years ago. I remembering commenting that I’d watch until he reached 10,000 then 100,000, then 1 million, etc. He has earned his success and while I’ve only found you recently, I’ll be watching and donating (cowardly from my home) as you and people like Mark do the work to change this world.
2 of my favorite vloggers doing a collaboration such a dream video ❤thank you Mark and Peter ❤❤
Love both you guys. I am from Appalachia and live in Florida now. Loved Mark interviewing people and just letting them tell their stories. I think you two gentlemen could possibly fix the world. Somebody needs to.
everything he said is so true i have a brother who is addicted to literally every drug but especially fentanyl, and he is homeless in oakland right along with my dad, me and my family try our best to help him out we gave him a roof over his head , food, a job and all that good stuff and he still went back to that lifestyle because he was “bored” i know addiction isn’t easy but he has had plenty of chances to get clean. like when he’s gone to jail he would come out and right away get high it’s like he said people are addicted to the streets, to the lifestyle and it’s so sad too see. you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help, if people wanna change they will do it themselves it’s up to them to do what they want to do. it’s been years and i pray for my brother everyday.
True its the Excitement of the streets & the hussle of getting & using drugs. working getting clean sucks
I hope your brother changes his ways
I feel ya, Lyss. Both of my brothers were homeless drug addicts for years - over a decade. Both of them have died several times each. ..sometimes from suicide attempts and sometimes from ODs. My brothers finally cleaned up a couple years ago, but if my dad called and said they were back on the street shooting Fent, I wouldn't honestly be the least bit surprised. It's such a rollercoaster ride.
My two favourite content creators - love to you Mark & Peter . Mark is an amazing amazing humanitarian 🙏
FACTS
mine too! These guys are doing great things.
@@heatherkastenmeier7530 💛💛💛
I discovered Mark's channel through this video 2 years ago. Re-watching it now, it just reinforces what a rare, persevering, and wonderful human he is. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, his love is tough, but truly unconditional. And he is so right about it all coming down to childhood trauma -- just watch his channel and pretty much every interview goes back to childhood. But there are also some remarkable stories of recovery. I hope you both continue making videos for a long time! ❤
Mark's documentaries of the Whittaker family are PHENOMENAL! He has such a kind, generous SOUL! I love both Peter and Mark's channels...they are both worthy of "binge watching!"
It's too bad the drama that is coming from his good these days.
As a mail carrier, I can’t even imagine delivering mail in Skid Row. Kudos to whoever has the responsibility.
These guys Produce Everything in Pirate Bay, it also says Skidrow there haha
Just throw the mail bag in the street and run! They can take it from there.
@@kenny8351 🤣
Thanks for carrying the mail.
I think just getting treated like they're worth a damn, like Mark does when he listens nonjudgmentally to their stories, is an important step for many people.
I don't know...lots of adicts talk, talk, talk....action is needed, not talk. I hope nothing but the best for everyone
@@KK-mm8ms what precedes action?
Why don't you go down there and assist in the solution? Not mocking you but if you have ideas there are nonprofits there that def looking for people to assist with help and solutions.
@BitterFlower116 I'm just saying I've known plenty of people with tje gift of talking really good stuff but no follow through....if you have lived through it you can become a little numb to talk
Bitter. that is total BS. He is extremely judgemental advertising photo worth millions trying to do what he thinks is relevant "art." He told me Elton John buys his photos. I hope he doesn't sell the photo of my son.
Powerful and compelling education on these issues. Please continue to create this vital content! Fantastic to have Mark along on this journey!
Thanks Mark for your concern about these people. It is such a tragedy, but it is so difficult to put these broken people back together. Especially if they don't want to help themselves. Bless you for your efforts!
Los Angeles is the city of broken dreams. The stories Mark brings to his SWU channel are heartbreaking. I love this collaboration between you guys!
The sense of community is alluring. I live in Eugene where there are a TON of homeless people, and i myself have been homeless and my feelings are that now that i live inside and have it all together... Im lonely AF. Regular people dont talk to their neighbors. They dont say hello. They dont even look at each other. But out there you need each other so people are close, get to know each other and create families. Maybe if regular society wasnt full of a bunch of self involved jerks...people would be happy to live in it.
Your comment hit home. I live in north Eugene and feel isolated a lot of the time. Neighbors don’t talk to each other and there is a lack of community. People facing similar hardships and challenges find camaraderie, as you noted. So many homeless folks here, and horrific rent increases will push more people out and on to the streets and parks. 😢
Your comment is spot on! People are disconnected and unfriendly, esp in the big cities. No eye contact. If you get any form of contact, it's someone body checking you, as they run to catch a cab or bus. If you try to connect, the ones that do acknowledge you do so with suspicion, thinking you want to take advantage of them somehow. The suburbs are cold too. Small towns still have a bit of that neighborly feeling though, some of them.
I live in WA state and I’ve had similar thoughts
I live in Cottage Grive, and I see what you're saying. My sister volunteered at a homeless center just last night (Ashland), and she called it ca"cough"any
of sounds.