Interviews
Homeless Runaway Youth, In Their Own Words
Published October 27, 2009 @ 09:41AM PT
This is Clinton. He's 18 years old, but he's been living on the streets since he was 12. He knows how to sleep without being seen, survive on a jar of peanut butter for a week, and remain invisible in plain sight.
This week, the New York Times featured two powerful exposes on homeless youth. But neither moved me as much as this video. There's something about hearing stories from those who have experienced it - seeing the conditions they live in - that is both powerful and incredibly sad.
Take seven minutes and watch this video. I hope it changes the way you look at the issue of homelessness in America.
Real Stories: Meet Yubel
Published October 23, 2009 @ 03:16PM PT
I met Yubal in New York City. He is originally from Mexico and traveling up to Canada to try and find his way out of homelessness.
Yubal from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
Real Stories: Meet Joni
Published October 18, 2009 @ 09:29AM PT
At first glance I did not know Joni was homeless. Little did I know, she spent the previous night sleeping on a bench in Times Square. This is where I noticed her trying to steal a cup of coffee; she was caught, and my heart broke for her.
Many people think that homeless people just want money for drugs. But Joni said that's not always the case. She said she needs money to be able to eat and survive.
Joni says homelessness is terrible, that there are far too many people out here and that somebody has to do something about it. I hope her story compels you to do something.
Joni from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
Real Stories: Meet Paul
Published October 14, 2009 @ 09:06AM PT
After interviewing dozens of homeless people from coast to coast, I'm often asked how I get people to share their story on camera. The answer? Socks.
No matter what city I traveled to, people were beyond thrilled when I opened my bag and gave them a fresh pair of socks. It was not only a great icebreaker, but an often overlooked need of those I met on the streets. All of the socks for this tour were provided by Hanes.
Paul was no different. I met him in Tompkins Square Park in New York City's East Village. Although he washes his feet as much as possible, Paul said he wears the same pair of socks everyday. He said he must literally scrape them off his feet to remove them everyday.
As I was talking to Paul, he was on the lookout for police so his friends could sleep. When the camera pans to show his friends on the ground I hope your heart breaks as much as mine. Paul says he thinks the police make it up as they go along. He says you can get arrested for "obstructing" a park bench, even if you are the only person on the bench.
As Paul was describing how life really is on the streets of New York City, I really related to what he was saying. It's easy to almost forget who you are and wonder how you'll ever get back to what you once were. I thought Paul's first wish was illuminating: he wished he could start his life over again.
There are currently 2,175 homeless shelters listed in the Homeless Shelter Directory. Please: find one near you and help them help get people like Paul off the street.
A very special thanks to Hanes for their generous support.
Paul from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
Real Stories: Meet Rashid
Published October 08, 2009 @ 06:11PM PT
For 23 years, Rashid worked in New York City as a construction worker. On 9/11, he arrived at the World Trade Center at 9:28 in the morning and - for the next four years - worked to clean up the horrific destruction at Ground Zero.
Today, as a result of his service, he suffers chronic heart failure and other health issues. He lost his health, his job, and his ability to pay rent. Today, Rashid lives in a homeless shelter.
Despite his tragic story, Rashid was one of the nicest people I met in New York. He went out of his way to encourage everyone around him.
This is how he chooses to live; he said a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
Rashid had three wishes: food, clothing, and shelter.
Seems we should not have to wish for things so basic.
Rashid from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
Real Stories: Meet Guy
Published October 06, 2009 @ 08:34AM PT
Times Square is unlike any other place in the United States. Lights, traffic, noise, masses of people. But in the midst of all this commotion, I spotted a man pushing a buggy. That's when I met Guy.
Guy says homelessness is hard to explain. One day he was doing fine. The next, tragedy struck and he was on the streets.
The streets, Guy said, are not kind to those without a home. He said the police in New York arrest people just for sleeping. His goal is to "get inside" before homelessness gets worse.
Guy from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
Real Stories: Meet Elijah Alfred “NatureBoy” Alexander, Jr.
Published October 05, 2009 @ 07:28AM PT
There are many times that I'll meet a person on the street who says that they prefer the streets, insisting they are there by choice. Usually, though, I can see the look in their eye; I can tell they don't mean it. I believe it's a defense mechanism to rationalize the trauma one goes through when they don't have a home.
But that's not to say this is true for everyone. There are those rare - and yes, I believe they're rare - occasions when I'll meet someone who is on the streets by choice. Elijah Alfred Alexander, Jr. falls into this latter category. He goes by "Nature Boy" and says he is not homeless, just ‘houseless.'
Elijah says he was a Baptist preacher in the 1970s. He said that since Jesus was a wandering messenger, he decided to become a wanderer. And wander he does. I met him across the street from the White House in Washington, D.C.. I still laugh because despite his skimpy attire, he still carries business cards with his personal website.
Mental illness? Or just following his heart? Either way, I like to think that Elijah is truly a unique guy who has decided to follow a different path.
Elijah Alfred "NatureBoy" Alexander, Jr. from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.
