Vancouver - life on Hastings St.

[Rach3lb3]

I have died and gone to real estate heaven

[KATOMATE01]

375 a month is NOTHING...that's cheap as shit...i guess if you spend every dollar you have on heroin and don't have a job that's a lot, but common, don't bitch about 375 rent when in NYC the cheapest apartment you can get is like 800 and you literally get a fucking closet with that.

[Shukria123]

Free Jaggi Singh!

[kobie8819591]

Her PIMP did not like her talking see the look.

[beamerZ]

Why does a person like her prefere crack over heroin; crack is only a very short high so why if you 'choose' a harddrug choose crack?

[RYANcanada1]

@beamerZ they enjoy the high more is all there is too it. crack brings you up but H, also known as down brings u "down" type of high

[fj1764]

no one will miss her if the government cleans them all up

[JIMVOMIT]

crack cocaine or everything else

[bmanolf]

her hat makes this situation look like a joke

[nonfoods1]

One word, addiction, second word our hypocritical judgemental materialistic society.

( plus van is the warmest)

[MAKER6450]

shes had HIV and HEP C for 16 damn years?.,...and she's alive?

[hwchan711]

what hypocrisy and greed

[JoJaDaRu]

Hey, that's my home neighbourhood.

For everyone coming up with reasons why she or someone else is on the streets, there are a thousand reasons and none of it is as simple as people posting here seem to think.

[MrLag1337]

nice fat ass facial herpe

[unikecar]

I've been through there and its CRAZY Scary

[mujibatt]

Everything is expensive if you don't work!!!! 375 bet they spend more than that on drugs a week

I dont want any swearing at me everyone is entitled to an opinion

[danlovesnan]

In vancouver there are thousand of homless..is that because all homless move there from all around Canada? Is that because the anglophone idea of being an indipendent person looses families'bonds and people end up being alone? I was told that generally other coties in Canada have a better situation, I mean, less homless...is that right? why do many young people struggle to pay for the rent when they could stay with their parents for a longer time saving money?

[paolopk2]

I believe part of this is because it is the warmest (relatively) Canadian city in the winter, it rarely goes below zero and never gets as cold as edmonton or toronto, etc.

[danlovesnan]

it's as I guessed...better weather conditions.

[Maxmulham]

more like most of it. but yeah, spot on remark

[cuntstorm]

@paolopk2

Your An Idiot

[BulletProofNinja49]

its the more mild winters..

[Hoodyrulez]

lots of questions

no most of the homless in canada are from vancouver.

there are all kinds of parents

some parents get drunk everynight and beat up their child, so the child rarely comes home

and when every time you get money you spend it on drugs you dont save much if any at all. its complicated. just be glad you dont have this kind of a life with those kinds of problems

[danlovesnan]

@Hoodyrulez

...sure, I am lucky...but this isn't the point...what I am saying is that in many countries insn't normal this situation...you won't see anything like this in any big city in Europe, at list in a city centre...plus most of people that have these kind of problems belonge to minorities and are new immigrants....here it's almost impossible to become a homeless, it's easier that you stay with your mon till you're 60 years old ...but you have a roof over your head.

[avsfan112212]

today we had another drug talk and this girl was in the same video. Weird?

[bonanza2010]

the lady says she wants to be treated like a human being.. human beings work, pay taxes, and have responsibility. being homeless and panhandling doesnt include any of those. i understand its hard to get a job once ur homeless.. especially with disease.but it irritates me when homeless blame us for not treating them fairy.. becuase we pay taxes so they can have social programs. please use them and get bettter

[snicholles]

I think the most interesting bit about this interview is when she immediately links being homeless to the condo's that are being built. She asks, "who can afford a condo down here?" I think this is a question we need to think about more.

[Gingerblaze]

BTC 141

I am a litlle sad that you truly believe you can learn from University what life is truly like on the streets. Why people cannot access help and why they may not want to...

[BTC141]

I never said that. Show me where I said, "you can learn from university what life is like on the streets." You need to read things carefully before typing and making yourself look stupid. I graduated from U.Vic with a bachelors of Social Work. I did loads of field work with real people in real situations. And worked with people on the street for 2 years before doing something else. Idiot!

[Gingerblaze]

It seems, perhaps, you have not understood my response properly... *sigh*, I shall try again...

You are citing that because you have a bachelor of social work and "did loads of field work, with real people in real situations" that this qualifies you to speak as someone who really has learned what life is like on the streets. Is this correct?

I am afraid, you still do not see my point.

[suckmylemon]

I've worked in the field and been an advocate for the homeless in the past so don't tell me you know whats right and wrong. I know what I'm talking about sister. I know exactly what the homeless are battling. You don't have to be homeless to understand the challenges of street life. You just have to open your eyes and listen to them. Go take your holier than thou attitude and preach it down on Main and Hastings.

[Gingerblaze]

Unless you, personally have been someone who has no place to live, someone who has battled extreme poverty, mental illness, drug addictions or any number of other challenges that people in that situation face, then you are being entirely ignorant yourself, and have NO right to say you have any comprehensive understanding of the experience.

[Gingerblaze]

You a feel you have an understanding, but you understand nothing until you have actually been there. Not as an observer, or even as an aide. From your self-deluded boasting about your education, and "field work" coupled with your perception of yourself as someone who actually "understands" it is clear to me, you have no chance of ever learning how to be even slightly empathetic.

[rainslave]

I think that most Reporters, etc should ask first of all, why one person would even choose drugs, alcohol, etc. Why would one want to succumb to such lowlessness? Why would one want to make themself sick? ABUSE. I BET that if there was a "Euthaninasia Centre" you'd have a lot of these folks lining up - they are in PAIN....and want it gone, and would be willing to give up the pain for PEACE!!!! Sad but true. I've spoken to many of these folks and only after a few years now, finally understand.

[SilentBud420]

we are all one in god (reality)!!! our view of ourselves as distinct seperate beings is an illusion.. get in toch with your true self and reality... be reborn in the image of god.. judgment day is comin fam.. hope your ready.

[Hazlanz1]

Stay in school kids

[crushwack07]

Vancouver is the mecca for peice of shit scum bags

[gradgirl09]

Wouldn't be talking about scum...you have no idea where these people have been and what their stories are...many of these people would be happy to get off the street if given the opportunity...some I'm sure couldn't be saved or wouldn't want to be, but if people acted instead of talked imagine what could be accomplished...I hope to be there someday...

[folred]

thats wut happens when ur parents drugies and u dont finish high school : D

[tyso36]

@folred shut the fuck up, its because of addiction not because of the lack of education you shit head.

[dipmuthafukinset]

@folred thats a very broad statement

[rosey4skin]

To that pacman guy, go fuck yourself! Candy ASS! MEET ME MEET ME! I want you! I hope someone blows crack in your Fface and gets you addicted, that's all it takes then YOU will be sucking cock for rock! Candy ASS! YOU grow up! Why put something up if you don't like the comments.

[hubberboym]

That is where we get the freedom to survive, and spend the money on one of those upscale apartments that cj was dissing. But once you start drugs, they are addictive, they should have known. And this sounds horrible i know, but it really is the truth.

[hubberboym]

although it is sad, i have no sympathy. you have a choice, you could think to yourself before, well maybe this will fuck me up bad, and not give in to the pressure. There they are though, taking these drugs, losing themselves, and their features, jobs, family, all because they think that taking a hit of cocaine will be fun. We all have to say no at some point in our lives, we all have to go out and make money to survive, and we do.

[activeone32]

Low cost housing is a problem ..especially to get them away from the city. Rents in Vancouver or surrounds are a joke.

[BTC141]

It's a shame these homeless people can't get it together to get their ass off the street and get a job.Yeah, I would like someone to give me a free fridge and stove too but that ain't gonna happen. You people put yourself in this predicament by continual drug abuse and self pity. GROW UP THE FUCK UP! Vancouver's changing fast and if you don't get with the program you'll be stuffed in the trash.

[gradgirl09]

In order to get off the street, they need help. It is up to us to do that. All talk and no action. If you're going to talk like that, you better be willing to get on the streets and help these people. By the way, many of these people have already been stuffed in the trash....over and over again...you don't know where these people have been and what led them to this point...they could have been born into it...how would you suggest they get out? that's why they need our help...

[BTC141]

How would I sugget they get out of the DTES? That's really a decision of those that live on the street. You can take a horse to water my dear but you sure as hell can't make the damn thing drink. Sooner or later they have to grow up and do the thinking for themselves. It's not your fault they are in this predicament. Keep them in your sights, but live your own life too or will become disillusioned and bitter.

[gradgirl09]

Of course it's not my fault, and a balance in life is very important to stay on top of things. However, these people are just as much human as I am and it is important to try. Try being the key word. Some obviously are going to be fruitless, but there are those who do want to get out, but have not been given the opportunity. Society just ignores them. They need to be given the opportunity, and they can then make the choice whether they want to take it or not.

[BTC141]

Are you from Vancouver? Have you or are you living on the streets? Are you aware of the large number of resources currently available to people on the DTES? The VSB education center is free for low income people, THEO is a job placement center for low income, The Life Skills Center on Hastings, Evelyn Saller Center offers cheap meals and free showers, Carnegie Center offer the same thing as well as the Gathering Place...

[BTC141]

Native Health offers free medical, Union Gospel Mission which gives out free food, VCC offers cheap dental, Lookout shelter, Atira women's shelter.For the ones that do want to get out of the DTES they have no excuse. My tax dollars are being put into these programs to facilitate and empower the homeless.You might wanna think about what you're saying before you go and make an ass of yourself here on youtube.

[BTC141]

Oh and another thing gradgirl09, the theme of the DTES is, "You will never go Hungry" because of the many organizations that provide free or extremely cheap food. The reasons that people are diving through dumpsters is because they are looking for things to sell to make money not for food to eat.

[gradgirl09]

Fair enough. However, why are some people starving and dying? Some of that is probably due to drug overdoses, and people simply not taking what is offered. However, (and i know you will debate me on this) I have read articles where homeless feel alienated from society because hardly anyone bears to give them the time of day. So, if they feel alienated, are they going to go to any of the facilities offered? I don't think so.

[gradgirl09]

In the article, the article surveyed so many homeless people and they said didn't trust the healthcare system because surveys on ways to improve the healthcare system did not reach as far as them. The hospitals ignored them when they went in to get care. If they feel alienated, and if this situation is related to anything like what is happening there in vancouver, the problem is there.

[gradgirl09]

Yes, and I know all these programs are dedicated to helping these people, and i know some are genuinely not taking the help, but what about those who want to take it, but for some reason can't? Those are the people we have to get to trust us. We don't know the reason why they aren't taking the help, and it's not always because of the reasons you said. We have to look at it from their point of view, and how they think society views them.

[gradgirl09]

What it all comes down to is trust. They won't ask or go for help if they think society view them as scum. They will not even go to the people who genuinley want to help them because they assume they will be pushed over as scum. That may not be the case, but in their eyes it is. Somehow we have to regain it.

[BTC141]

Why wouldn't the homeless be able to take advantage of these fantastic, tax paying organizations and agencies? Because they are too sad or lazy to get out the door and take what they need? That's their issue, not mine. Where the hell did you graduate from? The school of low self esteem and self pity? If you need food and medicine you go out and get it. And these homeless have it all available for free in their community.

[gradgirl09]

Again we don't know why they can't take advantage if these places. But, here's a bright idea....ASK them why. You might gain an understanding into the world they live in. Incorporating these people and their answers into the solution of the problem is the way to go.

[BTC141]

I already know the world in which they live in gradgirl and I know why they chose not to use the services. I've interviewed homeless people when I was a Langara Social Services student. I graduated from UVIC with a Bachelor's of Social Work in 2003. I also did a college practicum with Harbor Light in the DTES in 2001 and made money for the homeless by selling "Raise the Roof" toques for homeless. Now, you wanna go for coffee or you wanna change the subject!

[gradgirl09]

Well, tell me why they choose not to services, unless it was something you already mentioned, then don't. Humbling experience, let me tell you. Judging someone and finding out something totally different. Thank-you for telling me. However, I still feel a need to help these people whether it be on East Hastings or somewhere closer to home. Good debate, but I'll gladly say you won it.

[BTC141]

Yes, youtube is full of surprises. I've been humbled a few times too. When I was younger I had the same attitude as yourself. But I've done my share of volunteering, essays and field work over the years to know that homelessness is a problem that's here to stay. If you really wanna help, that's great. Just volunteer when you have free time with any agency of your choice. Alot of times it leads to paid employment and you will get a better understanding of the DTES. Happy trails.

[bonanza2010]

i agree to some extent. i was doing some volunteer work on hastings and i was just appaled at how many ungrateful people there were. we offered them lots of warm sweaters pants and jackets that were secondhand, but many of them refused to take it becuase it was an ugly color or something of that sort. if you are truly seeking help, you accept whatever is given. theres lots of organizations on hsatings everyday offering help... some smart people take the help, the proud ones dont.

[BTC141]

welcome to the DTES. I have volunteered on and off in that community in the past and I know exactly what you're saying. I hate it when ignorant youtubers see these DTES vids and think society is kicking the homeless when they are down. It's not true. It's really the choices the homeless make that get them into trouble. I've seen it all before.

[honeyshustler22]

did you know that cj is dead!she died recently,thats sad......:(

[smurfyluvsboo]

I just wanted to say R.I.P CJ...I'll always remember you and how good of a friend you were to me and your smile!!

For all of you that don't know CJ personally, I did. She was a good friend of mine, she had the biggest heart but unfortunatley she didn't outlive her addiction. Now she will be sadly missed by me and all who knew her. CJ died Sept '08. Apparently from a fall from a second floor window. May you finally be at peace CJ!!! Love you my friend!!!

[Chainsawcannibal]

Shit she died on my birthday...noooo.

[StateOFEAR11]

ok u guys are so cruel its not like these people are really bad people they just thought they would try this stuff but they didnt come back, its not like they were saying they wanted to be a crack head, and its only 4 blocks of this to canada is the best place on earth

[rosey4skin]

I feel bad for the people who judged her.

She is a human being, someones daughter, someones sister...

I saw this guy 'giving' some coke to some pretty young girls, now they are on the street, selling themselves for him.

[babyfacejerkoff]

wipe them off the streets please

[Robertnuns]

fuckin crack heads

[rosey4skin]

Don't judge people until you've walked in their shoes.

I was there and I was there because of a fuking MALE who ripped me off for my whole check.

ALL MEN ARE USELESS!

[crackrocksteady16]

thats a pretty broad statement.

[hannahbarthaa]

Don't judge a male before you walk in a male's shoes.

Your a fucking idiot you just contradicted yourself.

[endocondor]

you judge males like the other guy judges crack heads. Hypocrite.

[PacMan4prez]

shut up you twat grow up!

[Vibenotix]

Vancouver is actually really beautiful. This doesn't mean Vancouver is exactly like this everywhere!

[pacyaman]

i acsualy stayed close to hastings street visiting vancouver from the uk last summer oh my god never again like they say no place like home put me off for life

[rosey4skin]

CANDY ASS!

[heavyheartzcollide]

hastings................our lil USA

[ljhcuties]

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, if not North America. Seriously think about it, Vancouver is a big city and this is only one part of it, that doesn't mean the whole entire city is a f*cked up, druggy filled place. Hastings is just terrible but over all Vancouver is just breath taking and sercruity is fine in the actually civilized areas. Jeez....What do think the City of Vancouver should do? Legalize careing a gun around like the hicks in Texas? Come on seriously.

[mickjoe73]

Vancouver is not a beautiful city...it simply a city surrounded by beauty - the ocean, the mountains...the city itself is actually pretty ugly. I don't think you've seen or experienced enough Canadian cities if you think Vancouver is even a top 10 in beauty.

[drsimi776]

Fuck Canada!!! Fucking JUNKIES!!!!

[geetuky]

all you racist bastards out there... the days are on there way where the last thing you'll worry about is the color of their skin.. indian in particular.. we all pay taxes so what.. we'll never stop paying them no matter what.. canada owes so much money to different countries it's not even funny!!!

[dbboomer]

wastings and pain

[MICHAELJL1]

This is a shame... Thks for sharing this¡

How is vancouver regarding security? I read that this is one of the safest cities in the world...

[aszxdfcvghbnjk]

look at that nasty cold sore can you say herpes

[minimidakara]

what makes you think that? we've been helping them for all these years, providing our money which we earn by working. this woman shows no remorse, instead, she blames the society for not treating them like humans. do you really think that if we provided cheap lodging for them, they'll stop taking drugs and make something out of themselves? or will they need more help? how old is she exactly? dont you think its time for her to grow up and start contributing to this world?

[gradgirl09]

Don't judge. You don't know what she's been through. I don't know. I truly admire the people that go out on the streets and work against the grain of society to try to help these people. They're pretty much out there by themselves trying to futilely to get some of these people off the street. Was told by one of my nursing teachers who helped prostitutes get off the street that they want to get off. They don't want to be there, but they need help. If they don't get it, they remain there.

[BTC141]

Don't kid yourself sister. You ask a pro to go to school to learn to read and write so that she can get a job making nine dollars an hour or give a blow job for $50 bucks an hour and they will always go back to the street because the money is undeniable regardless of all the jerks waiting to hurt them. I'm a Humanitarian but I'm also a realist.

[JillnRe]

Who was that guy at 0:25..

Please reply. xD

[mammadjoonjooni]

Poor video !

[jimkennedy369]

I know,,, kill the dealer, and get off the rock, and get a new start, and a fridge. Hah!!

[linuxrules04]

"Who can afford a condo if the Olympics push the price up?" Great argument... not! Nobody ask them to live there if they can't afford it. Millions live elsewhere because they can't afford downtown. That's just the BS they tell each other because they are looking for excuses. Nobody likes to be a loser and admit it, not even ppl on E Hastings. She says Alberta is much easier. Well, why is she trying to live in DT Vancouver, BC??? Things don't add up.

[NanoVIII]

Its like people that go to casino and loses all their money. They know the consequences of going there. We could tell them a million time, dont go there youll be cheated, but hey they don't listen and woops..money gone. their fault, their problem, find your own path of solutions. DO SOMETHING

and it's not a question of securing, its a correction.

[TDOTVITO]

whats so bad about this street? life on this street is heaven, look how nice it is... you people should go to toronto/gta(greater toronto area) and see what goes on there.

[maddpiklz48]

Yeah, TDOT, Toronto is fucking HARD. Better watch out you might get shot. Fucking idiot. And thanks for reminding me what GTA stands for.

[SharpSho0ter99]

dude, check yo facts, toronto is the fuckin safest metropolitan city in canada and almost all NA. Toronto is just a bunch of guys that think their hard cus they wear red and live in affordable housing. Just google it man. Toronto = Safest/ lowest crime in Canada. TORONTO = SAFEST/ LOWEST CRIME RATE IN CANADA!!!! and for ur population ur crime rate is nothin. Ur population is like twice the size of GVA and has like half the crime of GVA. Vancouver is a drug war/dealen/gang bangin/pimpin, block.

[Poler777]

It doesn't really matter how much money you give druggies. They will just use it to get drugs. Trust me, I've had heavy druggies in my family, you can treat them like gold, and they will fuck you over for the drugs. If you give abusers $3000 a month to live on, they will spend 100% of that on drugs. A hard truth is that, if she's a street whore, she makes MORE than $3K a month, and ALL of that money goes to drugs. Normal, non drug abusers, could benefit more from the government help.

[asislast1982]

sad sad sad...iv spent some time in that area..its horribly sad.i have compassion for these people on one hand,on the other i have fear...this woman is addicted to crack cocaine,she has nothing in the way of income house etc,she has hepatitis and AIDS,she most likely prostitutes to support her addictions,infecting others.

and shes just one Human being out of many in that nieghborhood who sing the same song.somthing has to be done.They need help!

[thomas242007]

so how did that area of canada get to that point?? was it hard drugs or somthing did it??

[holcur]

yes the dealers corrupted the area

[BTC141]

alot of the homeless and drug addicted in the Main and Hastings area don't wanna leave or work. Alot of them enjoy the street life with all of its highs and lows. They run around and steal and fuck other people over constantly. My wife works in the D.T.E.S. and she sees them kill each other over crumbs.

[ilucanada]

Canada is one of the most richest countries in the world, but still there are so many homeless people there, and i wonder how rich the rest of the countries are :( ...

[dickmorrison]

the ultimate destination for any homeless person in Canada is Vancouver cause of the weather, every big city has a homeless problem sad but true

[michaeljpwalshkk]

Stayed a week in downtown Vancouver. Visually its a beautiful city in a beautiful setting. However, we were not prepared for the amount of panhandling that goes on in Vancouver. Ive never seen anything close to it in any other city in Canada, Europe or the U.S. The effects of drugs on this city is really sad. We drove down Hastings at night and it was shocking. I don't claim to have all the facts behind this phenomenon or any answers. I'm just giving my view of downtown Vancouver as a tourist.

[BEERandWEED]

Yes, you will have a fridge and a stove in you low cost housing, and yet, you will not be using them because 96% of time because you will be smoking crack.

If you want to get clean, get healthy, work, does'nt matter what kind, the government should DEFFINATELY provide you with something

[saraj12]

we drove through here the other day out of curiosity and all I can say is holy fuck!! that place is of its head.

[AWDracer]

Fridge and Stove costs money. If they didn't spend their money on drugs and the "hard life", they'd probably be able to afford those and then they could "feel better".

I've talked to poor people and I agree with some of them so that doesn't make me a complete elitist. What's the point in these videos? Are they made to illustrate your hate for the government "inaction" on homelessness the DTES?

[divinenobody]

its not that the fridge and stove cost money... there is enough money to provide the basic necessities for everyone. drug addiction is a dis-ease, these people need the support of the community... on all levels; financially, physically, emotionally, etc.

the point of these videos is to simply show what is. it is human interest. i am not spinning anything, i do not have hatred towards anyone. this is her story, and i was humbled by her lifes experience. and was grateful that she shared it.

[AWDracer]

Good response.

I think I know what she means by "fridge and stove" - she meant that on a grander scale than just simply these two, but it's just that those two are arguably the most basic appliances in a home, in which she has none in her's. A man who was around the poverty level talked to me about how none of the politicians are good - and he's got a point - all of them are into how they will be voted in next term. The current system, as it is, does little to change the status quo in life.

[yaiknowscrewme]

Its not a disease..its a choice!!I beat heroin i think i know

[BEERandWEED]

Notice how the only ones that a dis-eased are the ones that have tried drugs?

[rypat34]

I say its their fault,they got into that position. They didn't go to school and most likely did drugs, and they complain about how they have no home and blame the governemnt. Ironic.

[Coffeegirl28]

I wish it were that simple! My mom wound up living the last few years of her life on the streets of hastings. She witnessed her mother kill herself at 14 and no one helped her threw the trauma. I think is cracks that lead to ppl being broken.

[divinenobody]

oh coffee girl... that is a sad story. may you find within you, the faith and hope of better days... and the love that heals you in every way!

[divinenobody]

it is not a fault, it is a disease... why is this incideous illness so prevalent? not everyone fits into the box we are all expected to fit into... and those who don't often end up on the fringes... and life happens. no blame... just compassion, and doing what we can to make positive change. life is worth more than a $ amount... or a sporting event.

[gnomit]

your stupid and ignorant. many of these people grew up in fucked up homes with mothers who were drug addict prostitutes and fathers who raped and beat them. See how u would turn out if that's all you knew of the world since u were born.

[holcur]

not all came from that, but i see your point, alot come from rich homes n just try the drug n are hooked, its their decision. I know lots of people who have had terrible lives at home but never turned out a drug addict and on the streets, i do feel for them though its a sad life :(

[TabithaxTerror]

Sad... but it's still a beautiful place!

i live here, (westside though)

[jeffreydean84]

One day You can have it all a business the next day You have a broken Dreams, broken a Life

[areal99]

i spent about 4 days on the streets in vancouver, and my bestfriend at the time stayed their, and still is their.

it made me realize alot about life, and i met some pretty amazing people who all looked out for one another, i thought it was pretty cool,yeah sure they dont have homes, they have problems , we all have problems their dealing with theirs in different ways with drug use etc. down talking them doesnt help, you have to be understanding and if you cant, dont go to that part of van.

[vannessia]

Victoria is better... minus the fact that they are putting a needle exchange for them across to a school like thats harsh. you know what i don't get either is its like its ok for them to have a needle exchange and walk around and do these drugs. but pot smokers get the canned for being like a crack user or whatever.

[silkyballs96]

Vancouver is full of bums because the weather there is nice, there's lots of drugs (port city), and people are generally pretty liberal, especially compared to neighbouring Hellberta. Then again, Seattle has very similar characteristics but not half the problem Vancouver does. Seattle is paradise compared to Van.

The problem in Vancouver is fucking ridiculous!

[rosey4skin]

Then move!

[dan153326]

WHATEVER! There is no reason for people to be homeless in Vancouver! What a bunch of SHITE! You Canadians have social security, universal health care, an extremely liberal government and more land than you could possibly use! If these people want to put their drugs before their own lives and their families, then I say let Darwin's theory do it's work!... See, problem solved even before the Beijing Olympics lat alone your winter Olympics... and don't dare get me started on Tibet!!!

[rosey4skin]

"You Canadians"  So you aren't from here? The greatest country in the universe?

[eastvanmike]

noblejames111 you are full of shit. I hope

you suffer an injury or illness, that's

all it takes to end up down of the DTES. Fuck You

[Jessskater1]

i been down there..horrible experiance..luckly i was in car,i saw crack users homless with carts(even own made carts)people sleeping till 5:00 pm.If you go down there dont go to the bottle depot unless ur in a car!

[babbalabba]

your a pussy

[rosey4skin]

A big sloppy pussy!

[rosey4skin]

Candy Ass! come down there with ME anytime of the day or night, I will hold on to your hand so you won't be scared!

Signed-A girl!

[cinepie]

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO KEEP SOMEONE HEALTHY IN A GOVERMENT HEALTH FACILITY....MORE THAN $500.00 A MONTH ?........

The Goverments of CANADA = steal rob and cheat Disabled CANADIANS./ Comment ?

[LakerGirl4Life]

im from van, but im from West van. so luckily theres none of that shit happening . i think canada is stupid though. so .yeah. l.a is where its at!!!

[fleshprop9]

Yep. i've seen her around. I saw her in a doc about our 'hood before. Humanity's greatest sin is Poverty.

[ssshmin]

if u knew their past n u'll know why they're the way they are. We just got our cousin and aunty out of there.

[noblejames111]

Give them each $1000.00 as compensation, hopefully they will all OD and do us a major favor before the 2010 Winter games come to town.

You should not go down in that part of town with a handycam like that. I AM SURPRISED you were not hit over the head and robbed for your Handycam. mind you, if you feel sorry for those freaks..then maybe you need to be hit over the head with a rather large cement brick and knock some sense into you.

[necroxeon]

You are an idiot noblejames111

[Lovemelikeareptile]

first off, if your mom had lung cancer but refused to stop smoking, would you buy her a box of cigars to speed up the process or try your best to get her to quit? the difference between that scenario and some homeless junky is that you don't know or care about the junky... but they are people as well

[Wii4me]

On sunday, the streets in the downtown area were just crowded with homeless people with shopping carts, drug dealers, and people doing drugs right in front of us. Like this young man was smoking something out of a glass pipe. Its so sad.

[fordxg]

Its so sad.?

[phound2007]

Make it illegal to be homeless. Force these people to get help for thier problems, they obviously can't fend for themselfs. They need treatment and to get some basic life skills back. I know it sounds communist but when a person is hurting themselfs the law should step in as they do with suicide. They need medical care and education not free injection sites and free crack pipes.GET A GRIP.

[zowert21]

So everyone would have to pay for these pieces of shits to go to counseling and put them in housing. Smart.

[itscooltobeyou]

i completely agree phound2007. Instead of fueling the problem. Solve it.

[smurfyluvsboo]

I know CJ, She was is one of my good friends. I've been in recovery for 5 weeks, left Van on Dec 8, we said our good-byes the day before I left. CJ my girl you're in my thoughts often and in my prayers always, stay strong and stay safe. Miss u

[markncurby]

does any body seen brandy star on the street is she in jail pretty girl but shes good husler watch your back pockets and your heart

[markncurby]

hasting street is the last resort to go try calgary lots ofabusive poele there i i got cot up in trap all sa girl like to do is find a mark they like to convince you they love you mean while there checking out your bankaccuont someare stuck in a lfestyle cycle and are traped by it but otrhers injoy the hussel

[markncurby]

ok correction i meet CJ at the cagary mustaed seed several years ago and heard from george supposivly she has died since last seen also i picked agirl years ago in the frazer cannon years ago hithhiking does any body know

[broduersuxballs]

yeah and our miltary and health care are used by people who need it and use it, I've been down here for 14 years now and seen the rights of upstanding residents here trampled on because "these people need help" give them the help if they use it, if not, lock them up

[broduersuxballs]

these people are given so many opportunities it makes me sick and they do't use them or abuse them. tax payers have to front millions of dollars a year to "provide" these people with programs that they don't use. Drop the programs and put the money into law enforcement and corrections.

[divinenobody]

how much does "Canada" canada spend on military and a health care system that thrives on sickness rather than prevention? billions.

what are we securing? are we securing people? hmmmmmmmm.

[NanoVIII]

I feel sorry for them, but on the otherhand they should try and help themself. If some programs are there, they should move themself and go get some help.

let me ask you a question, why do we have to feel responsible for them? we pay our taxes, and they don't (or mostly) we work 40hours a week while they are blasting themself with drugs! I'd say if they dont want to get help by THEMSELF then it can't be help. it's their problem not ours.

[holcur]

agreed. Can't help someone who refuses help.

[gradgirl09]

With that attitude, the poor will just keep getting poorer. Those people need us, whether we like it or not. We, as human beings, have to help them. We were made to serve. If we still can't help them after we tried our best, then and only then can we say it's done. Nothing more is possible here. Some of those people were born into it. They can't help it. It's hard to get out if you're already in it.

[broduersuxballs]

build a gated comunity on the water and lock them all up in there. You should lose your rights when you break the law and infringe on other peoples right to a safe living.

[divinenobody]

wouldn't it be much more compassionate to want to provide opporuties for these people to heal what is a sickness? they are suffering deeply. many of them do not even have access to toilets or clean water. no matter how they got there, they do not need punishment.

the system of distorted values places sporting events and the bottom line above people. but most people want to see their brothers and sisters healed.

[markmarkecw]

ive meet cj from calgary mustartd seed all so about 10 yeasrs agoo i picked up a cj hithchiking in the frazer canyon ive heard she has sice passed away is this the same hirl we miss you cj

[divinenobody]

thanks for sharing this info... i had been on the lookout for her for the past few months but never seen her. i pray her new life be full and healed.

[mparis01]

this is cj ihave seen the video that is cool there is so much about me that could be written into a book well if you ever want to talk again find me at the balmoral hotel room # 420 real name charlene w take care and be good cj out later

[therealdjfrost]

launch them into space then lower taxes for the rest of us

[AndyTech07]

lock them in a room listening to gordon cambell speeches and then get them hired as dishwashers for 2010.

[kseko]

yeah. lower cost housing. or how about not doing drugs? i see what you're trying to do with these videos and i feel your compassion for these people, but i don't think lower cost housing would solve much. you might have less people actually living on the streets, but they'd still be addicted and doing their drugs in their low cost apartments. these people need to find their sense of purpose in life.