Would love to get your thoughts on the homeless situation of Las Vegas (and America in general) -- as this is a growing issue nationwide. My goal in making this video was to humanize the tunnel residents of Las Vegas, and let them use my platform as a place to share their own personal stories and struggles. I appreciate you watching this story and I look forward to reading your comments, suggestions and opinions!
As someone who has lived in a number of cities across America and currently lives in Las Vegas, the homelessness issue in Vegas is the worst I have ever seen. A ton of homeless people on the strip at night, and downtown all day long. As for America this has become a major issue and something needs to be done to fix it. Either we need to arrest these people and put them in jail or build places for them to go to. These people are flooding the streets with trash, drugs, crime etc.
Stop claiming nobody knows about these people. Las Vegas knows exactly what it has been doing to its poor and homeless. They have all the money in the world to fix the problem but corporate greed has left them forgotten or worse they’ve been criminalized just for being poor.
That bald guy with the tattoos worked at the rehab I was in. He gave me a bunch of clothes and had respect for everyone. Thanks so much man I hope you see this.
@RobBanghart is his name/channel. He wrote a comment near the very top, thanking Drew for going out there. Hope you're doing well. Super proud of you!! It takes a butt-load of determination & pain to get through. Legend 🙌🏽💖
Very true!! Not all homeless people are bad, they are human and have feelings too. Some are actually genuine people going through bumps along their journey
I'm currently homeless in the UK and try to stay away from central areas when I sleep. I make sure to shower and wear clean clothes daily to avoid appearing homeless. What people don’t often realize about homelessness is how draining it is; you wake up constantly worried about the risk of being mugged. stay strong.
@@1visitante If I move to another country, I’ll be without any rights. My country made the unfortunate decision to leave the EU, so I’m left with just three options: Ireland, Scotland, or England. However, I’m gradually working on resolving my homelessness issue.
Many of these people were once children full of opportunity and dreams. This could happen to anyone, it only takes a few wrong decisions, mental health issues or a devastating event. I hope that they get the support they need. As always, thank you Drew. ❤️
That assumes that every ones childhood is positive, safe, with love, secure etc etc, some people’s childhoods are so rough they never get to have a dream or opportunities afforded to them.
99% of them, put themselves there. Why should people donate to the same people who spend their days, begging robbing and stealing to get their drug fix, None of them have an interest in being sober. It's sad that they live like this, but it was their own actions, people need to stop acting like they are helpless children.
@uglyraff9313 most? I am recovering from depression and anxiety. I have never been addicted to anything. So, I would just be discarded then because of a false statistic? Which is about 50% by the way. Half of the people you would just say tough luck? And the other half? How do you know what led them down that path? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Congrats! Same situation. I had to make a drastic change in my own lifestyle to climb out of the gutter. Alot of homeless people are addicts and just want drugs and will never get better. It doesn't matter how much money/food/clothes people give them, unless they wanna change, they never will.
This is probably one of the best videos I've seen of this nature. Both being respectful of the homeless while also treating them as people rather than a hazard. Great job
That's one of the reasons I love Drew's videos as well. No matter where he goes he's very respectful and not judgemental towards the people in his videos❤
Great video! I have gone in the tunnels with Shine A Light a few times. The people who run the organization are absolutely incredible. They bring supplies every Saturday morning, building relationships and trust while addressing almost every person by name. They offer real help without pressure and keep coming back to check on their friends underground. The people they serve know they can call Shine A Light whenever they are ready for a second chance. If you are touched by this video and want to do more, consider donating to their organization directly. In just the first six months of this year, 268 people have accepted their help. ❤️
How many have stayed out of the tunnels, stayed sober , stopped being homeless? I’m asking because some people accept help, then fall back onto the street life , over and over again. I genuinely hope those help stay off the street .
@@teresahiggs4896 it’s very likely a small %. Mark Leita, who runs the Soft Underbelly channel where he interviews a lot of ppl on Skidrow in LA, said less than 1% of the ppl he’s interviewed and given help to, actually stayed clean.
yup they need some incentive and desire to look forward to. and if everyone treats them like crap they will stay hopeless and not want to do anything or take any effort to bring themselves out of their lifestyles. cause they believe they deserve the way they live, since everyone treats them like trash. it's good that groups like that don't push too much too soon and try to force people to do things. nobody can help anyone who doesn't want help. showing them that not everyone is crap is the only way to get them to look forward to waking up.
El Valor que tienen estas personas que consiguieron salir de los túneles y ahora ayudan a los que continuan en ellos , me ha dejado sin palabras , son heroes . Personas que han escapado del Hades y vuelven a recuperar almas de el . mis bendiciones con vosotros . Podria habernos tocado a cualquiera de nosotros .
You guys are amazing! I want to help out. How can I? I guess look up your organization…please guide me if there’s any other advice. If you say it at the end of the video, my bad…not finished yet.
exzactly....ive lost a child and i can totally see his situation i just wanted to shrink away from everyone i still have a hard time 4 years later being around people especially family...
I went to middle school with the silver jacket in the first tunnel entrance his name is John, so sad to see him like that, he was always a really fun friend, so funny and so out going, such a cool person to be around. It sucks to see him like that, sadly he got introduced to drugs at an early age. I hope he can find some help and better himself he still has time he can’t be any older than 22
This government has billions to pay for other countries wars, but they can't help these Americans, we have closed military bases which could be used to sober these folks up and help employ them! If they were illegals they'd have a EBT CARD.
I’m a dealer at a casino in Vegas. I’ve had a homeless guy play at my table. He was telling me about his life before he became homeless. He was a brilliant kid in school he was even on his way of getting a scholarship but he was hanging around the wrong people that introduced him to drugs. I hope he’s alright wherever he is. Some of them are actually good people. Thank you for sharing this video. Most people see them as a nuisance but you show in your video that they’re human just like us, just with different burdens.
@@iainlee4274 maybe they gamble in hopes of winning a jackpot or to double up or lose their money real quick, it’s not that deep. Don’t tell me you’re actually surprised that homeless people go to casinos to gamble.
They make their OWN burdens! Playing at your table? Where did he get his money? Did he smell and wear tattered clothing like the one's in this video? Many are MASTER manipulators and lie a good story.
Everyone has a story about how they became homeless. A guy lives in the woods beside a bridge by my house and Ive stopped to give him food and water before when passing by. I noticed him at 3 AM sitting by the bridge railing while picking my husband up from night shift at work. We stopped to check on him and he said he was starving. We drove him to our house and I went inside and made him some spaghetti, bread and brownies that id made earlier in the day. He was so thankful and we talked for a while. His home burned down with his wife and children along with it. You could see the hurt in his facecand hear the pain in his voice. He lost everything he had and loved in one moment that turned his life upside down. My heart breaks for him. I know people are leary of displaced people because some are bad but theres more good than bad out there, especially now. You never know what life has in store for you. Always try to be kind.
@@user-tu4qg1hq1i They do not where I live. The only place that served food to our homeless was torn down 6 months ago. They are trying to deter anymore vagrants from coming to our area. Some places give government funding but not in Pascagoula, Ms. Churches are the only help our displaced get other than people on the community.
What a strange contrast between the casinos above and the tunnels below , such a dicotomy , a symptom of a deeply fractured society..................The guy from Hawaii is such a mavrick! I really wish the best for him and everyone living in these situations. Drew, you did a great job in shining a light and fighting the dehumaisation and demonisation of the addicts , the homeless, the downtrodden and forgotten outcasts.
When I was living in Vegas for 6 years I always thought it was strange to see billion dollar casinos right next to housing complexes and Hughes encampments of huge encampments of homeless people. It's so crazy most people that visit Vegas will never see that, I always tell people that visit Vegas don't go off the strip after it gets dark. There's a lot of bad stuff going on,
This made me cry dude. The fact that homeless man with a missing eye has no ID to even collect his cash. He doesn't even care. These ppl are in terrible shape.
I lived for 6 years in Las Vegas and had no idea there were people living under the streets until after I moved away. Truly out of sight, out of mind. So sad.
I knew…I think I only knew because I lived in the Arts District…very close to the strip and tons of homelessness despite the city’s efforts to gentrify the area. If I lived in other parts of the city…it probably would have been different for me. It was depressing…and even more depressing to see people you used to bring McDonald’s to while they slept are still sleeping on the streets when I visit. I saw so much in my 3 years there…but this video was well done and def sheds a light into a huge problem in Vegas and beyond
I was homeless in Vegas. Also in the midwest for 5.5yrs straight. Never done drugs. Worked 2 jobs during much of that time. Now have 4 houses, all paid off. 2 vehicles, paid off. Tough times don't last -- tough people *DO*.
So much brokenness it’s heartbreaking. What can we do to help? So devastating to watch. Pray for God to open up ways for all, to leave darkness n enter into light.
@@amandamcmurray4964 Praying to God will always help. It may not change things overnight, but praying to God is always the right move. It saved me from alcohol addiction when almost everyone had pretty much given up on me. I quit alcohol in 1997 and only through the grace of God and my belief in his beloved son, Jesus Christ who died for all of our sins on the cross. Please get your hands on a KJV of the Bible and read it. I still read and re-read and I can tell you from my own personal experience that the only way to Heaven is through God, praying in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. I pray that you will heed my advice and pray for a miracle to happen in your life. It happened to me and I was in such despair and I was saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will do the same. Peace be to you.
My husband and I help homeless,let him stay in one of our rental property for free to help him We gave him food ,money the sad part is he stole from us and left .We won’t stop our kindness because of this .The Lord is always bless us .
This organization and that man are a beautiful thing! As a recovering heroin addict with 12 years clean I wish I had been in contact with an organization like this one that actually cared and showed empathy/sympathy. It’s nice that someone has made a video that actually shows people in addiction are human. We are not the scumbags people think we are. We all have family and friends who care and love us. Shine A Light keep doing what you’re doing! For anyone still sick and suffering from the hand of addiction, please get help, recovery is a beautiful thing!! I promise the grass the greener in recovery! ❤️❤️❤️
❤❤. I am proud of you. I have been clean for 12 years. watching this documentary makes my heart so very sad, 😢 . the man that's talking at around 9:45 ish where he says it's haunted and that there's real demons and that their blacker than black ( he is absolutely correct 💯) and when he was asked something about his worst experience there ! the guy said " the hauntings"!! 😮 it made me go cold, . 😮 what a tragic desperate toxic depressing place. . It's awesome that these guys go there and help them in which ever ways they can.
My Dear Lizziehody, 💘 I'm so so proud of you. As reading your comment brought tears to my eyes. I had a beloved friend that I lost who I miss dearly and think about and carry in my heart and memories. In the early days I really tried to help her and hoped that one day she would take it or do it on her own. That day didn't happen and now she is with the angels. It does leave an imprint on your own life when someone you love leaves you like that. Yes you move on with your life but you never ever forget the people that you loved so much. Thank you for your comment as in a way it brought back those beautiful memories that I shared with my friend. Thank you and keep up the awesome work that you are doing. It's absolutely wonderful to hear how well you are living your life. With love ❤and blessings 🙏
I was homeless between 2021-2023 in LA, California. I was getting away from domestic violence. I don’t do drugs, and I’m committed to healing my past trauma, from childhood all the way to age 38. Anyways, the shelters treated me like crap and now I have section 8 and I have a slum lord landlord who’s lying to receive so much money. I’m leaving this bug infested dump soon. I just graduated college and I’m going for my bachelors. I’m using my school loan money to get into a better place, the slum lord has already said she’s keeping my deposit and there’s not much I can do. The fact it’s been harder for me when I’m doing EVERYTHING they tell you to do and the system tried to drag me is CRAZY!
Take the landlord to court. The judges lean towards the renter, not the landlords. If they illegally took your deposit, you can try to get help through legal aid. Helping people get their deposits back is one of the primary services they offer. I know I used to volunteer at one. Get the help, they'll teach you how to do it and help you with the paper work, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing they will think twice before doing it to the next person,
Rob at Shine a Light humbled me. He doesn't judge, goes where most would avoid, is respectful and real. Excellent video, Drew and Crew. Really went above and beyond for this one.
They can only try to help themself because a) there is no God who will help them, b) no government who‘ll do something for them and c) no society who would help them.
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit. He quite literally is doing what you're commenting about..
I personally lived in a few tunnels out there charleston and nellis and a few other ones and i can tel you from personal experience that the bleakness and despair is absolutely unbelievable down there, i actually made it out through a suicide attempt at a wal mart because i couldnt take it anymore , and i can attest it is absolutely the craziest place I've ever been...it was beyond a miracle foe me to still be alive today because lots of people go insane down there fr
I love when the community, specially those who got out, go and try to rescue the rest. That's real compromise and tbh that's what made America great once: caring for your own neighbor, saving them for disgrace so they can pursuit the American Dream. "Shine a Light" you're part of those who carry on with the flame, God bless you.
I actually Met Jay (the guy in the thumbnail) 2 months ago. I shared his story on my TH-cam channel. I actually got his birth certificate from the vital checks. I have also tried contacting his family but no one got back to me. Jay is from a very good family. My goal is to get him out of the tunnel as soon as possible. I actually went again to Vegas to meet Jay on Jun 28th. I also hung out with him and talked about how he is doing and told him the good news that I got his birth certificate. He was very happy about it. Hopefully we will get his ID and get him out in no time. I'm looking for a place for him so he can stay there in the mean time. It was actually so hot outside as well as inside the tunnel i could not survive for 20 minutes. I love Jay hopefully he stays safe out there until we get his ID back to him. ❤
I was worried about him... something really tugged on my heart when I saw him in this video. I am beyond happy to know that you are trying to get him help❤❤❤
Bless you sir for helping out that person that needs just that help to change up his life and get shelter and his living needs , it takes times to do those things , you make time for the lost . God bless you and the many others that take the time to change one life at a time !
Addiction and homeless makes people feel uncomfortable. Its why its swept under the rug. Its a dark and sad part our society. I am 14 years clean but still stay in a program and I see the pain on peoples faces that are trying to get sober. Takes a real leap of faith to let yourself be vulnerable and recieve help. Great video shining a light on the darkness
@@suad01 Adults are responsible for their own decisions, but the decisions that people make under the influence of drugs aren't made in the same way that you make decisions because drugs change the way your brain functions of course this isn't an excuse for dangerous or criminal behavior. We understand that mental illnesses alter our ability to make rational decisions but we don't seem to recognize that addiction does too. That shift in decision-making is what separates an addict from a drug user. Addiction starts in the midbrain, it turns off the neurons that make up our pleasure and euphoria circuit and it floods the brain with dopamine, in the nucleus accumbens that dopamine triggers a wave of pure happiness, next it reaches the amygdala where it deactivates your fear center, wiping away any feelings of stress or anxiety. In response to this the brain creates less of its own dopamine so that when you're not using, you're depressed and the things that would normally bring you pleasure leave you feeling empty. When you try to stop using your brain turns on you. You feel sicker than you ever have, worse than the flu, worse than food poisoning, your eyes and nose water, your skin crawls as you vacillate between too hot and too cold, you vomit and have diarrhea, your head hurts and it aches deep in your joints, you can't get comfortable and you can't sleep and time goes by so slowly, and just as bad as any of that is what is happening in your brain. You feel emotionally empty and overwhelmed by depression and an anxiety that is emotional and physical. Your brain is searching your pathways for dopamine and there is none, it can't make it and you don't have any way to get it. The oldest, most reptilian part of our brain that controls fight or flight takes over, it bypasses the frontal lobe that is responsible for our moral and logic systems, and it's going to get dopamine one way or another and it's desperate. Now you're doing things you would normally never do, now you're discarding your own personal ethics, and you feel it happening and it scares you. Addiction has taken over and the person you were and wanted to be is receding and you want to hang on it, you try to hang on to it. I fought the urge to do terrible things and I'm glad that I did but it wasn't easy. I was young and no one knew what the opioid epidemic was, when my Dr prescribed me pills I didn't ask any questions. I've been sober for 10 years, making that decision was easy but following through wasn't.
@suad01 that's cute...life is just so black and white like that. All you gotta do is be successful and don't do drugs. Just like people that get Cancer...so stupid just don't get cancer am a right? 🤦
Has a British person I have travelled the world and seen homelessness everywhere even in my own country, but when I visited America I wasn’t expecting to see the amount of people who were homeless as I did, and questioned myself why the government is doing nothing about it for such a great country and people wanting to live the American dream, I hope all of these people find their way, including wherever they live in the world.. god bless America and god bless the rest of the world ❤
The government can only do so much, there is a street called A street, it's on the cross street with Washington avenue. They provide daily jobs there but a lot of homeless would prefer to just panhandle because it's easier money. My brother used to work for the post office on Las Vegas boulevard and lake Mead, there is a little door on the side of the post office called general delivery. Every 10 minutes homeless people would ask if their check came in the mail, most times it would be the same people. They just keep checking if their check have arrived so that they can buy drugs. Lots of provisions here for the homeless but unfortunately you can't help those who won't help themselves
You can't help someone who doesn't want it. I live in Portland, one of the worst cities in the US for homelessness due to the law that decimalized hard drug use. It destroyed the city, people don't want a home, a job, anything, they just want their next fix. They are addicted to drugs and until they are willing to change then the problem will never be fixed.
it’s because the government in America doesn’t actually care about any of its citizens, especially homeless people. they only care about the ones that fill their pockets the most. america is not a great country at all, to be honest.
Because it's not a great country. Our "greatness" is one of the greatest illusions ever pulled off. This country is the anthropomorphization of "greatness" while being a serfdom in disguise. The poor get poorer while the rich get richer. Thats why we're all being replaced by immigrants, so they can extract as much labor as possible for the least amount as possible. The servants are being rode harder and harder every day.
I have a VERY similar story to Rayna. Almost down to a tee. Same timeline as well… It really makes me happy to see someone else thriving after having gone through everything that they have. This organization is doing really good things. And drew, thank you for really shining a light on this topic. Been to Vegas a few times and never knew about the tunnels.
Thank you, Drew. I once knew a street person named Mary. She was a heroin addict. I found out her story, and the first responders could only take her to ER, sober her up and put her back on the streets. One night, they picked her up and put her in the local jail where she died that night. I found out later that a priest gave her a funeral. This was many years ago but the human cost has stayed with me. Thank you for this video. We are all people. No person is born into the world wanting to live in a tunnel forgotten by the world.
Ppl die in jail from w/d ,not taken to hospital. Years ago i saw ,the life of Ben ,i think it was called ,he was documeting his life and efforts,.the last vid was in the clinic he checked in to quit ,his heart stopped. RIP
So eye opening. Rob, I’m so happy you and many others got out and God Bless you all for the work you do. Drew, thank you for exposing this sad situation. All homelessness is sad. Especially for those that would like more in life.
24:00 bald Hawaiin dude!!! It just clicked!! I was at crossroads with this dude!!! Last year around July.!!! Glad to see he is still sober!! I am as well!!!! I just heard his name in the video Jesse! He would give me his cigarettes at crossroads because he didn’t smoke lol
That guy with one eye is a smart guy, given the chance he could hold down a job and get himself back on track. It is getting the chance to get clean and make a new start that must be so hard. My heart goes out to these people
I was homeless for 30 years, but not in a tunnel. I work every day and slept under trees and bushes at night. Got my Social Security and I have a place to live now I am 71.
@@ElioSch1423, em alguns aspectos é melhor. Pelo menos temos o SUS e vários outros programas sociais, os quais, embora não funcionem 100%, pelo menos funcionam, sendo um suporte básico e por vezes efetivo. Enfim, a diferença é que aqui no Brasil os programas sociais, mal ou bem e mesmo com desvios, sempre entram no orçamento público.
@@EliHeberoliveira O SUS e muito limitado. Nos estados unidos eles podem ganhar financial aid pra pagar hospital privado e e muito melhor. Os programas sociais do brasil servem so pra criar curral eleitoral, eles nunca tiram ninguem da pobreza.
God bless these people. This could be ANY one of us at any time. 😢🙏🏻 Where do they go when the rain and water starts flowing in? Do they just pack up real quick and get out? I’d be afraid of getting trapped and drowning. Lord help them, they’re somebody’s loved ones. 🙏🏻😢 Thank you for the work you do to help them. 💕
I’m born and raised in Vegas. We had the neighborhood homies that didn’t have a permanent home. They would get odd jobs and help out when they could. Of course for money, and it just sucked being a kid seeing a good person struggling constantly like they do. We had a man named Ike on the east side that was definitely suffering from mental health issues or something, but he was always doing his best, working hard and so nice. He passed a few years ago and everyone that knew him are part of a Facebook group that helped track him and made sure he had food and water. We still speak of him here and there in the group.
😂😢 yeah you wonder where the politicians are you wonder where Congress is you wonder where the president is you wonder huh 🤔🤔🤔🤔 I know if you call on Jesus I know where he is and he would help you if you really want help 🙏🙏😊
Oui et tellement vrai pour beaucoup d'entre nous !!!... Mon fils se démène pour trouver du travail, faire une formation, inscrit dans boîtes intérim, envoit candidatures et ce, depuis des années et Rien.. Rien😠... Aucun employeurs ne répondent🤬 Lui aussi dit la même chose que cet sdf😢 ... J'essaie de lui remonter le moral, de le soutenir et de le maintenir en vie en l'encourageant car n'y arrivant pas... il me dit souvent qu'il préférerait mourir car il n'y a rien pour lui sur cette terre 😢😢💔💔😩 Et ici en France, aucunes institutions, associations pour aider les jeunes !!! C'est du vécu donc je sais ce que je dis !! Tout est fait pour descendre au plus bas, ceux qui se retrouvent au chômage sans être indemnisés et pourtant acharnés a s'en sortir et bosseur !!
Ex addict and homeless here, sober and off the streets 6 years now. When Rob said “don’t wait too long” and “offer never goes away” I got a huge lump in my throat. A lot of organizations in my area has an expiration date and they won’t wait for anyone so there’s more people that are likely to give up on that help. Help has to be there at all times so you know you’re not truly alone and if you decided in the middle of the night that the time to get help is now you need to be able to make that call to access that help because that feeling of needing to stay sober could change the next minute or with the next let down, which for an addict or homeless person that happens fast and often. Life is unpredictable when you’re stuck in that situation and you don’t know what’s gonna go down or where it might take you.
1st of all each and evry person as an individual has to be willing to help itself you cant help those who refuse it or find that there is nothing wrong
@@whitecrow984agreed. The rest of us can't always be on call to help those that don't want it. Luckily they have tunnels to live in away from the rest of us that do want to follow the rules.
I usually dont comment, but I think that you need to help this guy Jay with the gunshot wound. I'm from Croatia, and we dont have this kind of homelesness in our capital so when ive watched him talking and he is so smart person with a lot of potential but has no one to get him on the right path. I believe that through your community online, we can get this man out and help him to stand on his feet and push him so he can live more than 10 years. Please, dont let him die. Best regards from Zagreb, Croatia
Moeron what r u thanking him for,like u f Americans don't know for homeless people.Acting all surprised they existing, stop that BS don't donate nothing that guy gonna steal all money!!!
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit.
@@dr.vivian4277 Nobody is angry, it's just kinda cringe and ironic that the jewish guy that's already known to be a grifter is doing even more to shit on his reputation
@@yikes710 What does him being Jewish have to do with *_ANYTHING?_* ? And why are you so hateful .. spamming the same hate-filled comment all over here?
Being homeless is hard enough without all the heckling from others. Not all homeless people are bad. I've been there. I feel for these people. I'm so thankful I'm not in this position anymore. Good vibes for those who are in this position
Having personally served the folks on the Vegas streets and below, I wish there were more awareness on this. Thank you for the video and the courage to go underground.
I was humbled after watching this. I hope you could help these people especially the "seniors" in this situation to have a better place out of the dark and danger down there.
❤❤❤❤to my fellow brothers and sisters sheltering in the dark. We see you. We ❤you and we know you’re hurting. Shine a Light is truly caring for our forgotten family.
Watching this video was a powerful experience. It reminded me that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves dignity and respect. No one should feel less valued. To the people in the video, please know that you are thought of and not ignored. Kudos to the producer for shedding light on this important issue.
This is one of my favorite videos I've watched of you yet. You did a great job allowing the people to tell their stories in such a raw and genuine way. It's hard to find that these days. As someone who lives in America and has only seen the homeless population get worse since I was a kid in my area alone. Shine a Light is going about it the right way. Treating people with empathy is the true answer to this crisis.
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit.
This video hit me really hard. I’ve seen tunnel videos, but none of recent, and none this raw. So many of these videos are so dramatized, but you really humanized the tunnels and show humans who are suffering. I grew up in Vegas. I lost my mom three years ago from addiction. She was loved ones who never lost hope away from ending up here. It could have been her. I replayed that line in my head watching this. It’s people’s dads, sons, daughters and mothers down there. I pray for each and every one of them!!!!
I always felt a very dark energy in Vegas. I lived there from 4 years old to 15, and I am grateful to God every day that I left. That place is truly sin city.
I'm Brazilian, and here getting things is difficult and very hard work, many people I know dream of going to the USA or Europe to have better opportunities, to live with more dignity. But observing other nations I realized that the so-called first world countries have these absurd things too, that if we don't fit into this false system, it destroys us, you know! I don't know, we have to fight to improve around us, change our frequency. Drugs and many other things unfortunately keep human beings away from the real purpose that I believe is evolution, my feelings for your mother, and for the things that have happened in her life. I also believe that this city has a terrible energy for anyone. I hope you are well and prosper in all areas of your life, because I believe that we are children of God, and he wants to see us happy, but he also respects our own free will!
I'm both surprised and amazed that the people who have commented have not written; "get a job.!" "You did it to yourself, so don't expect anything from me" Anyone who has ended up like this deserves it!"They could have done something about it when they had the time" They don't need us to help, what they need is a kick in the butt!" "Shame on you, I'd never end up like this" etc. I'm impressed with the spirit of compassion and empathy that has taken place, instead of the typical offenses that used to be given without a thought to people who they, claim to be bums. Maybe there's hope?
Man, that last guy reminded me way to close to someone I know at home who could totally be on that path of homelessness if he doesn’t get it together. Thank you for making this video. It’s hard to know how to help these people when it starts with them accepting they need the help. I hope the world can fix this crisis!
I am a very grateful to God for almost 7 yrs of sobriety...it was incredibly eye-opening to see and hear these tragic stories...thank you bro for giving them a way out...
Thank God for Shine a Light! My brother was homeless for 3 years and an organization helped him get into an apartment and furnish that apartment. In order to help the homeless we need to find out WHY the person is homeless. This organization that helped my brother helped me to help him. I now know how to get to the resources he needs. Part of our society's problems is there is NOT enough done for the mentally unstable. Handing out psych pills for free to these people helps in a way but only if the person takes the meds regularly and consistently.
just not a laser light! seriously though, you could be my sister talking about me, if i didn't live on the other side of the sea. it is disgusting if not wicked that we allow people to shine lasers in their eyes 'because it helps me feel better' than get them the professional help they so clearly need.
Dude with the one eye seem very lucid and coherent. When spoke on demons down there they tried to change the subject real quick. Even the smart treasure hunter at the end spoke on the spooky stuff down there. Some people demon are worst then others and I have no doubt that things goes down in the tunnels that are unexplainable. I live in Vegas and I am fortunate enough to come out of homelessness. I still have my demons and I pray that everyone one of the tunnel people find hope again. God bless them All. We are all human at the end of the day. And even tho I'm in a shitty apartment, I'm still Grateful. I bet your life doesn't look as bad after watching this huh?... God Bless ♡
Been homeless off and on since i was a teenager. I always got a job and come out of homelessness. Having good roommates is helpful for overcoming homelessness. Finding a good church helps as well. Cleaning up after yourself when you're homeless is crucial to staying healthy, clean and sober.
![ง้อ (ALRIGHT) - FOURTH Prod. by URBOYTJ [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qs8ZeV6Dqj8/mqdefault.jpg)
Would love to get your thoughts on the homeless situation of Las Vegas (and America in general) -- as this is a growing issue nationwide. My goal in making this video was to humanize the tunnel residents of Las Vegas, and let them use my platform as a place to share their own personal stories and struggles. I appreciate you watching this story and I look forward to reading your comments, suggestions and opinions!
Do you still live in the tunnels under new york?
Be very careful, I
Know you’ve been around but don’t take it for granted.😂
@@drewbinsky thank you 👍
As someone who has lived in a number of cities across America and currently lives in Las Vegas, the homelessness issue in Vegas is the worst I have ever seen. A ton of homeless people on the strip at night, and downtown all day long. As for America this has become a major issue and something needs to be done to fix it. Either we need to arrest these people and put them in jail or build places for them to go to. These people are flooding the streets with trash, drugs, crime etc.
Stop claiming nobody knows about these people. Las Vegas knows exactly what it has been doing to its poor and homeless. They have all the money in the world to fix the problem but corporate greed has left them forgotten or worse they’ve been criminalized just for being poor.
That bald guy with the tattoos worked at the rehab I was in. He gave me a bunch of clothes and had respect for everyone. Thanks so much man I hope you see this.
@RobBanghart is his name/channel. He wrote a comment near the very top, thanking Drew for going out there.
Hope you're doing well. Super proud of you!! It takes a butt-load of determination & pain to get through. Legend 🙌🏽💖
"I hate being hated by everyone for what other people have done" "Not all homeless people are bad" broke my heart.
They're very manipulative people and complete liars.
The drug addict squatters that steal to support a meth/opiods Habbit are the law breaking scourge.
I bet that’s how black people feel.. being judged by others shortcomings because of skin tone being lumped together..does that break your heart too?
Very true!! Not all homeless people are bad, they are human and have feelings too. Some are actually genuine people going through bumps along their journey
@@thawkins9999 but alot are bad and make everything dirty]
I'm currently homeless in the UK and try to stay away from central areas when I sleep. I make sure to shower and wear clean clothes daily to avoid appearing homeless. What people don’t often realize about homelessness is how draining it is; you wake up constantly worried about the risk of being mugged. stay strong.
Yes, it is.
Que a sua situação melhore, se esse país é mto caro procure outro para vc viver.
@@1visitante If I move to another country, I’ll be without any rights. My country made the unfortunate decision to leave the EU, so I’m left with just three options: Ireland, Scotland, or England. However, I’m gradually working on resolving my homelessness issue.
I'm so sorry you have to live through a low situation ❤😢 I hope it gets better very soon, and I'm rooting for you ❤❤❤❤ sending you all the love❤❤❤
Also please stay safe ❤
I feel for the guy who lost his kids.. very sad. I can understand how that would push you off into the deep end. Stay strong brother 💪
Many of these people were once children full of opportunity and dreams. This could happen to anyone, it only takes a few wrong decisions, mental health issues or a devastating event. I hope that they get the support they need. As always, thank you Drew. ❤️
That assumes that every ones childhood is positive, safe, with love, secure etc etc, some people’s childhoods are so rough they never get to have a dream or opportunities afforded to them.
Funny you can get naloxone for free in almost every single city on this country but God forbid you need some insulin
99% of them, put themselves there. Why should people donate to the same people who spend their days, begging robbing and stealing to get their drug fix, None of them have an interest in being sober. It's sad that they live like this, but it was their own actions, people need to stop acting like they are helpless children.
Most people suffering with mental health, is a direct impact from their drug use.
@uglyraff9313 most? I am recovering from depression and anxiety. I have never been addicted to anything. So, I would just be discarded then because of a false statistic? Which is about 50% by the way. Half of the people you would just say tough luck? And the other half? How do you know what led them down that path? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
I’ve been there myself! Clean for 15 years and it’s a miracle
That's wonderful!😊 What a blessing to hear that!
Congrats! Same situation. I had to make a drastic change in my own lifestyle to climb out of the gutter. Alot of homeless people are addicts and just want drugs and will never get better. It doesn't matter how much money/food/clothes people give them, unless they wanna change, they never will.
God bless you!! I’m going through it as well
@kristinbeverencallado7827 Yeah only because you had to face some grim hard truths about yourself. That's no miracle. It's called honest insight
They should clean the place up. Then they woulldnt pick at each other because they would be too busy.
Wow I had cold chills when Drew came out of last tunnel with wet feet and said what am I complaining about those people have literally nothing. So sad
That man from “shine a light” is a beautiful human being. So genuine. I can feel how much he cares.
This is probably one of the best videos I've seen of this nature. Both being respectful of the homeless while also treating them as people rather than a hazard. Great job
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
That's one of the reasons I love Drew's videos as well. No matter where he goes he's very respectful and not judgemental towards the people in his videos❤
@@LoLoLifeinFlorida Dude he is just pretending,he wants to make money of homeless people,he is f liar!!!
Easy to do when it's gonna get you a nice paycheck.
Dude shut tf up, stop ur BS, what f respect he giving them.He is pretender he doesn't care for them!!!
Great video! I have gone in the tunnels with Shine A Light a few times. The people who run the organization are absolutely incredible. They bring supplies every Saturday morning, building relationships and trust while addressing almost every person by name. They offer real help without pressure and keep coming back to check on their friends underground. The people they serve know they can call Shine A Light whenever they are ready for a second chance. If you are touched by this video and want to do more, consider donating to their organization directly. In just the first six months of this year, 268 people have accepted their help. ❤️
How many have stayed out of the tunnels, stayed sober , stopped being homeless? I’m asking because some people accept help, then fall back onto the street life , over and over again. I genuinely hope those help stay off the street .
Out of how many thousands!??😢
@@teresahiggs4896 it’s very likely a small %. Mark Leita, who runs the Soft Underbelly channel where he interviews a lot of ppl on Skidrow in LA, said less than 1% of the ppl he’s interviewed and given help to, actually stayed clean.
yup they need some incentive and desire to look forward to. and if everyone treats them like crap they will stay hopeless and not want to do anything or take any effort to bring themselves out of their lifestyles. cause they believe they deserve the way they live, since everyone treats them like trash. it's good that groups like that don't push too much too soon and try to force people to do things. nobody can help anyone who doesn't want help. showing them that not everyone is crap is the only way to get them to look forward to waking up.
@@ian.swift.31614 they deserve the opportunity to get help, IF they seek it. The problem is most refuse to give up drugs
El Valor que tienen estas personas que consiguieron salir de los túneles y ahora ayudan a los que continuan en ellos , me ha dejado sin palabras , son heroes . Personas que han escapado del Hades y vuelven a recuperar almas de el . mis bendiciones con vosotros . Podria habernos tocado a cualquiera de nosotros .
Prayers to all these people
Thanks for coming out Drew it was great to spend the time with you and thanks for covering the work we do!
You’re a legend Rob thanks for everything !!!
You’re a saint bro respect everything you do
Thanks for what you do! Upstate NY and Kensington needs more people like you
You guys are amazing! I want to help out. How can I? I guess look up your organization…please guide me if there’s any other advice. If you say it at the end of the video, my bad…not finished yet.
Big up man!
Oh the man who lost both his children broke my heart 😔 you truly have no idea what people have gone through.
@@AC-PNW exactly!
exzactly....ive lost a child and i can totally see his situation i just wanted to shrink away from everyone i still have a hard time 4 years later being around people especially family...
I’m pretty sure that guy is a liar. His stories are over the top. “ I sold homeless sign for $400” you can tell he is a pathological liar
@22:14 if you meant that time frame they were talking about people that make up stories and he is one of them
You'll believe anything.
I went to middle school with the silver jacket in the first tunnel entrance his name is John, so sad to see him like that, he was always a really fun friend, so funny and so out going, such a cool person to be around. It sucks to see him like that, sadly he got introduced to drugs at an early age. I hope he can find some help and better himself he still has time he can’t be any older than 22
This government has billions to pay for other countries wars, but they can't help these Americans, we have closed military bases which could be used to sober these folks up and help employ them! If they were illegals they'd have a EBT CARD.
This is the other side of life we never see. Thanks for making this documentary! Now i am even more grateful for what i have in life.
I’m a dealer at a casino in Vegas. I’ve had a homeless guy play at my table. He was telling me about his life before he became homeless. He was a brilliant kid in school he was even on his way of getting a scholarship but he was hanging around the wrong people that introduced him to drugs. I hope he’s alright wherever he is. Some of them are actually good people. Thank you for sharing this video. Most people see them as a nuisance but you show in your video that they’re human just like us, just with different burdens.
Same thoughts here.
Yeah but a homeless person at a casino? What about he was doing fine until someone introduced him to gambling?
@@iainlee4274 maybe they gamble in hopes of winning a jackpot or to double up or lose their money real quick, it’s not that deep. Don’t tell me you’re actually surprised that homeless people go to casinos to gamble.
They make their OWN burdens! Playing at your table? Where did he get his money? Did he smell and wear tattered clothing like the one's in this video? Many are MASTER manipulators and lie a good story.
@@Jolers63 My grannies in hospital. Need money for bus fair. Heard it million times.
Everyone has a story about how they became homeless. A guy lives in the woods beside a bridge by my house and Ive stopped to give him food and water before when passing by. I noticed him at 3 AM sitting by the bridge railing while picking my husband up from night shift at work. We stopped to check on him and he said he was starving. We drove him to our house and I went inside and made him some spaghetti, bread and brownies that id made earlier in the day. He was so thankful and we talked for a while. His home burned down with his wife and children along with it. You could see the hurt in his facecand hear the pain in his voice. He lost everything he had and loved in one moment that turned his life upside down. My heart breaks for him. I know people are leary of displaced people because some are bad but theres more good than bad out there, especially now. You never know what life has in store for you. Always try to be kind.
So nice of you to do that. No one has ever become poor by helping and giving. Kindness is free. The things we take for granted others pray for.
@@conniegnesda9720 So many don't care and it really is hard to see a fellow human struggle. You are correct about kindness being free.
The government doesn't offer any help ?
@@user-tu4qg1hq1i They do not where I live. The only place that served food to our homeless was torn down 6 months ago. They are trying to deter anymore vagrants from coming to our area. Some places give government funding but not in Pascagoula, Ms. Churches are the only help our displaced get other than people on the community.
I've seen people say some incredibly hateful things in the comments of this video. It was nice to see someone be empathetic. Thank you for being kind.
Awesome video. I had no idea. Thank you for caring and trying to make a difference. You have a beautiful heart.
My good friend who was a professional dancer in Las Vegas and around the world died in those tunnels a few years back. Very tragic and sad.
What a strange contrast between the casinos above and the tunnels below , such a dicotomy , a symptom of a deeply fractured society..................The guy from Hawaii is such a mavrick! I really wish the best for him and everyone living in these situations. Drew, you did a great job in shining a light and fighting the dehumaisation and demonisation of the addicts , the homeless, the downtrodden and forgotten outcasts.
I’m from Hawaii & Chichester.
At 1st glance i thought about the ex Wynn chef, was a Filo.
When I was living in Vegas for 6 years I always thought it was strange to see billion dollar casinos right next to housing complexes and Hughes encampments of huge encampments of homeless people. It's so crazy most people that visit Vegas will never see that, I always tell people that visit Vegas don't go off the strip after it gets dark. There's a lot of bad stuff going on,
This made me cry dude. The fact that homeless man with a missing eye has no ID to even collect his cash. He doesn't even care. These ppl are in terrible shape.
He has his birth certificate which supersedes any ID.
He's just emotionally defeated and that's what stimulants can do to your hormonal wellbeing
He is too far gone to care anymore!!
People
😢
Depression is so hard, and so sad.
Take it from someone who knows, if he says he’s not suicidal without you even asking, he probably is. 😢
Absolutely
I lived for 6 years in Las Vegas and had no idea there were people living under the streets until after I moved away. Truly out of sight, out of mind. So sad.
I knew…I think I only knew because I lived in the Arts District…very close to the strip and tons of homelessness despite the city’s efforts to gentrify the area. If I lived in other parts of the city…it probably would have been different for me. It was depressing…and even more depressing to see people you used to bring McDonald’s to while they slept are still sleeping on the streets when I visit. I saw so much in my 3 years there…but this video was well done and def sheds a light into a huge problem in Vegas and beyond
I was homeless in Vegas. Also in the midwest for 5.5yrs straight. Never done drugs. Worked 2 jobs during much of that time. Now have 4 houses, all paid off. 2 vehicles, paid off. Tough times don't last -- tough people *DO*.
Congratulations ❤
Wow❤
Bravo
Yassss queen xxx🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Really impressive!! Hard working.
So much brokenness it’s heartbreaking. What can we do to help? So devastating to watch. Pray for God to open up ways for all, to leave darkness n enter into light.
It takes PEOPLE to change a system that creates homelessness. No amount of praying is going to get the WORK done.
@@amandamcmurray4964 Praying to God will always help. It may not change things overnight, but praying to God is always the right move. It saved me from alcohol addiction when almost everyone had pretty much given up on me. I quit alcohol in 1997 and only through the grace of God and my belief in his beloved son, Jesus Christ who died for all of our sins on the cross. Please get your hands on a KJV of the Bible and read it. I still read and re-read and I can tell you from my own personal experience that the only way to Heaven is through God, praying in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. I pray that you will heed my advice and pray for a miracle to happen in your life. It happened to me and I was in such despair and I was saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.
I pray that you will do the same. Peace be to you.
My husband and I help homeless,let him stay in one of our rental property for free to help him We gave him food ,money the sad part is he stole from us and left .We won’t stop our kindness because of this .The Lord is always bless us .
Helping these people takes so much effort, people should be applauded.
Can’t help someone else if they don’t want help and try too
They don't help they actually make it worse. But why let the truth get in the way of making a bunch of white, liberals feel better about themselves.
@@suebuschmann7057we can try yes but if he don't want ...
This organization and that man are a beautiful thing! As a recovering heroin addict with 12 years clean I wish I had been in contact with an organization like this one that actually cared and showed empathy/sympathy. It’s nice that someone has made a video that actually shows people in addiction are human. We are not the scumbags people think we are. We all have family and friends who care and love us. Shine A Light keep doing what you’re doing! For anyone still sick and suffering from the hand of addiction, please get help, recovery is a beautiful thing!! I promise the grass the greener in recovery! ❤️❤️❤️
❤❤. I am proud of you. I have been clean for 12 years. watching this documentary makes my heart so very sad, 😢 . the man that's talking at around 9:45 ish where he says it's haunted and that there's real demons and that their blacker than black ( he is absolutely correct 💯) and when he was asked something about his worst experience there ! the guy said " the hauntings"!! 😮 it made me go cold, . 😮 what a tragic desperate toxic depressing place. . It's awesome that these guys go there and help them in which ever ways they can.
❤❤❤❤
My Dear Lizziehody, 💘 I'm so so proud of you. As reading your comment brought tears to my eyes. I had a beloved friend that I lost who I miss dearly and think about and carry in my heart and memories. In the early days I really tried to help her and hoped that one day she would take it or do it on her own. That day didn't happen and now she is with the angels. It does leave an imprint on your own life when someone you love leaves you like that. Yes you move on with your life but you never ever forget the people that you loved so much. Thank you for your comment as in a way it brought back those beautiful memories that I shared with my friend. Thank you and keep up the awesome work that you are doing. It's absolutely wonderful to hear how well you are living your life. With love ❤and blessings 🙏
Rob has such a gentle soul. It takes real empathy and compassion to really reach people..and he has it
I was homeless between 2021-2023 in LA, California. I was getting away from domestic violence. I don’t do drugs, and I’m committed to healing my past trauma, from childhood all the way to age 38. Anyways, the shelters treated me like crap and now I have section 8 and I have a slum lord landlord who’s lying to receive so much money. I’m leaving this bug infested dump soon. I just graduated college and I’m going for my bachelors. I’m using my school loan money to get into a better place, the slum lord has already said she’s keeping my deposit and there’s not much I can do.
The fact it’s been harder for me when I’m doing EVERYTHING they tell you to do and the system tried to drag me is CRAZY!
תחזיק חזק❤
Não pare até se orgulhar de você!
GOOD FOR YOU ! ❤I KNOW YOU WILL DO WELL IN WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE! 😊❤
Keep going, keep fighting. You got this 💪
Take the landlord to court. The judges lean towards the renter, not the landlords. If they illegally took your deposit, you can try to get help through legal aid. Helping people get their deposits back is one of the primary services they offer. I know I used to volunteer at one. Get the help, they'll teach you how to do it and help you with the paper work, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing they will think twice before doing it to the next person,
Rob at Shine a Light humbled me. He doesn't judge, goes where most would avoid, is respectful and real. Excellent video, Drew and Crew. Really went above and beyond for this one.
💕
The guy from Hawaii we can tell he’s from Hawaii by the way he talks. I’m from Hawaii so I recognized the way he was talking. Praying for him
11:01 " your just existing..?" Damn that shit hurt my soul... hope dude doing better I know the feeling!
God help these people recover from all the helplessness and pain.
Or you could help. Did you donate?
They can only try to help themself because a) there is no God who will help them, b) no government who‘ll do something for them and c) no society who would help them.
@@michaelbrdoch2278Bullshit dude. There are programs that can help. And it's the addict's responsibility/choice to help themselves.
Thank republicans cutting help
You're so sweet and caring 💞
Thank you for humanizing them. So many other TH-camrs film them to exploit, insult, and make fun of them.
U moeron Shut up,at least some You Tubers give them food or money,he don't give them nothing!!!
Dude u r blind and ignorant, that dude exploiting homeless people for money,he doesn't care for them!!!
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit. He quite literally is doing what you're commenting about..
@@yikes710 Agreed. Is no one else going to say this?
You mean TikTokers ?
I personally lived in a few tunnels out there charleston and nellis and a few other ones and i can tel you from personal experience that the bleakness and despair is absolutely unbelievable down there, i actually made it out through a suicide attempt at a wal mart because i couldnt take it anymore , and i can attest it is absolutely the craziest place I've ever been...it was beyond a miracle foe me to still be alive today because lots of people go insane down there fr
I love when the community, specially those who got out, go and try to rescue the rest. That's real compromise and tbh that's what made America great once: caring for your own neighbor, saving them for disgrace so they can pursuit the American Dream. "Shine a Light" you're part of those who carry on with the flame, God bless you.
I actually Met Jay (the guy in the thumbnail) 2 months ago. I shared his story on my TH-cam channel. I actually got his birth certificate from the vital checks. I have also tried contacting his family but no one got back to me.
Jay is from a very good family. My goal is to get him out of the tunnel as soon as possible. I actually went again to Vegas to meet Jay on Jun 28th. I also hung out with him and talked about how he is doing and told him the good news that I got his birth certificate. He was very happy about it. Hopefully we will get his ID and get him out in no time.
I'm looking for a place for him so he can stay there in the mean time. It was actually so hot outside as well as inside the tunnel i could not survive for 20 minutes.
I love Jay hopefully he stays safe out there until we get his ID back to him. ❤
I was worried about him... something really tugged on my heart when I saw him in this video. I am beyond happy to know that you are trying to get him help❤❤❤
May the Lord bless you and give you knowledge and wisdom to help Jay out.
amen
That tunnel needs to be cleaned out as it does not help the homeless down there it's an escapism it doesn't fix the issue
Bless you sir for helping out that person that needs just that help to change up his life and get shelter and his living needs , it takes times to do those things , you make time for the lost . God bless you and the many others that take the time to change one life at a time !
thanks for what you did
Addiction and homeless makes people feel uncomfortable. Its why its swept under the rug. Its a dark and sad part our society. I am 14 years clean but still stay in a program and I see the pain on peoples faces that are trying to get sober. Takes a real leap of faith to let yourself be vulnerable and recieve help. Great video shining a light on the darkness
I think people recognise that adults are largely responsible for their decisions, and consequently respect individual agency.
@@suad01 Adults are responsible for their own decisions, but the decisions that people make under the influence of drugs aren't made in the same way that you make decisions because drugs change the way your brain functions of course this isn't an excuse for dangerous or criminal behavior. We understand that mental illnesses alter our ability to make rational decisions but we don't seem to recognize that addiction does too. That shift in decision-making is what separates an addict from a drug user. Addiction starts in the midbrain, it turns off the neurons that make up our pleasure and euphoria circuit and it floods the brain with dopamine, in the nucleus accumbens that dopamine triggers a wave of pure happiness, next it reaches the amygdala where it deactivates your fear center, wiping away any feelings of stress or anxiety. In response to this the brain creates less of its own dopamine so that when you're not using, you're depressed and the things that would normally bring you pleasure leave you feeling empty. When you try to stop using your brain turns on you. You feel sicker than you ever have, worse than the flu, worse than food poisoning, your eyes and nose water, your skin crawls as you vacillate between too hot and too cold, you vomit and have diarrhea, your head hurts and it aches deep in your joints, you can't get comfortable and you can't sleep and time goes by so slowly, and just as bad as any of that is what is happening in your brain. You feel emotionally empty and overwhelmed by depression and an anxiety that is emotional and physical. Your brain is searching your pathways for dopamine and there is none, it can't make it and you don't have any way to get it. The oldest, most reptilian part of our brain that controls fight or flight takes over, it bypasses the frontal lobe that is responsible for our moral and logic systems, and it's going to get dopamine one way or another and it's desperate. Now you're doing things you would normally never do, now you're discarding your own personal ethics, and you feel it happening and it scares you. Addiction has taken over and the person you were and wanted to be is receding and you want to hang on it, you try to hang on to it. I fought the urge to do terrible things and I'm glad that I did but it wasn't easy. I was young and no one knew what the opioid epidemic was, when my Dr prescribed me pills I didn't ask any questions. I've been sober for 10 years, making that decision was easy but following through wasn't.
Same here……12 Step life.
@suad01 that's cute...life is just so black and white like that. All you gotta do is be successful and don't do drugs. Just like people that get Cancer...so stupid just don't get cancer am a right? 🤦
@@suad01obviously there comment struck a cord with you.....
I wonder why? Hmm
Très tristes de voir ces gens vivre dans des conditions lamentable 😢je souhaite de tout cœur qu'un changement de vie va se faire pour eux!🙏✨
Bravo a la maman qui et venu sauvé sa fille qu'elle courage pour les 2 parties.
This isn’t just a TH-cam channel content creator, he is a wake up call messenger for change in America 😢❤- Thank you .
Has a British person I have travelled the world and seen homelessness everywhere even in my own country, but when I visited America I wasn’t expecting to see the amount of people who were homeless as I did, and questioned myself why the government is doing nothing about it for such a great country and people wanting to live the American dream, I hope all of these people find their way, including wherever they live in the world.. god bless America and god bless the rest of the world ❤
The government can only do so much, there is a street called A street, it's on the cross street with Washington avenue. They provide daily jobs there but a lot of homeless would prefer to just panhandle because it's easier money.
My brother used to work for the post office on Las Vegas boulevard and lake Mead, there is a little door on the side of the post office called general delivery. Every 10 minutes homeless people would ask if their check came in the mail, most times it would be the same people. They just keep checking if their check have arrived so that they can buy drugs.
Lots of provisions here for the homeless but unfortunately you can't help those who won't help themselves
You can't help someone who doesn't want it. I live in Portland, one of the worst cities in the US for homelessness due to the law that decimalized hard drug use. It destroyed the city, people don't want a home, a job, anything, they just want their next fix. They are addicted to drugs and until they are willing to change then the problem will never be fixed.
it’s because the government in America doesn’t actually care about any of its citizens, especially homeless people. they only care about the ones that fill their pockets the most. america is not a great country at all, to be honest.
Because it's not a great country. Our "greatness" is one of the greatest illusions ever pulled off. This country is the anthropomorphization of "greatness" while being a serfdom in disguise. The poor get poorer while the rich get richer. Thats why we're all being replaced by immigrants, so they can extract as much labor as possible for the least amount as possible. The servants are being rode harder and harder every day.
I'm homeless in Washington state some homeless ppl don't want help but not all of us, here the shelters are full
When I hit rock bottom in Vegas these people were the 1st to offer me help.
I have a VERY similar story to Rayna. Almost down to a tee. Same timeline as well… It really makes me happy to see someone else thriving after having gone through everything that they have. This organization is doing really good things. And drew, thank you for really shining a light on this topic. Been to Vegas a few times and never knew about the tunnels.
Thank you, Drew. I once knew a street person named Mary. She was a heroin addict. I found out her story, and the first responders could only take her to ER, sober her up and put her back on the streets. One night, they picked her up and put her in the local jail where she died that night. I found out later that a priest gave her a funeral. This was many years ago but the human cost has stayed with me. Thank you for this video. We are all people. No person is born into the world wanting to live in a tunnel forgotten by the world.
Ppl die in jail from w/d ,not taken to hospital. Years ago i saw ,the life of Ben ,i think it was called ,he was documeting his life and efforts,.the last vid was in the clinic he checked in to quit ,his heart stopped. RIP
Was Mary from Riverside?
As a psych nurse working with addiction patients my heart goes out to these people...
Bless the both of you
It doesn’t matter who you are… it’s sad
@@lilnarm_smoothblaze Amen 🙏
Same here Australia I hear you.
Thank you‼️💯 🫡 🙏❤️🙏
Thanks for the video Drew! Keep up the good work and stay safe.
So eye opening. Rob, I’m so happy you and many others got out and God Bless you all for the work you do. Drew, thank you for exposing this sad situation. All homelessness is sad. Especially for those that would like more in life.
Shine a Light appears to be such an effective, intelligent outreach program. Thank you so much for shining a light on them. I hope everyone donates.
"Our offer never goes away". That is some seriously good humaning right there.
💕
It lifts the spirit knowing there’s people out there trying to turn the suffering around. You are right, good humaning. Respect
Almost started crying when he said it
@@kahlei98 LOL
Clean since 2019 Jesus helped me
Thanks to people like shine the light. I didn’t know this was going on until I saw this video. Continue to keep up the good work. God bless!
24:00 bald Hawaiin dude!!! It just clicked!! I was at crossroads with this dude!!! Last year around July.!!! Glad to see he is still sober!! I am as well!!!! I just heard his name in the video Jesse! He would give me his cigarettes at crossroads because he didn’t smoke lol
Damn what a coincidence
That guy with one eye is a smart guy, given the chance he could hold down a job and get himself back on track. It is getting the chance to get clean and make a new start that must be so hard. My heart goes out to these people
Exactly my thoughts!!
He'll be getting more in government benefits than he would get by working in a job.
I was homeless for 30 years, but not in a tunnel. I work every day and slept under trees and bushes at night. Got my Social Security and I have a place to live now I am 71.
Que tristeza sinto muito por sua vida , deveria ter vindo para o Brasil , aqui e melhor
@@gabrielaanastacia1438 O pior conselho que você pode dar a alguém é esse. Aqui é uma merda.
@@ElioSch1423, em alguns aspectos é melhor. Pelo menos temos o SUS e vários outros programas sociais, os quais, embora não funcionem 100%, pelo menos funcionam, sendo um suporte básico e por vezes efetivo. Enfim, a diferença é que aqui no Brasil os programas sociais, mal ou bem e mesmo com desvios, sempre entram no orçamento público.
@@EliHeberoliveira O SUS e muito limitado. Nos estados unidos eles podem ganhar financial aid pra pagar hospital privado e e muito melhor. Os programas sociais do brasil servem so pra criar curral eleitoral, eles nunca tiram ninguem da pobreza.
Seriously 30 solid years
God bless these people. This could be ANY one of us at any time. 😢🙏🏻
Where do they go when the rain and water starts flowing in? Do they just pack up real quick and get out? I’d be afraid of getting trapped and drowning. Lord help them, they’re somebody’s loved ones. 🙏🏻😢
Thank you for the work you do to help them. 💕
I’m born and raised in Vegas. We had the neighborhood homies that didn’t have a permanent home. They would get odd jobs and help out when they could. Of course for money, and it just sucked being a kid seeing a good person struggling constantly like they do. We had a man named Ike on the east side that was definitely suffering from mental health issues or something, but he was always doing his best, working hard and so nice. He passed a few years ago and everyone that knew him are part of a Facebook group that helped track him and made sure he had food and water. We still speak of him here and there in the group.
What was his name what's the fb to learn about him?
Broke my heart when he said “anything you try to do to get ahead won’t work “.😢
😂😢 yeah you wonder where the politicians are you wonder where Congress is you wonder where the president is you wonder huh 🤔🤔🤔🤔 I know if you call on Jesus I know where he is and he would help you if you really want help 🙏🙏😊
@@karlyost3572
Oui et tellement vrai pour beaucoup d'entre nous !!!...
Mon fils se démène pour trouver du travail, faire une formation, inscrit dans boîtes intérim, envoit candidatures et ce, depuis des années et Rien.. Rien😠...
Aucun employeurs ne répondent🤬
Lui aussi dit la même chose que cet sdf😢
... J'essaie de lui remonter le moral, de le soutenir et de le maintenir en vie en l'encourageant car n'y arrivant pas...
il me dit souvent qu'il préférerait mourir car il n'y a rien pour lui sur cette terre 😢😢💔💔😩
Et ici en France, aucunes institutions, associations pour aider les jeunes !!!
C'est du vécu donc je sais ce que je dis !!
Tout est fait pour descendre au plus bas, ceux qui se retrouvent au chômage sans être indemnisés et pourtant acharnés a s'en sortir et bosseur !!
@@doddygroot3724en France aucune institution pr aider les jeunes ?c’est une blague jspr
That would be false as quite a few organizations will help you out but you must get rid of the booze and dope,which I highly agree with. thanks
Ex addict and homeless here, sober and off the streets 6 years now. When Rob said “don’t wait too long” and “offer never goes away” I got a huge lump in my throat. A lot of organizations in my area has an expiration date and they won’t wait for anyone so there’s more people that are likely to give up on that help. Help has to be there at all times so you know you’re not truly alone and if you decided in the middle of the night that the time to get help is now you need to be able to make that call to access that help because that feeling of needing to stay sober could change the next minute or with the next let down, which for an addict or homeless person that happens fast and often. Life is unpredictable when you’re stuck in that situation and you don’t know what’s gonna go down or where it might take you.
Its good to know that you are doing better!
Good for you!!!👍🏻
1st of all each and evry person as an individual has to be willing to help itself you cant help those who refuse it or find that there is nothing wrong
@@whitecrow984 absolutely, a lot don’t want to fit into society, don’t like rules etc
@@whitecrow984agreed. The rest of us can't always be on call to help those that don't want it. Luckily they have tunnels to live in away from the rest of us that do want to follow the rules.
Most people out there are really nice. It changed my perspective about the homeless in Vegas. Thanks for this video
Great video Drew! Thank you for bringing awareness . ❤
I usually dont comment, but I think that you need to help this guy Jay with the gunshot wound. I'm from Croatia, and we dont have this kind of homelesness in our capital so when ive watched him talking and he is so smart person with a lot of potential but has no one to get him on the right path. I believe that through your community online, we can get this man out and help him to stand on his feet and push him so he can live more than 10 years. Please, dont let him die. Best regards from Zagreb, Croatia
Thank you Drew for using your platform to highlight these issues. Will donate to Shine a Light
Moeron what r u thanking him for,like u f Americans don't know for homeless people.Acting all surprised they existing, stop that BS don't donate nothing that guy gonna steal all money!!!
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit.
@@yikes710why are you angry? Did he steal your idea?
@@dr.vivian4277 Nobody is angry, it's just kinda cringe and ironic that the jewish guy that's already known to be a grifter is doing even more to shit on his reputation
@@yikes710 What does him being Jewish have to do with *_ANYTHING?_* ? And why are you so hateful .. spamming the same hate-filled comment all over here?
We give billions to overseas countries, why are we not helping people. Where is the humanity in this.
Being homeless is hard enough without all the heckling from others. Not all homeless people are bad. I've been there. I feel for these people. I'm so thankful I'm not in this position anymore. Good vibes for those who are in this position
Couldn't handle the darkness of those tunnels 😢. That's so sad 😭😭😭. Here in America to see peoples so broken down .
yet when they asked him if hes depressed he says no, but we live in luxury saying "oh i have depression""oh i have enxiety"
The “Shine A Light” organisation is doing an amazing job 😊👍
Umbelievable! My God! How much suffering 😢
Having personally served the folks on the Vegas streets and below, I wish there were more awareness on this. Thank you for the video and the courage to go underground.
I was humbled after watching this. I hope you could help these people especially the "seniors" in this situation to have a better place out of the dark and danger down there.
The amount of compassion those recovered addicts from shine a light have is both admirable and beautiful...
❤❤❤❤to my fellow brothers and sisters sheltering in the dark. We see you. We ❤you and we know you’re hurting. Shine a Light is truly caring for our forgotten family.
So sad…having dealt with addiction and trauma I understand the mindset that pushes people down this road! Kudos for bringing awareness to the problem!
Thanks for this report Drew. I couldn't have imagined this going on under ground. I'm going to contribute to "Shine a Light"😢
Watching this video was a powerful experience. It reminded me that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves dignity and respect. No one should feel less valued. To the people in the video, please know that you are thought of and not ignored. Kudos to the producer for shedding light on this important issue.
I notice a cloud that's shaped like a heart💙💙💙💙look up, in background💙💙💙💙💙🥰much love to all who care
truly beautiful and yet truly heartbreaking .. omg
I'm glad there was a hyperlink to the outfit helping the homeless. Having been homeless myself I donated to the cause. God bless them.
🙏🏿
Homeless people are humans too!
say that after they assault you or try to break into your house.
Absolutely!
@@GrumpyWolfTechgeneralised mind
@@GrumpyWolfTech Not everyone is like that. I'm homeless and I don't go around hurting people.
@@jamesofficial6829 But the truth is that many of you do. No one has said that it is 100% all of you.
Thank you Drew for helping them. They all are pity to watch
Breaks my heart 😢 and so unnecessary! Please
Help those less fortunate
This is one of my favorite videos I've watched of you yet. You did a great job allowing the people to tell their stories in such a raw and genuine way. It's hard to find that these days. As someone who lives in America and has only seen the homeless population get worse since I was a kid in my area alone. Shine a Light is going about it the right way. Treating people with empathy is the true answer to this crisis.
Thanks a lot for your input and feedback!
Like a million other TH-cam before him covering the tunnels
I mean at the end of the day he's the one that's always taking other people's video ideas when he's one of the biggest on the platform. Dude should be setting an example, not this righteous "I'm a good person" acting shit.
This video hit me really hard. I’ve seen tunnel videos, but none of recent, and none this raw.
So many of these videos are so dramatized, but you really humanized the tunnels and show humans who are suffering.
I grew up in Vegas. I lost my mom three years ago from addiction. She was loved ones who never lost hope away from ending up here. It could have been her. I replayed that line in my head watching this. It’s people’s dads, sons, daughters and mothers down there. I pray for each and every one of them!!!!
I always felt a very dark energy in Vegas. I lived there from 4 years old to 15, and I am grateful to God every day that I left.
That place is truly sin city.
I'm Brazilian, and here getting things is difficult and very hard work, many people I know dream of going to the USA or Europe to have better opportunities, to live with more dignity. But observing other nations I realized that the so-called first world countries have these absurd things too, that if we don't fit into this false system, it destroys us, you know! I don't know, we have to fight to improve around us, change our frequency. Drugs and many other things unfortunately keep human beings away from the real purpose that I believe is evolution, my feelings for your mother, and for the things that have happened in her life. I also believe that this city has a terrible energy for anyone. I hope you are well and prosper in all areas of your life, because I believe that we are children of God, and he wants to see us happy, but he also respects our own free will!
I'm both surprised and amazed that the people who have commented have not written; "get a job.!" "You did it to yourself, so don't expect anything from me" Anyone who has ended up like this deserves it!"They could have done something about it when they had the time" They don't need us to help, what they need is a kick in the butt!" "Shame on you, I'd never end up like this" etc. I'm impressed with the spirit of compassion and empathy that has taken place, instead of the typical offenses that used to be given without a thought to people who they, claim to be bums. Maybe there's hope?
Glad Jay is still doing alright I remember seeing him from another TH-cam channel
Man, that last guy reminded me way to close to someone I know at home who could totally be on that path of homelessness if he doesn’t get it together. Thank you for making this video. It’s hard to know how to help these people when it starts with them accepting they need the help. I hope the world can fix this crisis!
Honestly the real issue is there is no help, not from organizations. Individual ppl have to help each other.
❤💯my friend s
It's amazing that people like Shine the light exist and care so much. Amazingly generous and lovely.
Thank you for making this
LV is also just like what is depicted in the 1920s movie "Metropolis."
I am a very grateful to God for almost 7 yrs of sobriety...it was incredibly eye-opening to see and hear these tragic stories...thank you bro for giving them a way out...
Thank God for Shine a Light! My brother was homeless for 3 years and an organization helped him get into an apartment and furnish that apartment. In order to help the homeless we need to find out WHY the person is homeless. This organization that helped my brother helped me to help him. I now know how to get to the resources he needs. Part of our society's problems is there is NOT enough done for the mentally unstable. Handing out psych pills for free to these people helps in a way but only if the person takes the meds regularly and consistently.
Yup. These Americans have tunnels and illegals have 5 star NY hotels and mobiles and cash. Make that make sense. Over 33 million have come in..
Well said, good luck to your brother.
just not a laser light!
seriously though, you could be my sister talking about me, if i didn't live on the other side of the sea.
it is disgusting if not wicked that we allow people to shine lasers in their eyes 'because it helps me feel better' than get them the professional help they so clearly need.
What usually happens is the son takes drugs and becomes mentally unwell, so he has to leave the family home.
Dude with the one eye seem very lucid and coherent. When spoke on demons down there they tried to change the subject real quick. Even the smart treasure hunter at the end spoke on the spooky stuff down there. Some people demon are worst then others and I have no doubt that things goes down in the tunnels that are unexplainable. I live in Vegas and I am fortunate enough to come out of homelessness. I still have my demons and I pray that everyone one of the tunnel people find hope again. God bless them All. We are all human at the end of the day. And even tho I'm in a shitty apartment, I'm still Grateful. I bet your life doesn't look as bad after watching this huh?... God Bless ♡
The man with the missing eye hit hard, groundhog day seemed so poignant for what I feel most days too. Just repeat, pause, play.
How depressing, I would think a month in jail would be a nice break. That is a sad statement.
That is why police choose not to arrest them.😅
Keep Jesus's faith call upon him
A month in jail is no break. It's more brutal than on the streets or tunnels. Food is unpalatable. Forget free healthcare. It never happens.
@@WilliamFoster-cd1xl what an astonishingly irrelevant comment.
@@lilliandozier9604 They don't arrest them because they can't get money off them... They'll arrest me and you in a heart beat for BS
Been homeless off and on since i was a teenager. I always got a job and come out of homelessness. Having good roommates is helpful for overcoming homelessness. Finding a good church helps as well. Cleaning up after yourself when you're homeless is crucial to staying healthy, clean and sober.
I'm happy you know who God is, God bless you
Prayers up for this lost world in darkness 🙏
The Hotels in Vegas the part he says they are all pretentious is on point. I went to Vegas, will never go again. They just want your money