I've been skydiving through life: coping with homelessness since 16 | Generation Homeless, Episode 3
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.พ. 2022
- In this episode, Chris discusses his “skydive through life” wherein his premature removal from the child welfare system resulted in his first experience of homelessness at sixteen. He has been perpetually homeless ever since and is desperate to secure a more permanent home for him and his dog, Casper.
Despite the constant call to shelter in place, within Tkaronto/Toronto, more than 8,000 people remain unhoused. Generation Homeless is a series dedicated to the crises that rampant real estate speculation created across Turtle Island; particularly as lived and experienced by youth.
Featuring Christopher
Directed and produced by Jason S. Cipparrone
Producer Amanda De Lisio
Producer Dale Tidy
Cinematographer Kyle Laurin
Editor & Colour Jason S. Cipparrone
Audio & second camera Brad Ardley
Audio processing Michael McDonnell
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Me and my girl met this guy today on dufferin & bloor today…. Very kind and warm hearted guy just in a bad situation, we also helped him out with whatever we could give him, I also asked him if he got any money or even any help for doing this video and putting himself out there, his response was “no” people who make these videos should try more of helping instead of making videos for views.
Wow CBC really doing the most to exploit the homeless, weak, and vulnerable for their publicity gains
R u serious omg
That sounds exactly like something the CBC would do. Produce a video and call it a day.
Sucks cause cbc basically profit off him at least views wise
People should know that it’s the news they ain’t gonna help no one’s and sadly that’s the truth I have been helping the homeless downtown from 2021 and it’s just getting worse out there and now made TH-cam to hope to get more views and all the money gonna be going to helping those in need on the street
Such a bloody shame! The foster program needs to be updated. Getting turfed out at 16 is NO way to start a life.
And they say were all born equal. What Ive seen in my life(30plusyrs) is that the vast majority of people who are doing well have had a a great or good and even decent upbringing,while of course there are those who rises above there starting point but its so few and far between. While those born into a drug addicted family and/or, violent, abusive, foster, neglected, loss of a parent(my case) at a young age, sexual abouse, ect are way more less likely to succeed and stay succeeding. The first 18yrs of a person live will define how well they do in life, and of course all this is my opinion,I don't claim these are facts.
@@MrJames-tw3soYou are right. Statistics show that children rarely exceed their parents socio-economic position in life. I was adopted and my adoptive parents had grade 4 and grade 8 education and could never understand why I, as a female, wanted to go to college. They did not understand the value of learning. I finally managed, by saving and renting a room in a woman’s apartment, to go to a technical college for a year. That got me into working on computers and enabled me to purchase my own home. But really, I was doomed by my adoptive families many family dysfunctions that handicapped me in life regardless of my struggle to make use of whatever intelligence I had. Anyways, I can relate. Big Time!
Met Chris today at Yonge and Dundas Square. His dog Casper was wearing a little shirt and my dude and I both said hi. Chris didn’t even ask for money, we gave him an extra cigarette. The only time he alluded to being homeless was when asking us to watch this video. Super humble and kind not even looking for a handout. I wish him all the best!
You can’t panhandle, it’s against the law.
This video should be included in every curriculum on Canadian culture. It really shows Canadian culture. May god wake them up to experience humanity. Sincerely, foreigner in Canada
This man doesn't represent Canadian culture at all!
Wake Who up exactly? The homeless guy with face tattoos smoking cigs doing everything he can to self sabotage?
@@ronmoore6598Here in BC, foster kids have access to a program where the government pays your rent until you’re 25.
@@BobTheBob647 Then what? You still have to be preparing yourself for adulthood. Can't find a job? Maybe don't dye your Hair Pink???
@@ronmoore6598 I don’t know. I was only bringing it up because I think it’s relatively generous. My renter in my basement uses this program. Quite nice to have a monthly government cheque every month, same time, no issues. Actually the very first payment was late by a week but for 4 years, no issues since.
It is extremely hard to get a job as a homeless person. I used to work in a retail store and saw a certain homeless individual person go by the store every few days. They would sometimes come in the store, try to have some conversations and leave. That person tried applying at the store and talked to the general manager that he'd do any job that they give him without complaining. The GM was a great person, but when I talked to them, they told me that the homeless person would not pass through HR even the GM wanted to give the job to them.
Disclaimer: I'm not saying anybody was wrong in this encounter, it was just how the system is set up. It is harder to budget when you don't have any money to make the ends meet. It is harder to get a job when you don't have any to begin with.
Hey. chris. It’s me Celine I met you today at Bloor yonge.
I could feel you are sad, and you seem nice person. I wish the best for you.
I pray for you young man.
I've been home on the streets of Toronto 7 years. They really need to get it together here. I reach out to services every single day and I've still not resolved my situation. I can relate completely with this.
Your comment implies that you are owed something by society or that you are in your current circumstances because somebody failed you or did something to you. Do you not have agency? Are you not capable of making responsible decisions? You are likely in your current circumstances and remain in them because of your personal failings, nothing more.
Send us a message
Hang in there. The sun will eventually shine again. It's going to be a long hard grueling process but one day things will get better. I know this first hand. We probably won't ever meet but I will see you heaven when this terrible life is over.
Interesting comment “ skydiving through life” I can not imagine living and feeling like this young man……sending him best wishes …. Casper is so so cute!,
I know people are afraid to give money to people on the street in case they're scammers. But honestly, it's worth it either way. It's better to give help to everyone including those who don't need it, rather than only giving it to some and possibly miss people who truly need it.
After meeting some homeless people, I pretty much give money to people on the street regardless. And it's a good habit to have!
Ive gave money to homeless about 3 times in my life. First guy I gave change to said he doesnt smoke so I gave him $3 but few days later I saw him smoke. I try not to give change to panhandlers in suspicion of scamming but if someone looks really dire I will spare some change. Cant give everybody money that ask for it just because they are sitting on the street though.
scammers? are you perhaps... an east asian? lmao
I'd hate to be homeless..it's not an easy job..you have to be very strong...
Wishing him.well.
Precious people. Why is this still happening?
The system failed you in every way...and it breaks my heart hearing what you would have said to yourself when you were 16. So many people who are facing or are homeless have such potential for great lives. But are faced with long waiting lists for housing, no help in education, no support for mental health. Canada needs to do much better!
What a beautiful and good dog Casper is . i hope Casper has gotten a home with you by now since I'm watching this a year later. I'm hoping you are both safe and together in a home
I truly hope this man is okay… 😓 this is so sad to see happening in the streets of Toronto. Instead of housing these poor homeless people the government chooses to hand out needles and make safe injection facilities. It’s truly disgusting what our society has become. I really really hope this man finds the light at the end of his dark tunnel ❤️
Housing is a lot more expensive than needles, you're aware? And people using injectable drugs would rather have them than housing.
Well harm reduction is a thing and he clearly uses needles so that’s not a bad thing to give poverty stricken ppl clean needles and help stop the spread of diseases. Ppl are going to use like it or not.
God bless you and Casper
I think I met this guy at Young & Bloor right in front of Chic Fila. I gave him a milk shake. I do food delivery for doordash so I get free food all the time
how is he now?
I was kicked out as soon as I turned 18. Homeless at 16 you must have been so frightened. Were there any youth shelters in Toronto? It's so cold! Poor dear. I hope you find employment and a home.
40k youth experience homelessness each night? WHAT? In Canada? With a population of 38m? That is crazy.
I really hope you make it brother.🙏
This breaks my heart. I’m so sorry Chris. If I had a huge house I’d give you a room. It’s a shame the government couldn’t do more and that this happened to you. Stay safe and take care of yourself hunnie. You are loved and cared for. ❤
The individual should have turned around and sued the Children's Aid Society of Toronto for neglect, abandonment at 16 (a minor), and abuse by the CAS system.
a very brave young man who is hurting a lot for all the life experiences he's been through, i hope he can find stability and secure housing.
This breaks my heart.
I feel for this guy. His answer to the 16 year old me question was pretty rough. It seems like he's in this situation for all the wrong reasons. I'd love to buy him a meal or something.
I think someone replied to this but for whatever reason, I can't reply to them. If you know where I can find Chris on a weekend if he's still in Toronto. I'd love to give him something and his dog to eat.
@@DT-xp6ig Did anyone reply to you?
@@MrDaewood no
Hi. I'm Chris.
@@christagga6648 Hey Chris, I'm not sure how to get in touch with you, do you have an email I can reach you at? Can you add an email to your youtube channel. I can reach out afterwards.
Watching this is very hard,living like this must be unbearable! Hang in there sir!
I was homeless in the 90s in Scarborough. Sleeping in the metro housing stair cases. There was no compassion from strangers back then. Not even to kids. 😢
Good things will soon come to you love ❤
Sorry, are you ok ,how are you doing now ?
You failed to mention active addiction dear as joe truck driver( who lost his job doesnt end up homeless.Its Sally shcitsophtenic and jimmy junkie out there.
God Bless His Heart 🙏🏾🥰💖
Is there someone could help with them start a new life. A room, a job and kindness.
I hope this guy is doing better
So sad 😪
man, Casper, take care of this boy. show him hope.
Won't be long before they offer MAID to the unhoused. This country has fallen.
Why are there so many homeless people all over in Canada while the UK is poor but has very few homeless problems.
With all the good things Canada is famous for (things that most other countries are deprived of), it's a sad reality that thousands or even tens of thousands of Canadians around the country have to survive in this bitter situation. I can say a big percentage of this sad situation is they brought that on themselves through mishandling of their lifestyle. One such mishandling thing comes to mind is that their addiction to alcohol, illegal drugs, chain smoking, sexaholic, etc., etc.
Apart from the money that they are wasting on these addictions, these things are damaging and altering their proper thinking capabilities, thus forcing them to take more wrong life decisions.
People do find ups and downs in their lives time and again, but this doesn’t mean they end up with these social problems. Once they go in that direction, it’s hard to come out of it. When life turns on you, there are still so many ways and opportunities out there, but to know them, a person needs a proper functional mind and energy, and not a disabled mind and body. In the end, they blame everything/bodies except themselves for what life has thrown on them!
Unfortunately this is the beginning many will join
i noticed that when i googled worthless in ever saw any ghosts but later, irefined the search a bit and i saw pics of the cartoon 'casper' the friendly ghost. Is that a strange coincidence? (9:37)
10 years old when they kicked him out !!!! ARE THEY SERIOUS
He's just a kid !!! Wtf
What a "parents"....???
Street to homes is a terrible organization with temporary solutions sometimes. And even then. That's rare like 1%
Any updates on this guy and his dog?
it's so shameful for canada to treat the most vulnerable like this, is this a community or just bunch of loose lone wolves. caring is forgotten in this country
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
GO WOKE, GO BROKE!
Words cannot help here. Chris it's up to you baby.
So true it's not about where you start it's about where your going 😉
Anybody watching this video who can offer him a job please help him
Echuhome, Salvation Army( 11 month stay your own unit)Clean houdes( st vincent Du Paul) House link homes, Main Stay,there is Ingles House for girls under 24 just a few available in Toronto plus its faster if a person puts " shared" plus housing units are afforded to certain groups like Drug court, Abused women/ men , parolees ect.I learned ALL this because I had to survive and sadly the people paid to do it hand out 1 application( TH)
Please 🙏God help them. We need you ❤🌹human need Almighty God. Please God please help this universe. Help me help them help everybody. Love ❤you God.
I hope someone will offer him a job so he doesn’t lose hope in life. It must be depressing to be homeless long term.
typical situation rough upbringing leads to drugs go into a death spiral of problems where you cant find a job/maintain a job and cant live any where because you have no stable income -- basically only way this guy is getting off the streets is if the gov/private industry builds a facility to house and rehab people like him then through a 5-10 year program fully educate house and assist these people till they have stable income/career and can move forward.
I love you Chris, message me anytime
There is sooooo many people needing help there running out of resources
Homelessness wouldn't be this bad if we had a real Prime Minister and Premier that would look after Canadians first rather other countries first. Drugs are not the answer but I can see why they are doing that. When life is grim.
Jesus Christ.
love, respect and help unhoused people near you
Come to our province ! It’s cheaper !
There needs to be an association that teaches homeless people marketable skills.
That's not the problem trust me. I'm homeless in Toronto with 2 degrees. And I was a tattoo artist in the shops here for years. If I got housed I'd go back to doing something productive but I can't sleeping outside. I don't have the facilities to keep up my appearance or any belongings or anything at all exept a phone and a few blankets.
I went to work 5 days a week as a line cook and went back to the streets to sleep on a bench. It was a housing problem. Rent is high, students are priority and immigrants and refugees are top of list. Got a place now, only because my friend was my shoe in.
Not completely true I'm sure you can spare $15/month for gym membership. Then you can use their showers and sink. You can keep things at storage.
@@TheGloomyTuesday what with 2 degrees?
I am a widow I live in Canada alone with my daughter, even my English is not very good. I work in a factory from 7 to 3 pm, during all my working hours I can't sit down. But I work to survive. He is younger than me, but it is easier to ask for money, to work hard for 8 hours.
Still doing drugs will not solve your problem
They're providing him with needles to continue doing his addiction 😞
you're a real genius. clearly an expert. I assume you've tried quitting H cold turkey? you speak too much like you know what youre talking about...
@@actualdin8458 I definitely know what I’m talking about. I didn’t judge him or anything else I just said doing drugs will not solve your problems if you have drug problems you need to get help or get off them or you will continue to have problems
wish all homeless people get the help they need. drugs seems to be factor to homelessness.
o thought there were no homeless people in canada
There is a lot
Lots of places to get free food and furniture.
Free food that’s nice. Where are you going to put free furniture if you are homeless?
Mine over your personal problems,if you want to get clean, get of the drugs if not then why should anyone help them??
Believe none of what you hear, and half of what you see.
It would be nice to see housing for everyone but who will pay the bills? creating homes is just the tip of the iceberg. Chris appears healthy and intelligent so what is holding him back? Don't tell me "there are no jobs" there are jobs but they are not easy. Construction is looking for workers, Transportation is looking for drivers. No he wants an easy 9 to 5 office job. Part of the deal is that you get trained in areas that the country needs. Don't give them a hand out , give them a hand up.
Such a land of opportunity and wealth..not
I got hit in the head that cost me my job and the way I lived and had to redirect my soul as a said person that as of January until today am homeless and the programs that I tried has nothing for me I mean they have something for the other homeless but both my for me I applied at the homeward bound and 2 people that zi know got in before me and I applied before them how does that work but top it off I said program I am on slowly getting cut off by the welfare worker who ever that is I am educated with smarts and that I myself with my own eyes seen Jesus and the government attacks that by leaving me homeless forcing me to bow to the government when I say I would die to go back to Jesus then I would do so rather die then work with the government
But instead of asking I would steal it of course like it depended on my life that having tpndyral something is the way to grow up how does that make a guy that had kids and a wife feel like Justin Trudeau answer that your self.
I own an English school as a second language I'd hire you.
Any updates on him? 🙏
wrong attitude. cant even hire him as a cas worker after hearing his answer.
In many ways, Canada is no different than the United States re: homelessness.
Instead of seeing homelessness as a complex problem with socio-economic factors...including stagnant wages and increased rents, both of our societies see homelessness as a problem of the individuals involved.
Such a toxic perspective.
Sadly alot of housing workers are idiots.There are ALL.kinds of different housing models in Toronto( I learned from being homeless and advocating for myself) many women were in shelters for yrs unaware of different lists ( shelter had 4 paid workers)
If you want to I buy your flight ✈ tickets and you can work with me. I own an English school where we teach English.
where is he today?
Homeless and smoking cigs? What a way to waste money. Better than meth I guess, but shows he'll never change his behavior to to better.
“they are giving out FREE needles/drugs?” Funded by taxpayers?
unclear re: your wording; the city/community organizations don’t provide “free drugs” - they offer harm reduction kits to ensure safe consumption.
perhaps a different way to frame this issue is considering where service/policy gaps still exist in ways that further marginalize, harm, and prevent members of these communities from receiving the supports/guidance they need. it seems that substance use isn’t a problem that can/will be eradicated - so what can we offer as a society to work around these lived realities without further propagating shame, fear, and neglect?
Mika answered it good. You can get free needles and pipes and such for free from designated places. It's to prevent people from "sharing" unwanted diseases such as HIV or HEP c by sharing same pipes and needles.
Trudeau needs to stop looking after the illegals and start looking after canadians
Start voting NDP.
i don't really understand how someone can be shooting meth and expect to be housed
being unhoused and substance use aren’t mutually exclusive - housed folks who are otherwise privileged can still engage in substance use; that doesn’t mean they ought to be rendered unhoused. people who use drugs can come from many different backgrounds/circumstances, and it makes no indication on their morality.
why does housing have to revolve around habits? if youre a living, breathing human being, you deserve housing no matter what you are doing. sad that youre a monster
@@shawna956 "expect to be housed" were my words. i'm not talking about what a perfect world would look like, this is about how our current system works. i'm sure you can imagine how someone using illegal narcotics will suffer in this kind of scenario.
@@julesx416 using substances does not mean that you deserve to be homeless.
@@shawna956 please work on your reading and critical thinking skills. I never said that.
He does fentanyl, barely pushes hard to get a job and we're somehow supposed to give this guy change or feel sorry for him & his dog? The dogs always suffer the most when being dragged down by shameful owners.
That is so hurtful I'm doing the better the best I can I finally attained housing and I plan to work now that I have a place I can keep my dog he's all I have left after licking my partner how can you honestly wish for me to be alone out here do I really deserve that I've been on my phone now for 4 months instead of trying to do it by using math and I'm doing way better without any support not even financially you didn't get paid for this and I'm not getting paid for anything else nobody's helping me but I'm doing the best I can and I finally got a place for us after so long and it has been so hard to get here but how can you honestly wish that I'd be alone Casper don't know sory I noticed that the streets were taking a pill on him and I was ready to give him up and I'm lucky I finally learned housing because I would have given him up and I would have gone to my life my apology for using drugs to Colby but the government doesn't want me to be here and will not let me function I have no credit history no name I literally got stolen before I can do anything ever I have can't even get a bank accountyou are right I agree with you but you've hurt me by saying this
@@christagga6648 I wasn't bashing on you randomly. This is one of the many homeless Canadian videos that I have watched and analysed. The interview that you gave to CBC made you look like you weren't worth a damn and that's what the footage was portraying. When the homeless ask me for money, it drives me mad. I am forced to project feelings of disgust. All this potential squandered for what? I wish to see homeless people who strive to get back on their feet, rather than hopelessly begging, waiting for a miracle to happen. Which is what you seem to have been wishing in the video. I didn't see the hunger in your eyes.
It's good knowing that you got the housing that you needed, as well as shelter for your animal companion. You should keep your dog close to you, maybe find a good supportive partner too. I'm sure you quickly realised that the world out there is far from pure. Wish the best of luck to you and I hope you've tossed those drugs of yours in the bin.
Did you miss the part where my partner killed himself ???? I don't want another one.... I want my partner back. I can't have that. I have Casper.... I also must say I bashed people for panhandling forcso long til I realized sometimes u kinda need it.... Now I'm housed but finding employment is impossible so far.ceven door dash isn't working cuz of location. It sucks. But Im no longer homeless so I haven't been panhandling anymore. If your homeless like I was, I get it. but unless ur sleeping outside I don't think panhandling is right. If you are.... I don't blame you. I get it now. I wish for nobody to understand why people panhandle though. It doesn't fell good to know they need it .... I'd rather feel how you do. It's healthier. But it isn't correct but it's probably right if you wanna be happy in your own life. Good luck and God bless.
you're seriously speaking to this person as though you're in any way qualified. you're comments are woefully hateful and uninformed. shame on you
@@christagga6648 you're trying to hard to use reason. these people are sick in the head. their apathy has driven them to delusional disdain for people that any decent individual would harbor empathy towards. power to your journey.
try being native and a woman or lgbtq homeless white people have it easier as homeless in canada not good but much easier than the first nations
Actually most of the people I struggled by were the children's of the ones who suffered the most. My parents generations homeless people of white skin may have had it easier.... But we struggled together. Day in and day out. Some til death.
He can afford pink hair dye?
Hush up twerp
The last thing on any homeless person's mind is..... work.
This is why they will always be homeless.
Btw I don’t do drugs either. I’m addicted to shopping though so I buy nice clothes and if I had extra money I’d buy other homeless people food.
factually incorrect. The last thing on your mind is basic human decency and intelligence.
@@actualdin8458
You are so woke
@@actualdin8458 i totally agree
I'd encourage any Torontonian to visit one of these shelters and notice something INTERESTING, there's no EAST ASIANS OR BROWNS in them because, they came here with money, we payed our taxes to bring them over, and now there's 40 BILLION IN REMITTANCE every year.
@Morrison Andrew out with your racism
When they come here they start learning and work most of them, majority are not drug addicted, that's why you don't see them often on the streets
WTF??? did I get it right? so they ask for help and they get offered for free needles instead? wtf....
Look people. Panhandling is a Full-Time job. The money you’ll give home from his panhandling goes straight into his veins and his drug dealers. Stop giving panhandlers cash. ODSP pays folks $672/month if you are homeless. ODSP pays an additional $497/month if you rent.
A lot of homeless people understand that it makes more financial sense to take the $672/month and get free room and board in Toronto Hotels instead to spending their entire check on rent.
Listen to the 7:50 mark carefully. Is he staying at one of those a $99/night Hotel?
Not anymore. The fentanyl their became too much f temptation so I'm now living inTent again. Thanks jerk
His choice is his choice. He had a tough life before his homelessness, but I can't help myself thinking that he can do better. Why on earth can you afford to dye your hair, get a dose, and food to feed your pet, but can't get your life together. If only he could find a job to help himself. God have mercy on his poor soul.
Sure, because dog food and hair dye cost the same as a house or education. Alexey, please remember that sometimes people need some things to keep going. Sometimes it's food, and sometimes it's having a company in their day to day life or making relatively inexpensive appearance changes to know that you have control over at least something in your life
I do see that you have good intentions though, so I'm not trying to be mean or something. I'm just saying that he might've not done these things, but these things ended up helping him to keep going in the end
So many factors have lead to this being his reality, it only appears simple. If the answer was to just get a job, homelessness in Toronto would be almost eliminated. Speaking from personal experience, as a person who now thankfully has a stable life, getting off the street was extremely difficult and demanding, and the odds are always stacked against you. This isn't a social issue that will be fixed by blaming people in need, but by teamwork and understanding the roots of the problem.
So people who struggle with poverty shouldn't feel pleasure by enjoying little things? I think you misunderstand or have never experienced poverty. It's not exactly as simple as "budget your way out of it".
You're severely uneducated on this topic. It's embarrassing for you
NO REASON A YOUNG STRONG MAN CANT GET A JOB n NO REASON TO BE HOMELESS
Seems like you've put A LOT of thought and analysis into this opinion. Thanks for sharing ☺️
Youre so embarrassing
Never say never unless you’re in their situation . There’s no reason for anything that’s wrong or unnecessary in this world yet that’s the way it is.
Has anyone offered him a job? He is clearly not in a position to hand out resumes!!!Maybe someone should ask him what job he wants, then ban together to find it for him!
Is anybody knows this young man and his contact number? I want to reach him to talk and to see if I can help him to find a permanent life solution. Please let me know.