I met a lady from this area she took her kids to nice places/ libraries etc. In her words "U CANT BE WHAT U CANT SEE" Those words have stuck with me. This lady raised her kids to all be successful and get out of the ghetto. Beautiful women with beautiful powerful words.
It's same with my Dad, when I was young he always tells me that if took drugs I would be the same with our neighbor teenager who got addicted and lost all School scholarships. Now i see that same guy in our town walking around the basketball ourt and doing nothing product the entire day. Talking about "Zombie"
"I refuse to let you die on my watch"....solid ass dude right there. I know this area. Been there many times. I'm from Philly. Seeing someone live through this everyday, and still have empathy and NOT be completely desensitized towards death to say "I refuse to let you die on my watch" gives me hope.
Let's strive to be as genuine. People will always say 'we need more people like this' we can be the change. Start with smaller deeds then move onto bigger. Things won't get better if our perspective is the worst...
"If I can do something to help, im going to." What a guy! It's hard to see such a genuine person trying to fight bitterness after having help thrown in his face time after time. It looks like the responsibility he feels is weighing on him, all the more amazing that he keeps going and keeps helping regardless.
I used to be down Kensington for 8 years, hanging out all day and night getting high right on that corner of Kensington and Allegheny and Somerset and Kensington. Thank God I got arrested one day and that was the end for me and have been clean for almost 10 years and now working with a recovery organization. Thanks for bringing awareness to this area. It's been like this so long and has gotten so much worse with the tranq dope, we need more help and resources
@@technopirate5050 they're saying it's a horse tranquilizer but I guess it all depends where they're getting from. We have a testing site some of the stuff they're bringing in is purple or blue.def not the color it's supposed to be. Everyone here is a street pharmacist just mixing whatever together so I wouldn't doubt ketamine hasn't been used. Whatever it is powerful, within seconds they're knocked out in a deep sleep,not like the typical nodding off we're used to seeing
As someone from the Suburbs of Philadelphia it’s honestly so crazy how in a span of like 4-5 miles you can go from million dollar homes to the deepest parts of the trenches it blows my mind every time.
The argument between those two ladies was insightful. On one hand you want to help people out because you don’t know there story. And on the other hand you don’t know whether or not they want the help. Ultimately, creating a cycle that’s seems to be never ending. Shits deep.
@@rustyshackleford9456 I'd disagree, just because there wasn't a drink in her hand doesn't mean she doesn't have a vice of some kind, everyone has one whether it be drugs or food. Ridding them of any help does not rid someone of their addiction, it just makes their life tougher and more dangerous. That pulling yourself up by the boot straps mentality has never helped anyone, it's ignorant and selfish and comes across like they're putting their self on a pedestal, their way is the only way. It's almost like they just don't care and act like that's a way to help when really they just don't want to deal with it.
The bottom of all this problems is broken home, trauma that leads you to self destruct. There is nothing that people can help you if its not come from yourself.
I love seeing that there's other people out there helping people who are obviously so sick it makes me so sad because I've been there I was homeless I was shooting heroin It is a miserable existence a vicious cycle that you just feel like you can't get out of cause you've dug yourself in such a deep hole and then when you get clean you have to come to terms with all the stuff you did to people you love. A little compassion goes such a long way.
I live outside of Philly and I’ve wanted to help in Kensington, just like drop off clothes or blankets or food or something but I’ve been told it’s way to dangerous to even try to help
Former Lyft driver in Philadelphia. I had to quit because 90% of my trips were taking people to Kensington. I just couldn't bring myself to keep contributing to their diseases. I often think about all the people I dropped off there, and how many of them probably died. I know they'd find a way regardless, but I can't help but feel a slight guilt. It really is the most surreal and depressing place you will probably ever experience. Even worse than skid row. Lost a lot of friends I grew up with living in this area. There is probably no worse place in the country for drug abuse, maybe even the entire world.
I feel your sorrow for this place and a bit of guilt. It must have been awful to take people here to destroy themselves. But there are worse place on earth. Yes. I’ve seen it myself. Brazil, worse. Skid row in Brazil is on another level. Worse than here. India. Wow slums of India is worse than here. Way way worse. No toilet dead body floating on river where people ask defecate and wash themselves at the same time. There’s a ringleader that owns beggars and some women chop their arm off to beg more effectively. They came up to my driver while I was there and he told me not to open the window. I’ve never seen such sad situation. Then loaning babies. Yeah people loan babies so that they can effectively beg more money. Slums of India is the worst I’ve seen. East Hastings in Vancouver is also pretty bad. Drugs and prostitution capital of the Western Canada. I’ve lived not too far from there. Obviously not right near it but I could walk there in 30 min. The worst place in Canada. Even worse than Toronto in my opinion where I grew up.
I agree with the lady with the pink thing wrapped around her head. As a former heroin addict, having been on the needle for 11 years, the kindness that was shown to me by a lady who took me in off the street and fed me and clothed me and didn't ask me for a penny for years gave me 1, the breathing room I needed to process everything, and 2, just the right kind of guilt trip! Her kindness ended up wearing me out and I finally broke. That 82-year-old crazy old lady killed me with kindness and made me want to be better. And then, wanting to be better made me want to GET better. I PRAISE JESUS FOR THAT LADY!
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. And so were you, but you have been washed. 5 years or more sober from benzos. trying to get off the herb. im glad you were saved. and God bless.
This! I'm helping my daughter nd her boyfroend and the family thinks I'm crazy but she's clean now. I just need to get her off the street. It's so heartbreaking.
You one of a million. Just because you was able to change doesn’t mean the majority can. You’re an outlier. It’s very rare that such kindness could change a junkies perspective
@@Nnn30055 How we would even know though? There have never been wide scale efforts to treat them in that way. I think for people whose addiction is linked to childhood neglect, abuse, and trauma, making those people feel safe and building trust could go far in their recovery process.
I worked as a tour guide for international students in and around independence hall. It’s amazing to see side by side the place where the country was founded with the place where it’s falling apart. Deeply saddening. Amazed FEMA hasn’t been called in. Forget Ukraine man, we have so many rust belt cities (I’m a Cleveland guy) that need so much help and new management.
Strongest thing on here is that statement; " You never know someone's walk of life, what someone went through". That Woman is Gold. More Blessings to her
Yep, so many people can't see beyond their own experiences and that leads to a lack of empathy. People need to listen to others and believe them when they talk about their life experiences.
I agree, but I agree with the other woman also, by doing nothing ,and letting all this shit go on down there , these people will never get help, cause there are no consequences for shooting up right out in the public! That’s sick! This world has just gone to shi**
The dude that he was originally walking him around seems like a really smart dude. He isn’t an addict but because of a family member being addicted you can tell he took the time to learn all about addiction.
@@derrickharmon7980 I mean tbf u really expect avg drug addicts to search up how naloxone works when they're the same people taking enough drugs to overdose
@@derrickharmon7980 you’re expecting unnecessary perfection out of others who have educated themselves enough to avoid addictions that they’ve been around often. Just be happy for them. They ARE educated through experience, forget all the terminology. You’re lacking in empathy.
Those guys walking with him were awesome we need more good hearted people like that everywhere. I love to see people who really cares and is out here everyday trying to help people like that keep doing what you do and God bless y'all.
Those dudes are pieces of garbage. I'm from Philly. They're so delusional they think they have a rap career coming. And they made the content creator plug their IG accounts. Because they think it'll help their careers. I'm from that area. Those dudes are lying about how dangerous Kensington is. Amongst other things. That's not a dangerous neighborhood. I work there at least three times a week during elections. They're being completely dishonest.
I was surprised that he was able to walk around safely. I’m from England and the news we get over here always paints a different story! These people were absolute angels in my eyes. God bless you 💖
Yeah and I guarantee you all three of them were drug dealers That's what they do they talk like their saints and they sell drugs behind your back. I grew up in Kensington and I guarantee you those three dudes he was talking to sold drugs That's why they're on the streets like that What the f*** else would they be out there for like I said I grew up there I know them I know them well wolves and sheep clothing those mf'ers!
Philadelphian here, first off, amazing video. Secondly, whats so sad about Kensington is how preventable it was/is. Only 10 minutes east of Kenzo and you're in Fishtown, which is like a micro San Fran inside Philly. 10 minutes south and you're in Northern Liberties where concert venues and very strong communities hold together, and 10 minutes west is Temple University. With all that said, Kensington is only about 2% of Philly, and our leaders and citizens simply don't care.
It's just ABSOLUTELY SOOOO CRAZY to me to think that when I was in active addiction and when I lived up North, Kensington was one of the few places that I would go and cop my dope...I'm TRULY BLESSED-TRULY GRATEFUL that I am now 14 months sober today!!! I know the struggles of addiction cuz I've been there!!! I sadly wasted about 15-20 years of my life, chasing the high and finally just one day, I had enough and I put the needle down!!! I go to a drug class 3 days a week STILL, Today, I go to AA/NA Meetings atleast 3-4 times a week, I have a Sponsor that I call every day and I'm just SO GRATEFUL to still be alive!!! There are still ALOT of empty seats in the AA/NA Meetings so, always keep in mind that some people were NOT as fortunate as me to be able to get another chance and make it back...God Bless everyone!!! Much Love✌️
Your existence is such a intricate and miraculous thing.... you deserve to heal and grow, I'm so proud and happy for you to have a great support system and the strength to have escaped the grip of addiction. You have so much purpose here. I love you bro
Good for you Richie, just proving to the world that it's all based on a single decision and that it's possible for everyone with the will to live. The best decisions in life are usually the hardest ones as well. I've never done dope but was hooked on party drugs (weed, MDMA, coke etc) in my late teens to early 20s, now edging toward my 40s been done with them a long time. It's good to live a healthy clean life, but not gonna lie, you still miss chasing the high sometimes and just gotta remind yourself why it's better to take a step back and appreciate everything you have in the moment, even if it's a bad moment at least you will remember it the next day lol
Those four guys walking with him as his guides (bodyguards) look really healthy and have so much concern for their neighborhood. I wish them well and stay away from drugs🙏🏽🙏🏽
4:33 You even take a shit on the wrong side of the toilet your shit will be flipped. And I’ll probably make myself blind by removing my eyes just so I don’t make eye contact with anyone there. Philly has an attitude problem.
yes because theyre the ones who runs it out there, and sells the drugs to these people. they dont take the stuff they sell themselves so they look healthy
Man that “ I refuse To let you die on my watch” touched the heart I was an addict of opiates myself and it’s true the drugs blind you so much you get mad when peopl are trying to save your life, I’m glad those people have guys like them around because you can see thy do care
The guy in the white tee has so much empathy to him even though this is where he calls home and most people that live there look down on these people with so much hate. You can tell he has a big heart.
I grew up in Kensington when it was still mostly in Irish neighborhood. I'll guarantee you he's talking all that shit and selling drugs when nobody's looking with a camera, It's typical there! Don't be a sucker Christina they're wolves in sheep's clothing in Kensington, everyone of those dudes he was talking to were drug dealers but that kid was too stupid to realize it, I'm not that's my old hood and I know what they were.
I used to have to drive down here at night and find my brother. Day and night actually. I always stayed strapped and I seen it all. It’s wild how bad it’s gotten down there over the past 10 years. I can’t describe the scenes that I have encountered down here. God bless all the people suffering down there.
@Brandon Buckingham you’re not far from southwest Baltimore.. it’s similar to Kensi over there… Free samples and more open air dealers than there is users, needles everywhere.. and the rats, gotta love the huge rats that look like raccoons running around on the streets 🤗.. Ahhh good ol, Bodymore Murderland
Glad to see you're still in contact with one another Brandon/Tommy. You're two of the very few genuine ppl on the platform and yins work is an inspiration.
As a Philadelphia native who went to high school in Kensington, and worked this neighborhood as a law enforcement officer I applaud him for showcasing the plight of Kensington, it is truly a crazy place….that being said, it is a neighborhood in Philly, not Kensington, Pennsylvania. Keep up the good work and I just subbed.
Northeast Philly native here too! Living in Rhawnhurst at the moment. I was going to say the same it’s Philly not it’s own place in PA. Thank you so much for your service to our city.
I thought so ! Wonder who changed it to Kensington, Penn.? LOL ***Some addicts I know was so desperate to stop using drugs they left their hometown and went to MPLS., Minnesota to get treatment and after 6 months or so, the treatment center helped them get a job, a place to live etc etc etc. OR they can go back home clean, living a program of recovery from drugs. "We Do Recover" I'm the evidence! I USED FOR WELL OVER 30YEARS AND J4TODAY I HAVE 6 YEARS CLEAN FROM USING DRUGS ! "HOORAY!" 🥳🎉🥳🎉
😂😂😂 cap I know her she been around longer than 2020 she use to be around my hood I got videos of her getting yelled at for asking for a dollar in 2016😂 she cap don’t believe what u see
She's right you can't just cut people off. Most addicts have only got clean because someone showed some mercy and gave some hope and maybe a hand up. On the other side of this, one must not enable destructive behaviour.
This cannot be solved so long as the Liberal Democrats that have a stranglehold on Philadelphia stop encouraging this nonsense. The police are in on this mess as well. You cannot traffic 1.5 Billion dollars 💵 in Heroin without law enforcement on the take. Philadelphia is too dumb to vote for anything other than Democrats, so this will never change.
Please keep showing it and thank you Rican Bull. People need to see it. My 42 yr old son is in it so bad. We're in Reno but his addiction is as bad as the other zombies. That trans is mixed in the tent and it's bad everywhere. Kensington is just more concentrated. Don't stop showing it you guys.
I met a girl in rehab who lived in the suburbs... Abington. About a month after getting out of rehab, I had allready got myself back in the shit, to the point I was allready on the run from parole. The girl I had met from rehab told me I could come and stay with her, so I packed a garbage bag full of clothes and shit and I drove 4 hours there. She was living w/ her parents..nice house, good family, ect. I was only there about 4 weeks. Every day, we took the bus to go get on the L and got off at Kensington & Somerset.. we got our dope, we walked a couple blocks and got high. In less than 4 weeks I had overdosed 4 times, watched her OD once, watched her friend OD, got involved in a hit and run and then drove over to Jersey all f****d up on dope & zannies, just to pull into a parking lot to ask some dudes how the f**k do I get back to Philly. Those dudes ended up being cops. I was arrested, did a few weeks in Burlington County and ultimately went Upstate after being transferred back to my county. The 2 years I did upstate ended up saving my life. 10 years clean, living a normal life that I wouldn't give up for anything. The girl I met in rehab wasn't as fortunate. 7 years ago, she overdosed and that time she didn't come back. If Kensington brings you in, your lucky to make it out alive. That's not some morbid, scary quote to make a person "think," it's the f*****g truth. It's a God damn shame that the people with enough power to do something about that place-dont f*****g do it. Nothing changes if nothing changes. RIP Em.
I can completely relate to your situationI’m seven years sober I Admire you.I was able to get myself Clean after stent of a few rehabs stays.Because I knew that if I didn’t do somethingLike ASAP I was gonna die there is nothing for me to live for.Today I have a beautiful five year old girl I’m sober yes I am still on Suboxone But I keep myself going.Trying every day to get a step further
The "people with enough power of doing something about that place" HAVE been doing it. They funded the stuff you get for free there. Which do you think is cheaper and a better solution for the Gov to do? Housing and institutionalizing....or downsizing the number of d4m4ged people?
Congratulations on getting sober. Listening to your story reminds me of exactly how it used to be going down there 10 years ago and how going to prison myself and God saved me from down there too. We're definitely blessed not too many people walk away from Kensington
The guys that took you down there are pretty solid dudes. Such a vicious hopeless cycle for these users and their families. My heart breaks for them. Truly. My kids have done mission trips to Vancouver Canada and walked the streets and met with the homeless and drug users. It was an eye opening experience for them that they will never forget, but it taught them empathy and compassion.
@@sd8484 that's true but that doesn't excuse it. I told myself that shitty excuse for years while I took the money people stole or pawned they baby stuff for
Great video and message! Those ladies were so right about the children.... Frederick Douglass said "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men". God bless ALL these people
Never underestimate the power of peer pressure. I homeschooled my children partly because the schools were doing nothing about bullying, but also because I was afraid they would be pressured into very damaging situations.
I’ve been on suboxone or methadone for just shy of 10 years now. Was completely taken over by oxycontin, then hydromorph, then fenty. Opiates were something that just jived with me physically and emotionally like i was made for it and it was made for me. From my first time to my last it made me feel alive. When i first tried to taper down and actually truly quit the withdrawal was so powerful it scared me to death. It was such a visceral reaction mentally and physically - it felt like i had a serious bout of depression, with food poisoning, influenza, and a broken spine while having my body torn apart by dogs. One time I vomited for 24 hours straight until my stomach lining tore and continued to vomit blood. I tell ya… it was a lot of rock bottom suffering but finally I started to win the fight and now im about 5 years sober. Im unfortunately still on suboxone to this day but completely stable and no more mental addiction, only physical. So technically they call me a drug dependent, not addict anymore. Terrible disease. I now have 2 kids, a career job and own my home and property. Just need to manage that last step of tapering off suboxone, but easier said than done.
Have you tried Kratom? It will help look into it. It's 100x better than any pharmaceutical medicine on the market it's a plant and a cousin of the coffee plant. Just look into it kratom works. Also it helped me to get off opiates too.
That was a pretty accurate description of the withdrawals. Just absolutely unreal. I truly am thankful for being able to wake up in the morning and not feel like absolute shit. I love weed. And kratom didn’t do SHIT for me for the withdrawals. Kept hearing that it was a miracle herb and that it’ll just take all the withdrawals away. NOT FOR ME. So that just added to the frustration of withdrawals. Just a horrible horrible time.
I used for over 10 years.. i quit multiple times and always relapsed for one reason or another... i finally went to suboxone and have never had more success in my life. i've been sober for just over 4 years now. no cigarettes, zero alcohol. the suboxone makes my brain normal again besides for some side effects like emotional numbness, occasional constipation. I have lowered my dose from 12mg down to 6mg to reduce side effects..i may go down to 2mg or off of it.. but beyond 2-4mg is where things get very tough. But i have successfully tapered off completely before for about 2 months (final dose was like 0.10-0.2 mg you must use a milligram scale for measurement) and had cravings even after most of the acute physical withdrawals were over. the post acute withdrawals can last almost a year so the best way is to go very very slow, but in order to do that you really have to be extremely disciplined about not taking more than what your taper plan is.. I always take less than i am prescribed so i have extra. i always keep it with me so somebody does not steal it. stuff like that is the reason i want to taper off.. but all in all my life is way better than before.. i used to shoot 1/2 gram of black tar every day and now i am in college working on an engineering degree.. so to say the suboxone helped me would be a massive understatement. i dont recommend methadone to anyone unless you are using it for harm reduction... but dont see too many issues with staying on suboxone forever. with the crisis going on you wont find any issues getting a prescription. But if you are trying to emotionally wake up a lower dose or coming off is usually required.. but you open yourself up not only to positive feelings but negative feelings and cravings as well... i know its possible because i have done it before.. but you first need to be off all nicotine, and sure AF no alcohol... once you are very stable financially and physically you can do it.. my issue was i was broke and had a crap job when i tapered off... plus i was vaping and drinking... so i failed... but I plan on giving it another shot once i finish college and am stress free... until then i am an easy patient for my doctor, i go in 4 times per year for refills and that's it. biggest downside is fear of losing it and the emotional numbness... but it is vastly outweighed by the positive side effects.
@@KassAss420 Kratom you have to buy large amounts online and eat it by the spoonful.. only issue is you'll have withdrawals from that stuff (i've had them)... its no joke when you extract it and take it in large amounts... i always recommend gradually smaller amounts of suboxone to taper off, kratom is expensive, nauseating to drink a bunch of and difficult to dose consistently.
You don't have to get off suboxone. If you have good doctors they won't push you and just accept it like it were diabetes or some other medication you would need to take lifetime. Get past it being abused by others.
mad respect for the way you approached this bro. im from about 10 mins away from kensington and i appriciate the respect you had for what you were doing their ...
@@mjanny6330 I mean I would he's smart enough to not keep anything valuable on him and who knows maybe he's the dealer and he feels bad when ppl overdose off his stuff so he saves them when he can. I'm sure Narcan is free so he probably has a stash
Good brothers showing the brother the city. First time I went to Philly, I was stunned. Having visited NY, Chicago, LA, Berlin, Baltimore and working in DC and from NC, Philly still woke me up. Annie, God rest her soul, introduced me to her family who showed me some West Philly love.
Thank you for sharing more than just a drive by film of the "zombies". Hearing a story makes it personal, not just shame. I live in Philly and see this on the subways and platforms everyday. I is a sad situation around the country. On my way to work, across the street from Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell - I see this and it hits me in the heart. Tourist visit our beautiful city and don't understand the "zombies" they witness; they just quickly get away and try to block out what they just saw.
@@johnmitchell2269 Arrest is temporary, it does not stop addiction - drugs in prison are pervasive. If arrests are made in red states, then the issue exists there too. Fetynal is across the board, including red states: Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Utah to name a few. It is a fact, not something that can be cancelled. Like abortion, it exists regardless of my personal beliefs
@@JohnPaul-hm2ys It's an epidemic in blue states, and absolutely nothing is being done about it. Just like nothing is being done about homelessness in blue states. The stats don't lie.
@@johnmitchell2269 I don't consider the addicted to be criminals that should be arrested and thrown in jail. They can't help themselves and the supply is way too big. Locking them all up is just hiding the problem. These people need rehabilitation not incarceration. As for the big drug suppliers however, they should be prosecuted and put in jail for a long time.
I used to volunteer at East Van in Vancouver BC. That is our Skid Row. In my experience trauma came first before the addiction. These people need help and compassion. I count my blessings as I could have easily been on the streets fighting my own addictions trying to self medicate from past trauma
I watched a video about Kensington where they said the military occasionally come in and sweep the place and it's full of users again by the next day but the people who are living there think they should all be displaced by the military. It seems to be an endless cycle. The 2 blokes that are guiding you in this video seem like they're super fun to hang with. They're just charismatic and seem like they're really funny. Even with all of this destruction around them they keep their spirits up.
This is one of the most respectful documentaries on Kensington I've seen in a long time. Thank you for not being sensational and being so professional with your questions. Newly subscribed and looking fwd to seeing more.
I remember when I got prescribed oxy for my tooth extraction and my dad tossed it immediately after I got it. I had no idea how serious drug addiction was then, but I’m very thankful he did and turns out I didn’t even need it because my gums barely hurt!
Threw a bag away, lmao. Just because it’s addicting doesn’t mean it has to have a negative connotation to your specific situation. We’re as weak as we let ourselves be, when it comes to drugs.
@@filibertosalinas6816 it's better to just not take a chance. Especially since oxy is one of the most addicting drugs ever made and putting it in your body is just stupid especially if you don't need it. I cut 3 tendons in a dirt biking accident and was offered hydro morphine but refused because i have a bunch of addicts in my family and I didn't wanna chance it, I oppted to just take some Tylenol instead. Better to go threw a few weeks of pain then a lifetime of suffering
Tommy & Keegan, y’all be careful please! I hold my breath sometimes when I watch you guys go into these situations where you could be unsafe but I think you’re doing amazing work. Bringing all walks of life to our living rooms to learn about and from❤️
My ex is addicted to fentanyl. I don't even know if she's alive right now honestly. She's ODed twice, I tried for so long to save her. Got her off it so many times. I really can't even watch this video without feeling sick to my stomach. Tommy G thank you for shining light on the opiod epidemic. Everyone is aware of it now but there still isn't enough being done. All love and blessings for those struggling with addiction🙏🙏
Let her die it’s not ur problem, “ex” for a reason bro she doesn’t want your help if she keeps relapsing. Focus on making sure you don’t turn out like her and quit letting other people hold you back
The two guys talking about they used to be sober for years and relapses because of the ease of access to drugs is truly depressing, I hope they get clean and reunite with their families. Also the two women at the end were so honest and based and I agree with them 100%, help is only expected by all when it's their only option. Not having easy access to drugs and homeless care, they wouldn't be on the streets for long, at least the most.
That's one of the most underrated realities with addiction that a lot of people don't realise. The US sends them into detox centres, but all detox centres do is treat you through the withdrawal stage, it doesn't actually continue through to post-care treatment to help continue fighting against the cravings. Took me 3 years before I got my cravings under control, and 5 years before I could mix with society again - it's genuinely a very long process and a hard one at that. What they've done in Portland, by decriminalising it all, is never going to solve the addiction issues, because the moment people come out of detox and are thrown back into the city (which has turned into an open market drug vendor), people are going to cave in to their cravings and will be back using all over again. These people need to be sectioned and put into secure facilities with sufficient medical staff overseeing their process. But the US doesn't run a public healthcare system, it has a health sector, so none of that actually exists which is why the fentanyl epidemic in the US is going to continue to spread and grow exponentially.
as a recovering heroin/fetty addict thank you for bringing this to life.. ive been fighting the last 13 years and all started with pain killers.. my rock bottom got worse then my last one and decided to go to detox, thirty day rehab and phase two which is like 3.1 housing and now in sober living.. im in ohio theres a little more help then most states.. some people dont realize how much help there is in my state and just abuse it. when there is plenty willing people that want to stay clean n sober
@@luckymanham302 it is not that simple. You have no idea what you’re talking about many people need support and treatment opportunities they can’t just do it on their own. Why do you think there’s a whole rehab industry. Just because someone wants to be sober doesn’t mean they just stop craving their drug it’s a battle someone must fight their whole life, you realize that’s what it is? A battle
@@Ronniemc1999 I realize that. It is that simple though. You literally just said rehab centers are a whole industry blah blah blah. In todays day and age, there is more than enough treatment centers/ rehabs/ people willing to help the addicted. It’s up to the addict themselves to be READY and WILLING to take the steps necessary. Most people that go to rehab haven’t hit their rock bottom yet, or aren’t ready to do what they need to do which is why they don’t get clean. I speak from experience
I just lost a neighbor was sober for a while. I knew him as a kid who often had visited and played with my foster kitties. He was just petting my dog. And she is a major judge of character and always ran up to him. Tail wagging. My uncle bought him a slice of pizza just a few days ago. We found out he OD’ed over the weekend. We are devastated.
I'm from Philly. My dad still lives there. The speed with which this guy answered "Nah" when asked "Is it a friendly city?" just has me rolling... so true. Also, the dude who was clean and relapsed because insurance wouldn't cover the suboxone. F*** insurance.
@@joshuaedwards3322lol naw we love each other outside the city and stick together…that’s why we brotherly love …brothers fight all the time but a stranger can’t fight my brother
i feel for that guy in the orange shirt. because the same thing happened to me. i got on my feet with suboxone, had a house and everything, insurance ended and my doc shut his office down all at once and i couldn't help it. i went back and used and lost everything. im back on my feet now though. 3 years. longest ive ever been sober.
@@WhyteHorse2023 The sad thing is they are well aware. Our society/government is set up for one thing and one thing only and that is to increase profits for a few at the top regardless if it hurts or kills their own neighbors.
I wish more people would watch your videos. Not only to be more aware of what's going on in the country but also to learn how to treat people. You never seem to forget that these people are humans still deserving of compassion and respect. Be safe 💙
I don't. He called Kensington a city 😂😂😂. I'm from PHILLY (which is the actual name of the city cough). Kensington is a neighborhood in Philly. It's the skid row of Philly
When I was so depressed I thought about flying to here. I’m a recovering opiate addict and, it got to the point I didn’t even care. I knew I could get what I wanted and never run out of. Now I’m very happy with the love of my life and we have a 1 and a half year old son.
what a couple of nice guys, probably went through their own shit and they still go and help all those that need it and save them from dying, we need more people like these
As someone who spent 3 months in a shelter I feel I can say it's a different challenge living there. These people here are focused on purely drugs while at shelters you have to worry about theft assault and other fun stuff. Don't under credit what you are fighting against
This is a nice documentary. Very humble for those people who accompanied you and your cameraman. You have a knack for making this kind of thing! Looking forward to your other documentaries. Stay safe always.
My older brother has been gone for three years. Died from cardiac arrest he was a fentanyl addict. I could never understand why he would do what he do until now. Thinking back I realize just how shitty of a human being and a shitty younger sibling I was to him. The two men at the 8:45 mark were exactly how I was to him. Didn't want to be bothered or around him just waiting for him to make a mistake. He was going through fucking hell by himself and instead of being there for him and trying to get him help I turned my back on the one person who always had mine. Had I done that one simple thing who knows if he would be alive now unlike my grandparents who did all they could I didn't lift a damn finger and I know when my time comes I'm going to hell. There's not a thing I would not give if it means bringing him back but I can't. I have to live with this knowing just how much of a shitty person I was. I don't want pity but if I can get this message out to others who are going through it then perhaps your situation can change. If there is someone you know or love who is addicted to drugs DONT TURN YOUR BACK ON THEM SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND OPEN YOUR HEART DESPITE THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS THAT STILL A HUMAN BEING.Do everything in your power and then some to try to get them help. Don't look down on them like you are better than them cause you aren't you were just fortunate enough to make better choices. Don't make my mistake and spend the rest of your life hating yourself as you stare at your older siblings' obituary regretting every stupid choice you made till the point of your heart aching. Make a better choices than I have cause at the end of the day once they are gone..they are gone and the only thing you are left with is memories, your consciousness, and what could have been. Don't let them die...
Your stories and feelings are the impacts that we addicts have on our loved ones. Your sentiment is heartbreaking heart felt and appreciated BUT… the reality is that no human power can help the afflicted who are not willing and open to accepting it. Please do not beat yourselves up … the best you can do is to stay accepting and loving of people warts and all. Giving addicted relatives $$ on a consistent basis is not helpful in the greater sense but if you accept that they are going to use it for drugs then…at least you remain loving and available for when they are ready and willing to change their lives for the better. For me the only way I have been able to build any sense of self worth is by staying sober and sharing my experience in hopes that a higher power will work thru me to help others. I have to give away what has been freely given me…
Pay it forward- find some other way to honor them by speaking out or contributing to prevention or healing, but definitely don’t hate yourself, the drug brought darkness into the lives of all involved and at least you have love for them still now. Convert it into release, action, they may be blessed on the other side by transforming the suffering of all into something good.
Only God can judge where you go and I am sure if your brother was of pure heart he has probably seen your current state of regret and I would imagine probably forgives you. Who knows what he can see in the afterlife.
Redfern, Sydney, Australia use to look like this 22 years ago but the government cleaned it all up. Now it's luxury with business, cafes and brand shop booming everywhere.
Tommy G is a real one for risking his life to show us the reality of these places. Acknowledging and understand the problem is the first step to changing it, and Tommy G is playing a part in that.
Honestly. Anyone who does drugs is doing the world a service when they die. I once let a homeless guy overdoes. I didn’t call medical until after I knew he was dead. Such a good feeling ridding the world of taint.
@@user-so9tv8dz4c Absolutely disgusting that human beings like you are real, Thank god for karma cause you’ll get yours. What goes around comes around 🖕🏿
Tommy G, thank you for covering this, more people need to see this kind or stuff and bring attention to it, I'm a recovering heroin/fentanyl addict myself, I started using prescription pain pills after I broke my wrist skateboarding in 2010 and it eventually led me to use heroin/fentanyl, it consumed a little over 10 years of my life and my addiction took everything from me, but almost 2 years ago I was at my rock bottom and I was tired of being stuck in the cycle of addiction and I was finally ready to get clean so I reached out for help and got on a Medication Assisted Treatment program and it saved my life, I'm slowly getting my life back and getting back to being somewhat "normal", after using for 10 years I never thought I'd have almost 2 years clean from heroin/fentanyl. It's been a long and hard road but it's worth it. If anyone reads this who is struggling with addiction just know that it's never too late to change and get out of that vicious cycle of addiction.
Congratulations!! 1 day at a time. 6/1/18 is my clean date after 16 years of using. And today I'm 21 days clean off M.A.T. keep going! 🙏 if I can, any1 can 😆
@@Matt85USAThanks🙏 Nice dude! That's awesome you're 21 days off MAT. I'm currently working on tapering and hope to be off MAT within the next 2 years, taking the taper low and slow. I know I'll get there whenever the time is right. Best of luck on your recovery.
Thank you for having the fortitude to bring light to this. It's crazy, but in the insanity, you have people who genuinely care and help and walk into the fire daily
I’m from central WI, and I lived with my wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, in her condo for about 6 months back in 2016-2017 in Queen Village, Philadelphia. Someone stole our recycling bin, so I googled the closest place to pick up a new one, which was in Kensington. I went there to pick it up having no idea what I was about to drive into. It was like a bomb went off in that area. Buildings destroyed, windows blown out, etc. it was like walking into a 3rd world fallout zone. Very scary and sad area. I moved back to WI not long after that.
@@OleLockAndKey HEY. I did care. I volunteered my time to the South Street police department and Headhouse Square business district to improve crime. We got more patrols and bridged the gap in communication between the business owners and the residents vocalizing concerns. It didn't used to be so bad. Don't assume we are all like that, please.
@@MYOB2023 good on you. Those are merely symptoms of the larger issues created by 60 years of exclusively democrat policies that keep people tied to "the system" with no realistic way out. Those 60 years of short-sighted, dumb politics have led to the insanity taking place in the 215 today - see: Larry Krasner
Kensington- one tiny little area of a city that in 1992 was the 4th largest city in USA. Many many good neighborhoods in Philly. South Street district, Old City, China Town, Center city, Eakins Oval, Northern Liberties, Boat House Row, East Falls, Germantown, Mount Airy, Mannyunk, Chestnut Hill. Penns Landing, West Oak Lane, Society Hill, Roxborough, Fairmount, (I am sure I am missing a few) Not to mention the outside areas of Willow Grove, Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Narberth, City Line ave and Bryn Mayr. Philly still has many many good places to visit, eat at, enjoy, stroll and take in. I lived in Philly for 20 years, never had anything bad happen to me or my family. All TH-camrs only show Kensington because it gets views.
Kensington resident here. Kensington is a pretty big section of the city, rather than a “tiny” neighborhood; Olde (south), New, West, Harrowgate, and Kensington proper. China town is an absolute S hole, and neither boathouse row nor center city are neighborhoods. When’s the last time you been here, ‘92? And have you ever been to Kensington? Olde Kensington is currently one of the hottest neighborhoods to move to. Sandwiched nicely between northern liberties and fishtown but with much more space and tons of fantastic places to eat, some good breweries and a couple great ones (human robot, fermentory form), art galleries and studios…its a great neighborhood, better than some you mentioned. Don’t listen to this Montgomery County person, come to Kensington, just keep your head on a swivel. -life long resident
Such nice guys to show you around with cameras and talk about things openly, knowing it puts them in risk. I had no idea things were like this. Thank you for sharing and spreading the awareness.
It's such a thankless but humane thing these guys are doing. I'm sure it doesn't always feel worth the hassle but it's a beautiful show of human decency and kindness
Hi I’m from Sydney Australia .. I’m a mother of 3 .. I watched a few of these videos .. it’s devastating .. I’m a mother of a addict daughter sister and granddaughter of addicts .. I have lost 5 of 7 sisters to drugs either overdose or suicide .. parents and grandparent were addicted .. I’ve lost nieces and cousins aunts .. it’s horrific to watch .. as loving a addict is hard .. you live on a fear of the phone of what maybe .. a battle for money or a loss of life .. I seen it all my life thru generational yet I have smoked weed and no desire to experiment .. it’s the most devastating seeing your beautiful child turn from a loving fun great mum to a addict .. it is devastating all the love in the world can’t save them .. as a parent it’s like your running around with a safety net trying to catch them or just cleaning up the trauma they have left behind .. prayers
All of these dudes seemed to be really good people just from a bad area and with some baggage , they just need help or the opportunity to get better and be better . I hope they recieve it , they all seemed like good people
I bet they go to church. We need good people like them. Our society is spiritually bankrupt. Everything is materialistic and fake. Spirituality is a big part of sobriety. The problem with rehab centres is a lot don't have any 12 step programs. If you want to get sober, you need a higher power. Full stop.
@@audreyfreeman2121 The national guard isn't going to get these addicts sober. You, my friend, are one slip and fall or sprained knee away from addiction. It's the medical doctor's introducing dangerous painkillers to everyday people. They won't hesitate, even at your smallest discomfort.
Kensington is everywhere now. Nice little college towns have neighborhoods like that. Small rural towns have serious addiction problems. This is all of America.
I ran in those streets for 20 years off and on and I now have been clean off drugs and away from Kensington for more then 4 years. I came from the suburbs and ended up in Kensington lost. I also actually lived in Wisconsin too. In spring valley lol. I think you have a great thing going on. You seem like a great guy. I'm definitely going to watch from now on.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don't want this to stop, they encourage it and make it happen with their delibrate policy,s on drugs and illegal importation
As someone that used to be homeless in Chicago, it's pretty easy to become jaded to it all, and you can forget the humanity involved. I have a lot of respect for the guys that showed you around. Better people than I am.
I currently live in Seattle with the city dealing with the same issues like Kensington, Philly and straight up I haven’t seen this kind of care and sense of community compared to the PNW.. great community that they are aware of the situation educating themselves, others, and risking their lives to help in such a chaotic area.
Yeah I visited Portland 2 months ago for a vacation. It didn’t look as bad as this but I was legitimately Leary walking up and down the streets. I’m just sad to see the world turning for the worst and politicians not giving a shit on what happens.
I seen this problem in Portland, at first I thought it was here under the el but I noticed how clean it was. I don't think any place can be as bad as it is here.
So glad to see people talking about this. It's not just here, it's all throughout Appalachia. I'm from West Virgina, we have it here too, especially downstate. One of my first jobs, a McDonald's, this girl, probably in her early 20's, not much older than I was at the time, came in nearly every day to shoot up in the bathroom. Almost every day, since before I'd started, she'd come in, already high, and sit either inside or by the door all day if she got to causing too much trouble inside, and they'd all just say "Oh, she does that.". It was just so normal, even in the nicer neighbourhood it was located in. I hadn't been there long before she ODed by the door. and I called my manager's and co-workers attention to it, if nothing else as confirmation that it was real, it was happening. and they told me to leave her. That she'd done it before. They acted like it was nothing. That she wasn't literally dying on their doorstep. I was only 16 or 17, and it's nothing I hadnt seen as a child plenty, but I was old enough now to understand it. To care. But still a child. I was scared. And yet none of the adult's seemed to care a bit. I just remember it feeling so strange to me. But it's all around, it plauges this place. (For conclusion, with encouragement and guildance from my mom we called an ambulance and stayed with her till then, but neither the cops nor EMTs seemed too concerned either, as if she was just an annoyance really, but she was fine. She was banned after that, but saw her a few times after that in the following months out and about.) People here, they grow up in this. It's normal. Kids get neglected, abused, even sold and exploited for drugs by their parents here. To neighbors, friends, family, not just dealers. I've even seen parents giving their babies, toddlers, kids whatever they're taking. Babies are born addicted through pregnant mothers that use. It doesn't stop. That neglect in the formative years causes mental and physical health issues, personality disorders, etc etc. The healthcare system is so overloaded with drugs and former drug related issues that they can't get care when they get older even if they wanted to, no money to travel out of state/no insurance, so, with no other options, they turn to drugs. And the cycle deepens. It becomes this never ending cyclone that only grows the more havoc it wreaks. It wasn't always like this. But maybe, one day, it won't be.
After watching Soft Underbelly and programs like this, I just can't believe how dystopian things have become since I moved from the USA 40 years ago. Appreciation and respect for those good people who are trying to help out where they can.
@@tombeach1262 It started with Reagan, closing down the mental hospitals, gutting public housing/section 8, etc. Kensington should be renamed Reaganville.
I ugly cried watching this... That young man who was so kind to give money😭 This is a sad thing to have to wittness in person, I am sure. If I had a family member doing this to themselves, I don't even know. Every single person is on a path. Your path is not my path. My path is not their path. We must walk along and endure life as we navigate our own path.
I hope these guys can be accepted by their families and experience the love that they are missing.... Real love from family friends and be accepted in the society ❤
Hi guys, good video. I used to live about 1/2 mile from K Ave and after living on 3 other continents and been involved in the scenes the first time I went to Kensington it was like walking into a nightmare! At the time they were finding young working girls (pros) chopped up and stuffed into suitcases! The whole scene is so unreal I wondered if maybe we were already in Hell, just waiting to die to find some relief. I posted a couple of my videos to FB and friends overseas didn't believe it was real until I got on facetime and showed them real time. For God's sake we are in America and this massive social problem has to be addressed! God Bless those poor souls and I am incredibly grateful GOD helped me get sober. It's been 6 years and truly I probably wouldn't have survived another year living there. Take care people and remember there's always more people out there that are worse off!
its actually pretty crazy, because i went to philadelphia on a school field trip. we went to a museum, and i felt really safe. Its insane that only about 2 miles away is kensington…
I met a lady from this area she took her kids to nice places/ libraries etc. In her words "U CANT BE WHAT U CANT SEE" Those words have stuck with me. This lady raised her kids to all be successful and get out of the ghetto. Beautiful women with beautiful powerful words.
Thanks for the story Donnie
She's a rare breed
Truer words were never spoken. She showed even in her situation you can still do something inspire.Bless her & you
Love this!!!!
It's same with my Dad, when I was young he always tells me that if took drugs I would be the same with our neighbor teenager who got addicted and lost all School scholarships. Now i see that same guy in our town walking around the basketball ourt and doing nothing product the entire day.
Talking about "Zombie"
"I refuse to let you die on my watch"....solid ass dude right there. I know this area. Been there many times. I'm from Philly. Seeing someone live through this everyday, and still have empathy and NOT be completely desensitized towards death to say "I refuse to let you die on my watch" gives me hope.
America is obsolete. Better countries don't have this nonsense.
It’s sounds dark but Maybe it’s better for them to die then to live in that vicious cycle of addiction
@@Will-xl7xp they still people bro
Tradusir al español
@@Will-xl7xpyou do realize you can beat addiction? Its by no means easy but you can overcome it
The dude in the white t shirt was a genuinely nice and caring guy. We need more of those kinds of people
u could tell.
W mans
Dont be racialism
Let's strive to be as genuine. People will always say 'we need more people like this' we can be the change. Start with smaller deeds then move onto bigger. Things won't get better if our perspective is the worst...
caring? we need more ppl like this? 4:35
"If I can do something to help, im going to." What a guy!
It's hard to see such a genuine person trying to fight bitterness after having help thrown in his face time after time.
It looks like the responsibility he feels is weighing on him, all the more amazing that he keeps going and keeps helping regardless.
I used to be down Kensington for 8 years, hanging out all day and night getting high right on that corner of Kensington and Allegheny and Somerset and Kensington. Thank God I got arrested one day and that was the end for me and have been clean for almost 10 years and now working with a recovery organization. Thanks for bringing awareness to this area. It's been like this so long and has gotten so much worse with the tranq dope, we need more help and resources
What is the tranq part ketamine ?
@@technopirate5050 they're saying it's a horse tranquilizer but I guess it all depends where they're getting from. We have a testing site some of the stuff they're bringing in is purple or blue.def not the color it's supposed to be. Everyone here is a street pharmacist just mixing whatever together so I wouldn't doubt ketamine hasn't been used. Whatever it is powerful, within seconds they're knocked out in a deep sleep,not like the typical nodding off we're used to seeing
Praise your recovery! And for these people. It's heartbreaking
I'm glad you found a better way Reena
Thanks 😊🙏🏼❤️
As someone from the Suburbs of Philadelphia it’s honestly so crazy how in a span of like 4-5 miles you can go from million dollar homes to the deepest parts of the trenches it blows my mind every time.
consider yourself lucky
i live in radnor and used to ride, literally ride down lanacaster ave and you see the real slums and people up here act like its not there. So sad
💯
Same goes for the Bay Area lmao
Yep, that’s how it is in almost all cities
The argument between those two ladies was insightful. On one hand you want to help people out because you don’t know there story. And on the other hand you don’t know whether or not they want the help. Ultimately, creating a cycle that’s seems to be never ending. Shits deep.
True, but I think the one with a job not walking around drinking hard liquor in the middle of the day is probably the correct one.
Addiction is a paradox
@@rustyshackleford9456 I'd disagree, just because there wasn't a drink in her hand doesn't mean she doesn't have a vice of some kind, everyone has one whether it be drugs or food. Ridding them of any help does not rid someone of their addiction, it just makes their life tougher and more dangerous. That pulling yourself up by the boot straps mentality has never helped anyone, it's ignorant and selfish and comes across like they're putting their self on a pedestal, their way is the only way. It's almost like they just don't care and act like that's a way to help when really they just don't want to deal with it.
There is no true answer for a cure all. Both are good in their own way but almost useless on its own. Both are good together.
The bottom of all this problems is broken home, trauma that leads you to self destruct. There is nothing that people can help you if its not come from yourself.
I love seeing that there's other people out there helping people who are obviously so sick it makes me so sad because I've been there I was homeless I was shooting heroin It is a miserable existence a vicious cycle that you just feel like you can't get out of cause you've dug yourself in such a deep hole and then when you get clean you have to come to terms with all the stuff you did to people you love. A little compassion goes such a long way.
I live outside of Philly and I’ve wanted to help in Kensington, just like drop off clothes or blankets or food or something but I’ve been told it’s way to dangerous to even try to help
Former Lyft driver in Philadelphia. I had to quit because 90% of my trips were taking people to Kensington. I just couldn't bring myself to keep contributing to their diseases. I often think about all the people I dropped off there, and how many of them probably died. I know they'd find a way regardless, but I can't help but feel a slight guilt. It really is the most surreal and depressing place you will probably ever experience. Even worse than skid row. Lost a lot of friends I grew up with living in this area. There is probably no worse place in the country for drug abuse, maybe even the entire world.
Dope runs.
East Hastings Street?
Sadly Africas slums make this place look like Disney world.
It’s sad that these kinds of place exist period. Humans should never ever live like this.
Dans le monde non pas du tout, il y a pire dans les 4 coins du globe !
I feel your sorrow for this place and a bit of guilt. It must have been awful to take people here to destroy themselves.
But there are worse place on earth. Yes. I’ve seen it myself. Brazil, worse. Skid row in Brazil is on another level. Worse than here. India. Wow slums of India is worse than here. Way way worse. No toilet dead body floating on river where people ask defecate and wash themselves at the same time. There’s a ringleader that owns beggars and some women chop their arm off to beg more effectively. They came up to my driver while I was there and he told me not to open the window. I’ve never seen such sad situation. Then loaning babies. Yeah people loan babies so that they can effectively beg more money. Slums of India is the worst I’ve seen.
East Hastings in Vancouver is also pretty bad. Drugs and prostitution capital of the Western Canada. I’ve lived not too far from there. Obviously not right near it but I could walk there in 30 min. The worst place in Canada. Even worse than Toronto in my opinion where I grew up.
"I refuse to let you die on my watch" damn.......right in the feels.
Bro, dude's a black nigga with tattoos, we don't need any more of them. Look at this as well 4:35, litterbug? No way bro.
@@clarkesmith. I can dislike who he is and still appreciate his words. It's called being an adult.
@@evanfurn920 such a good reply he deleted his comment 💯
Maybe fetterman will help ya,i mean you did vote for him right?
@@mxxico what? it's still there stupid.
I agree with the lady with the pink thing wrapped around her head. As a former heroin addict, having been on the needle for 11 years, the kindness that was shown to me by a lady who took me in off the street and fed me and clothed me and didn't ask me for a penny for years gave me 1, the breathing room I needed to process everything, and 2, just the right kind of guilt trip! Her kindness ended up wearing me out and I finally broke. That 82-year-old crazy old lady killed me with kindness and made me want to be better. And then, wanting to be better made me want to GET better. I PRAISE JESUS FOR THAT LADY!
Happy for you❤
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
And so were you, but you have been washed. 5 years or more sober from benzos. trying to get off the herb. im glad you were saved. and God bless.
This! I'm helping my daughter nd her boyfroend and the family thinks I'm crazy but she's clean now. I just need to get her off the street. It's so heartbreaking.
You one of a million. Just because you was able to change doesn’t mean the majority can. You’re an outlier. It’s very rare that such kindness could change a junkies perspective
@@Nnn30055 How we would even know though? There have never been wide scale efforts to treat them in that way. I think for people whose addiction is linked to childhood neglect, abuse, and trauma, making those people feel safe and building trust could go far in their recovery process.
I worked as a tour guide for international students in and around independence hall. It’s amazing to see side by side the place where the country was founded with the place where it’s falling apart. Deeply saddening. Amazed FEMA hasn’t been called in. Forget Ukraine man, we have so many rust belt cities (I’m a Cleveland guy) that need so much help and new management.
not the brightest crayon are you? Not so many mines in Cleveland. Go fix your city if you're so smart
Exactly. I hear they cleaned it up but things/people moved to the very next street.
Strongest thing on here is that statement; " You never know someone's walk of life, what someone went through". That Woman is Gold. More Blessings to her
Yep, so many people can't see beyond their own experiences and that leads to a lack of empathy. People need to listen to others and believe them when they talk about their life experiences.
@@xtinkerbellax3 couldn't have said it better
I wanted to slap the other lady ong “go get a job and you be ok” thats like telling somebody homeless just buy a house 🤨
I agree, but I agree with the other woman also, by doing nothing ,and letting all this shit go on down there , these people will never get help, cause there are no consequences for shooting up right out in the public! That’s sick! This world has just gone to shi**
@@sandysgrandgirlssandysswee2492 True they need help I agree, but they don't need to be judged for it.
The dude that he was originally walking him around seems like a really smart dude. He isn’t an addict but because of a family member being addicted you can tell he took the time to learn all about addiction.
Yet they don't understand how naloxone works, but hey they try. They live with this shit but hardly study addiction 😒
white dude frat boy going out to see the dregs of life, get a real job dude
@@derrickharmon7980 I mean tbf u really expect avg drug addicts to search up how naloxone works when they're the same people taking enough drugs to overdose
@@derrickharmon7980 you’re expecting unnecessary perfection out of others who have educated themselves enough to avoid addictions that they’ve been around often. Just be happy for them. They ARE educated through experience, forget all the terminology. You’re lacking in empathy.
@@13crowintuitivestarot they have other addictions
Those guys walking with him were awesome we need more good hearted people like that everywhere. I love to see people who really cares and is out here everyday trying to help people like that keep doing what you do and God bless y'all.
Those dudes are pieces of garbage. I'm from Philly. They're so delusional they think they have a rap career coming. And they made the content creator plug their IG accounts. Because they think it'll help their careers. I'm from that area. Those dudes are lying about how dangerous Kensington is. Amongst other things. That's not a dangerous neighborhood. I work there at least three times a week during elections. They're being completely dishonest.
Like you can't walk around alone. What?! Yes you can. And nothing is going to happen to you. Nothings happened to me in 20 years of working there.
Why dont u be one of those guys
I was surprised that he was able to walk around safely. I’m from England and the news we get over here always paints a different story! These people were absolute angels in my eyes. God bless you 💖
Yeah and I guarantee you all three of them were drug dealers That's what they do they talk like their saints and they sell drugs behind your back. I grew up in Kensington and I guarantee you those three dudes he was talking to sold drugs That's why they're on the streets like that What the f*** else would they be out there for like I said I grew up there I know them I know them well wolves and sheep clothing those mf'ers!
Philadelphian here, first off, amazing video. Secondly, whats so sad about Kensington is how preventable it was/is. Only 10 minutes east of Kenzo and you're in Fishtown, which is like a micro San Fran inside Philly. 10 minutes south and you're in Northern Liberties where concert venues and very strong communities hold together, and 10 minutes west is Temple University. With all that said, Kensington is only about 2% of Philly, and our leaders and citizens simply don't care.
I agree, i live in central pa, but philly is a really cool city, but ya that area needs some help for sure
It's just ABSOLUTELY SOOOO CRAZY to me to think that when I was in active addiction and when I lived up North, Kensington was one of the few places that I would go and cop my dope...I'm TRULY BLESSED-TRULY GRATEFUL that I am now 14 months sober today!!! I know the struggles of addiction cuz I've been there!!! I sadly wasted about 15-20 years of my life, chasing the high and finally just one day, I had enough and I put the needle down!!! I go to a drug class 3 days a week STILL, Today, I go to AA/NA Meetings atleast 3-4 times a week, I have a Sponsor that I call every day and I'm just SO GRATEFUL to still be alive!!! There are still ALOT of empty seats in the AA/NA Meetings so, always keep in mind that some people were NOT as fortunate as me to be able to get another chance and make it back...God Bless everyone!!! Much Love✌️
So proud of your strength, congratulations! Stay strong 🤗
Your existence is such a intricate and miraculous thing.... you deserve to heal and grow, I'm so proud and happy for you to have a great support system and the strength to have escaped the grip of addiction. You have so much purpose here. I love you bro
@@BreeLeeBeats Thank You and Likewise!! Much Love
Good for you Richie, just proving to the world that it's all based on a single decision and that it's possible for everyone with the will to live. The best decisions in life are usually the hardest ones as well. I've never done dope but was hooked on party drugs (weed, MDMA, coke etc) in my late teens to early 20s, now edging toward my 40s been done with them a long time. It's good to live a healthy clean life, but not gonna lie, you still miss chasing the high sometimes and just gotta remind yourself why it's better to take a step back and appreciate everything you have in the moment, even if it's a bad moment at least you will remember it the next day lol
Welcome back buddy!
Those four guys walking with him as his guides (bodyguards) look really healthy and have so much concern for their neighborhood. I wish them well and stay away from drugs🙏🏽🙏🏽
4:33 You even take a shit on the wrong side of the toilet your shit will be flipped.
And I’ll probably make myself blind by removing my eyes just so I don’t make eye contact with anyone there.
Philly has an attitude problem.
yes because theyre the ones who runs it out there, and sells the drugs to these people. they dont take the stuff they sell themselves so they look healthy
Yea as he slung a can on the street
@@travisreed4070these young men came from drug ridden, broken homes and families… they have beat the odds. And you are worried about them littering 🙄🙄
Man that “ I refuse To let you die on my watch” touched the heart I was an addict of opiates myself and it’s true the drugs blind you so much you get mad when peopl are trying to save your life, I’m glad those people have guys like them around because you can see thy do care
The guy in the white tee has so much empathy to him even though this is where he calls home and most people that live there look down on these people with so much hate. You can tell he has a big heart.
I grew up in Kensington when it was still mostly in Irish neighborhood. I'll guarantee you he's talking all that shit and selling drugs when nobody's looking with a camera, It's typical there! Don't be a sucker Christina they're wolves in sheep's clothing in Kensington, everyone of those dudes he was talking to were drug dealers but that kid was too stupid to realize it, I'm not that's my old hood and I know what they were.
Amen to that..I just watched this for the first time and that dude in the white tee brought a tear to my eye..that's a real one
A guy who litters can't have a heart.
@BalboaBaggins I was thinking am I the only one seen that
@@BalboaBagginsthe streets have designated cleaners. It isn’t good, but that’s why
I used to have to drive down here at night and find my brother. Day and night actually. I always stayed strapped and I seen it all. It’s wild how bad it’s gotten down there over the past 10 years. I can’t describe the scenes that I have encountered down here. God bless all the people suffering down there.
I hope your brother is doing better
Make sure you voting for democrats so homelesses will be growing. You will appreciate what Democrats doing!
@@blazeroranger glad you said homelessness because the opioid epidemic is bipartisan
Crikey, I'm from England and I've never seen a gun in my life n I'm 42. Are yous just allowed to walk around strapped? Sounds crazy
@@Ghostyfrost9688 he is 11 months clean. Thank you
kensington isnt far from my hometown. im so happy to see you cover this problem tommy. great video brother.
We love you Brandon
Love ya man
@Brandon Buckingham you’re not far from southwest Baltimore.. it’s similar to Kensi over there… Free samples and more open air dealers than there is users, needles everywhere.. and the rats, gotta love the huge rats that look like raccoons running around on the streets 🤗.. Ahhh good ol, Bodymore Murderland
Glad to see you're still in contact with one another Brandon/Tommy. You're two of the very few genuine ppl on the platform and yins work is an inspiration.
Btw keep your head up Brandon. F sneako and anyone else that has anything negative to say. Do what makes you happy. You’re a good person and creator.
These gentlemen from that area showed alot of compassion for the sick and suffering. I would love more from you guys keep the spot light here.
As a Philadelphia native who went to high school in Kensington, and worked this neighborhood as a law enforcement officer I applaud him for showcasing the plight of Kensington, it is truly a crazy place….that being said, it is a neighborhood in Philly, not Kensington, Pennsylvania. Keep up the good work and I just subbed.
Except his speech Is slurred like he have extra saliva. Meth Traffickers: 📝
Thanks for your service as an officer 🙏
Northeast Philly native here too! Living in Rhawnhurst at the moment. I was going to say the same it’s Philly not it’s own place in PA. Thank you so much for your service to our city.
I thought so ! Wonder who changed it to Kensington, Penn.? LOL
***Some addicts I know was so desperate to stop using drugs they left their hometown and went to MPLS., Minnesota to get treatment and after 6 months or so, the treatment center helped them get a job, a place to live etc etc etc. OR they can go back home clean, living a program of recovery from drugs. "We Do Recover"
I'm the evidence! I USED FOR WELL OVER 30YEARS AND J4TODAY I HAVE 6 YEARS CLEAN FROM USING DRUGS !
"HOORAY!" 🥳🎉🥳🎉
Dang democrat really knowhowrun a city 🤣😂
That lady in the tie dye shirt was such an amazing and empathetic person. I wish everyone was able to humanize people the way she is.
Cap 🧢 you could read right through her
😂😂😂 cap I know her she been around longer than 2020 she use to be around my hood I got videos of her getting yelled at for asking for a dollar in 2016😂 she cap don’t believe what u see
She's right you can't just cut people off.
Most addicts have only got clean because someone showed some mercy and gave some hope and maybe a hand up.
On the other side of this, one must not enable destructive behaviour.
@@Senju2156 Wow lol. That’s definitely her.
Yeah but she is wrong though. Like yeah she is a good person for wanting to try but giving them stuff won’t help
Huge respect to those men for trying to solve an endless problem. Need more people like that
This cannot be solved so long as the Liberal Democrats that have a stranglehold on Philadelphia stop encouraging this nonsense. The police are in on this mess as well. You cannot traffic 1.5 Billion dollars 💵 in Heroin without law enforcement on the take. Philadelphia is too dumb to vote for anything other than Democrats, so this will never change.
Please keep showing it and thank you Rican Bull. People need to see it. My 42 yr old son is in it so bad. We're in Reno but his addiction is as bad as the other zombies. That trans is mixed in the tent and it's bad everywhere. Kensington is just more concentrated. Don't stop showing it you guys.
I met a girl in rehab who lived in the suburbs... Abington. About a month after getting out of rehab, I had allready got myself back in the shit, to the point I was allready on the run from parole. The girl I had met from rehab told me I could come and stay with her, so I packed a garbage bag full of clothes and shit and I drove 4 hours there. She was living w/ her parents..nice house, good family, ect. I was only there about 4 weeks. Every day, we took the bus to go get on the L and got off at Kensington & Somerset.. we got our dope, we walked a couple blocks and got high. In less than 4 weeks I had overdosed 4 times, watched her OD once, watched her friend OD, got involved in a hit and run and then drove over to Jersey all f****d up on dope & zannies, just to pull into a parking lot to ask some dudes how the f**k do I get back to Philly. Those dudes ended up being cops. I was arrested, did a few weeks in Burlington County and ultimately went Upstate after being transferred back to my county. The 2 years I did upstate ended up saving my life. 10 years clean, living a normal life that I wouldn't give up for anything. The girl I met in rehab wasn't as fortunate. 7 years ago, she overdosed and that time she didn't come back. If Kensington brings you in, your lucky to make it out alive. That's not some morbid, scary quote to make a person "think," it's the f*****g truth. It's a God damn shame that the people with enough power to do something about that place-dont f*****g do it. Nothing changes if nothing changes. RIP Em.
Glad you made it out bro 🙏
cool story
I can completely relate to your situationI’m seven years sober I Admire you.I was able to get myself Clean after stent of a few rehabs stays.Because I knew that if I didn’t do somethingLike ASAP I was gonna die there is nothing for me to live for.Today I have a beautiful five year old girl I’m sober yes I am still on Suboxone But I keep myself going.Trying every day to get a step further
The "people with enough power of doing something about that place" HAVE been doing it. They funded the stuff you get for free there.
Which do you think is cheaper and a better solution for the Gov to do? Housing and institutionalizing....or downsizing the number of d4m4ged people?
Congratulations on getting sober. Listening to your story reminds me of exactly how it used to be going down there 10 years ago and how going to prison myself and God saved me from down there too. We're definitely blessed not too many people walk away from Kensington
The guys that took you down there are pretty solid dudes. Such a vicious hopeless cycle for these users and their families. My heart breaks for them. Truly. My kids have done mission trips to Vancouver Canada and walked the streets and met with the homeless and drug users. It was an eye opening experience for them that they will never forget, but it taught them empathy and compassion.
You're children aren't helping anyone but the churches pocket. True Christians don't go on missions
Hey those guys are the drug dealers lmao you must’ve missed that part
@@skrewfaced2279 they go it it one way or the other....
@@sd8484 that's true but that doesn't excuse it. I told myself that shitty excuse for years while I took the money people stole or pawned they baby stuff for
@@skrewfaced2279 word. untill they wipe thta whole g bs culture out nothing will change
It’s crazy to think a place like this exists. I’m so out of touch. I appreciate these videos
Tommy has came so far & I’m glad I’m here for it. This story is honestly sad & I’m glad you’re showing how it is
SHALLAH MEHALLAH
bart💀
If you’re a true follower, you wouldn’t mind giving me a rundown of what he’s been through??
Creating honest and healthy discourse like this in the street with strangers is what the whole world desperately needs. Well done sir.
America is obsolete. Move to a better country. Please don't say 'The World', you're only talking about your country.
Not sure what country you are from, but addiction is rampant in many countries around the world right now
Great video and message! Those ladies were so right about the children.... Frederick Douglass said "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men". God bless ALL these people
Never underestimate the power of peer pressure. I homeschooled my children partly because the schools were doing nothing about bullying, but also because I was afraid they would be pressured into very damaging situations.
I’ve been on suboxone or methadone for just shy of 10 years now. Was completely taken over by oxycontin, then hydromorph, then fenty. Opiates were something that just jived with me physically and emotionally like i was made for it and it was made for me. From my first time to my last it made me feel alive. When i first tried to taper down and actually truly quit the withdrawal was so powerful it scared me to death. It was such a visceral reaction mentally and physically - it felt like i had a serious bout of depression, with food poisoning, influenza, and a broken spine while having my body torn apart by dogs. One time I vomited for 24 hours straight until my stomach lining tore and continued to vomit blood. I tell ya… it was a lot of rock bottom suffering but finally I started to win the fight and now im about 5 years sober. Im unfortunately still on suboxone to this day but completely stable and no more mental addiction, only physical. So technically they call me a drug dependent, not addict anymore. Terrible disease. I now have 2 kids, a career job and own my home and property. Just need to manage that last step of tapering off suboxone, but easier said than done.
Have you tried Kratom? It will help look into it. It's 100x better than any pharmaceutical medicine on the market it's a plant and a cousin of the coffee plant. Just look into it kratom works. Also it helped me to get off opiates too.
That was a pretty accurate description of the withdrawals. Just absolutely unreal. I truly am thankful for being able to wake up in the morning and not feel like absolute shit. I love weed. And kratom didn’t do SHIT for me for the withdrawals. Kept hearing that it was a miracle herb and that it’ll just take all the withdrawals away. NOT FOR ME. So that just added to the frustration of withdrawals. Just a horrible horrible time.
I used for over 10 years.. i quit multiple times and always relapsed for one reason or another... i finally went to suboxone and have never had more success in my life. i've been sober for just over 4 years now. no cigarettes, zero alcohol. the suboxone makes my brain normal again besides for some side effects like emotional numbness, occasional constipation. I have lowered my dose from 12mg down to 6mg to reduce side effects..i may go down to 2mg or off of it.. but beyond 2-4mg is where things get very tough. But i have successfully tapered off completely before for about 2 months (final dose was like 0.10-0.2 mg you must use a milligram scale for measurement) and had cravings even after most of the acute physical withdrawals were over. the post acute withdrawals can last almost a year so the best way is to go very very slow, but in order to do that you really have to be extremely disciplined about not taking more than what your taper plan is.. I always take less than i am prescribed so i have extra. i always keep it with me so somebody does not steal it. stuff like that is the reason i want to taper off.. but all in all my life is way better than before.. i used to shoot 1/2 gram of black tar every day and now i am in college working on an engineering degree.. so to say the suboxone helped me would be a massive understatement. i dont recommend methadone to anyone unless you are using it for harm reduction... but dont see too many issues with staying on suboxone forever. with the crisis going on you wont find any issues getting a prescription. But if you are trying to emotionally wake up a lower dose or coming off is usually required.. but you open yourself up not only to positive feelings but negative feelings and cravings as well... i know its possible because i have done it before.. but you first need to be off all nicotine, and sure AF no alcohol... once you are very stable financially and physically you can do it.. my issue was i was broke and had a crap job when i tapered off... plus i was vaping and drinking... so i failed... but I plan on giving it another shot once i finish college and am stress free... until then i am an easy patient for my doctor, i go in 4 times per year for refills and that's it. biggest downside is fear of losing it and the emotional numbness... but it is vastly outweighed by the positive side effects.
@@KassAss420 Kratom you have to buy large amounts online and eat it by the spoonful.. only issue is you'll have withdrawals from that stuff (i've had them)... its no joke when you extract it and take it in large amounts... i always recommend gradually smaller amounts of suboxone to taper off, kratom is expensive, nauseating to drink a bunch of and difficult to dose consistently.
You don't have to get off suboxone. If you have good doctors they won't push you and just accept it like it were diabetes or some other medication you would need to take lifetime. Get past it being abused by others.
mad respect for the way you approached this bro. im from about 10 mins away from kensington and i appriciate the respect you had for what you were doing their ...
That dude out there with the narcan is a literal real life hero. Great content
It's a pity he spends his time saving people would would rob him and worse if they knew they'd get money out of it.
@@mjanny6330 I mean I would he's smart enough to not keep anything valuable on him and who knows maybe he's the dealer and he feels bad when ppl overdose off his stuff so he saves them when he can. I'm sure Narcan is free so he probably has a stash
@@mjanny6330, wow. So cynical.
@@mjanny6330 without the risk he isn't a hero. Heros are defined by risk. The danger is what makes him a hero.
@@mjanny6330 I took heroin for 10 years and never once took a penny from anyone because I'm not a criminal.
Good brothers showing the brother the city. First time I went to Philly, I was stunned. Having visited NY, Chicago, LA, Berlin, Baltimore and working in DC and from NC, Philly still woke me up. Annie, God rest her soul, introduced me to her family who showed me some West Philly love.
I'm from west Philly one of the coolest parts of the city my part of town it gets grimey but still more put together
It’s rare to see someone honest and that cares and prays for others ..
He said "the house that's always dirty, you clean it, & it's dirty again!" 💯💯💯 As a single Mom, I felt that in my soul. 🤣🤣🤣
Hunny same 😩🤣 felt like a mfka lol
as a single man,i do too lmaooooooooo
Imagine being a single anything ... With no legs...
What a nice man he is to show outsides. Too sad for our country.😢
I felt personally attacked 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for sharing more than just a drive by film of the "zombies". Hearing a story makes it personal, not just shame. I live in Philly and see this on the subways and platforms everyday. I is a sad situation around the country. On my way to work, across the street from Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell - I see this and it hits me in the heart. Tourist visit our beautiful city and don't understand the "zombies" they witness; they just quickly get away and try to block out what they just saw.
Sad situation in blue states, not the whole country. In red states people who commit crimes actually get arrested.
@@johnmitchell2269 Arrest is temporary, it does not stop addiction - drugs in prison are pervasive. If arrests are made in red states, then the issue exists there too. Fetynal is across the board, including red states: Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Utah to name a few. It is a fact, not something that can be cancelled. Like abortion, it exists regardless of my personal beliefs
@@JohnPaul-hm2ys It's an epidemic in blue states, and absolutely nothing is being done about it. Just like nothing is being done about homelessness in blue states. The stats don't lie.
@@johnmitchell2269 I don't consider the addicted to be criminals that should be arrested and thrown in jail. They can't help themselves and the supply is way too big. Locking them all up is just hiding the problem. These people need rehabilitation not incarceration. As for the big drug suppliers however, they should be prosecuted and put in jail for a long time.
this is not a beautiful city anymore , philly was never a nice place
I used to volunteer at East Van in Vancouver BC. That is our Skid Row.
In my experience trauma came first before the addiction. These people need help and compassion. I count my blessings as I could have easily been on the streets fighting my own addictions trying to self medicate from past trauma
I watched a video about Kensington where they said the military occasionally come in and sweep the place and it's full of users again by the next day but the people who are living there think they should all be displaced by the military. It seems to be an endless cycle.
The 2 blokes that are guiding you in this video seem like they're super fun to hang with. They're just charismatic and seem like they're really funny. Even with all of this destruction around them they keep their spirits up.
Why the Govt of Philadelphia couldn't arrest on that Drug addect??
This is one of the most respectful documentaries on Kensington I've seen in a long time. Thank you for not being sensational and being so professional with your questions. Newly subscribed and looking fwd to seeing more.
I remember when I got prescribed oxy for my tooth extraction and my dad tossed it immediately after I got it. I had no idea how serious drug addiction was then, but I’m very thankful he did and turns out I didn’t even need it because my gums barely hurt!
Threw a bag away, lmao.
Just because it’s addicting doesn’t mean it has to have a negative connotation to your specific situation.
We’re as weak as we let ourselves be, when it comes to drugs.
@@filibertosalinas6816 it's better to just not take a chance. Especially since oxy is one of the most addicting drugs ever made and putting it in your body is just stupid especially if you don't need it. I cut 3 tendons in a dirt biking accident and was offered hydro morphine but refused because i have a bunch of addicts in my family and I didn't wanna chance it, I oppted to just take some Tylenol instead. Better to go threw a few weeks of pain then a lifetime of suffering
@@filibertosalinas6816 are you fr justifying popping oxys for a tooth extraction? Or even implying selling to others even crazier.
Did you see him destroy the pills or actually flush them? 🤨
Lol probably snatched them for himself.
Tommy & Keegan, y’all be careful please! I hold my breath sometimes when I watch you guys go into these situations where you could be unsafe but I think you’re doing amazing work. Bringing all walks of life to our living rooms to learn about and from❤️
I appreciate your kind words 🙏
Extremely Sad That's Why I Thank God For Everything I've In My Life ‼️‼️
My ex is addicted to fentanyl. I don't even know if she's alive right now honestly. She's ODed twice, I tried for so long to save her. Got her off it so many times. I really can't even watch this video without feeling sick to my stomach. Tommy G thank you for shining light on the opiod epidemic. Everyone is aware of it now but there still isn't enough being done. All love and blessings for those struggling with addiction🙏🙏
Bro if they not blood and they fightin dope cut ties not your problem wtf bro
Let her die it’s not ur problem, “ex” for a reason bro she doesn’t want your help if she keeps relapsing. Focus on making sure you don’t turn out like her and quit letting other people hold you back
@@alexanderclark3437 its aint that easy everytime
@lilly yeah it is.
@@lilly-dk9px everything, day, moment of life is another day and moment to " choose again!"-
The two guys talking about they used to be sober for years and relapses because of the ease of access to drugs is truly depressing, I hope they get clean and reunite with their families.
Also the two women at the end were so honest and based and I agree with them 100%, help is only expected by all when it's their only option.
Not having easy access to drugs and homeless care, they wouldn't be on the streets for long, at least the most.
That's one of the most underrated realities with addiction that a lot of people don't realise. The US sends them into detox centres, but all detox centres do is treat you through the withdrawal stage, it doesn't actually continue through to post-care treatment to help continue fighting against the cravings.
Took me 3 years before I got my cravings under control, and 5 years before I could mix with society again - it's genuinely a very long process and a hard one at that.
What they've done in Portland, by decriminalising it all, is never going to solve the addiction issues, because the moment people come out of detox and are thrown back into the city (which has turned into an open market drug vendor), people are going to cave in to their cravings and will be back using all over again.
These people need to be sectioned and put into secure facilities with sufficient medical staff overseeing their process. But the US doesn't run a public healthcare system, it has a health sector, so none of that actually exists which is why the fentanyl epidemic in the US is going to continue to spread and grow exponentially.
as a recovering heroin/fetty addict thank you for bringing this to life.. ive been fighting the last 13 years and all started with pain killers.. my rock bottom got worse then my last one and decided to go to detox, thirty day rehab and phase two which is like 3.1 housing and now in sober living.. im in ohio theres a little more help then most states.. some people dont realize how much help there is in my state and just abuse it. when there is plenty willing people that want to stay clean n sober
GL, keep your head up 💪
If you want to get sober, you will. It’s that simple. You either have the desire and willpower, or you don’t.
@@luckymanham302 it is not that simple. You have no idea what you’re talking about many people need support and treatment opportunities they can’t just do it on their own. Why do you think there’s a whole rehab industry. Just because someone wants to be sober doesn’t mean they just stop craving their drug it’s a battle someone must fight their whole life, you realize that’s what it is? A battle
@@Ronniemc1999 I realize that. It is that simple though. You literally just said rehab centers are a whole industry blah blah blah. In todays day and age, there is more than enough treatment centers/ rehabs/ people willing to help the addicted. It’s up to the addict themselves to be READY and WILLING to take the steps necessary. Most people that go to rehab haven’t hit their rock bottom yet, or aren’t ready to do what they need to do which is why they don’t get clean. I speak from experience
Clean 16 years
I just lost a neighbor was sober for a while. I knew him as a kid who often had visited and played with my foster kitties. He was just petting my dog. And she is a major judge of character and always ran up to him. Tail wagging. My uncle bought him a slice of pizza just a few days ago. We found out he OD’ed over the weekend. We are devastated.
I'm from Philly. My dad still lives there. The speed with which this guy answered "Nah" when asked "Is it a friendly city?" just has me rolling... so true. Also, the dude who was clean and relapsed because insurance wouldn't cover the suboxone. F*** insurance.
People from Philly hate people from Philly... Lol.
@@joshuaedwards3322lol naw we love each other outside the city and stick together…that’s why we brotherly love …brothers fight all the time but a stranger can’t fight my brother
i feel for that guy in the orange shirt. because the same thing happened to me. i got on my feet with suboxone, had a house and everything, insurance ended and my doc shut his office down all at once and i couldn't help it. i went back and used and lost everything. im back on my feet now though. 3 years. longest ive ever been sober.
keep going bro, aint easy to keep on the right path always
Well done, David. Stay on the path.
you just switched to a legal heroin youre no hero the second it dried up you went right back to the streets coward and youll do it again
@@WhyteHorse2023 The sad thing is they are well aware. Our society/government is set up for one thing and one thing only and that is to increase profits for a few at the top regardless if it hurts or kills their own neighbors.
I wish more people would watch your videos. Not only to be more aware of what's going on in the country but also to learn how to treat people. You never seem to forget that these people are humans still deserving of compassion and respect. Be safe 💙
Narcam enables this nonsense….. one use then mandatory rehab.
I don't. He called Kensington a city 😂😂😂. I'm from PHILLY (which is the actual name of the city cough). Kensington is a neighborhood in Philly. It's the skid row of Philly
When I was so depressed I thought about flying to here. I’m a recovering opiate addict and, it got to the point I didn’t even care. I knew I could get what I wanted and never run out of. Now I’m very happy with the love of my life and we have a 1 and a half year old son.
I am a year late to your comment but just want to congratulate you and wish you and your family well for the future ❤
what a couple of nice guys, probably went through their own shit and they still go and help all those that need it and save them from dying, we need more people like these
And I thought the homeless shelter I'm currently in was bad, holy shit. This is horrendous! The guys that were showing you around are good people.
As someone who spent 3 months in a shelter I feel I can say it's a different challenge living there. These people here are focused on purely drugs while at shelters you have to worry about theft assault and other fun stuff. Don't under credit what you are fighting against
The dudes you were rolling with seems to really care, and that's good to see. Your videos are awesome dude!
Lol they’re dealers
They probably slinging the dope dude
Im from the uk 🇬🇧. Sending strength and hope over to you'll. Its so shocking to see. God bless 🙌 🙏
This is a nice documentary. Very humble for those people who accompanied you and your cameraman. You have a knack for making this kind of thing! Looking forward to your other documentaries. Stay safe always.
My older brother has been gone for three years. Died from cardiac arrest he was a fentanyl addict. I could never understand why he would do what he do until now. Thinking back I realize just how shitty of a human being and a shitty younger sibling I was to him. The two men at the 8:45 mark were exactly how I was to him. Didn't want to be bothered or around him just waiting for him to make a mistake. He was going through fucking hell by himself and instead of being there for him and trying to get him help I turned my back on the one person who always had mine. Had I done that one simple thing who knows if he would be alive now unlike my grandparents who did all they could I didn't lift a damn finger and I know when my time comes I'm going to hell. There's not a thing I would not give if it means bringing him back but I can't. I have to live with this knowing just how much of a shitty person I was. I don't want pity but if I can get this message out to others who are going through it then perhaps your situation can change.
If there is someone you know or love who is addicted to drugs DONT TURN YOUR BACK ON THEM SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND OPEN YOUR HEART DESPITE THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS THAT STILL A HUMAN BEING.Do everything in your power and then some to try to get them help. Don't look down on them like you are better than them cause you aren't you were just fortunate enough to make better choices. Don't make my mistake and spend the rest of your life hating yourself as you stare at your older siblings' obituary regretting every stupid choice you made till the point of your heart aching. Make a better choices than I have cause at the end of the day once they are gone..they are gone and the only thing you are left with is memories, your consciousness, and what could have been.
Don't let them die...
I did this to my mom. She is gone now and I feel so bad. I hate what addiction and drugs did to her and to our relationship and how I handled it. 😢
Your stories and feelings are the impacts that we addicts have on our loved ones. Your sentiment is heartbreaking heart felt and appreciated BUT… the reality is that no human power can help the afflicted who are not willing and open to accepting it. Please do not beat yourselves up … the best you can do is to stay accepting and loving of people warts and all. Giving addicted relatives $$ on a consistent basis is not helpful in the greater sense but if you accept that they are going to use it for drugs then…at least you remain loving and available for when they are ready and willing to change their lives for the better. For me the only way I have been able to build any sense of self worth is by staying sober and sharing my experience in hopes that a higher power will work thru me to help others. I have to give away what has been freely given me…
I wish you would tell my family this.
Pay it forward- find some other way to honor them by speaking out or contributing to prevention or healing, but definitely don’t hate yourself, the drug brought darkness into the lives of all involved and at least you have love for them still now. Convert it into release, action, they may be blessed on the other side by transforming the suffering of all into something good.
Only God can judge where you go and I am sure if your brother was of pure heart he has probably seen your current state of regret and I would imagine probably forgives you. Who knows what he can see in the afterlife.
REAL FUCKING JOURNALISM BRO! It’s amazing to see you go from funny Walmart pranks to real meaningful content like your recent videos. Keep it going 💯
Redfern, Sydney, Australia use to look like this 22 years ago but the government cleaned it all up. Now it's luxury with business, cafes and brand shop booming everywhere.
Tommy G is a real one for risking his life to show us the reality of these places. Acknowledging and understand the problem is the first step to changing it, and Tommy G is playing a part in that.
Mans out here doing the world a service
Honestly. Anyone who does drugs is doing the world a service when they die. I once let a homeless guy overdoes. I didn’t call medical until after I knew he was dead. Such a good feeling ridding the world of taint.
SHANDOO SHALLAH
@@user-so9tv8dz4c Absolutely disgusting that human beings like you are real, Thank god for karma cause you’ll get yours. What goes around comes around 🖕🏿
@@user-so9tv8dz4c wtf
@@user-so9tv8dz4c walter?
Tommy G, thank you for covering this, more people need to see this kind or stuff and bring attention to it, I'm a recovering heroin/fentanyl addict myself, I started using prescription pain pills after I broke my wrist skateboarding in 2010 and it eventually led me to use heroin/fentanyl, it consumed a little over 10 years of my life and my addiction took everything from me, but almost 2 years ago I was at my rock bottom and I was tired of being stuck in the cycle of addiction and I was finally ready to get clean so I reached out for help and got on a Medication Assisted Treatment program and it saved my life, I'm slowly getting my life back and getting back to being somewhat "normal", after using for 10 years I never thought I'd have almost 2 years clean from heroin/fentanyl. It's been a long and hard road but it's worth it. If anyone reads this who is struggling with addiction just know that it's never too late to change and get out of that vicious cycle of addiction.
Congratulations!! 1 day at a time. 6/1/18 is my clean date after 16 years of using. And today I'm 21 days clean off M.A.T. keep going! 🙏 if I can, any1 can 😆
@@Matt85USAThanks🙏 Nice dude! That's awesome you're 21 days off MAT. I'm currently working on tapering and hope to be off MAT within the next 2 years, taking the taper low and slow. I know I'll get there whenever the time is right. Best of luck on your recovery.
@@MontanaChase208 thanks. I did a blind taper. It worked perfectly. You will get there!!
@Heroinsniffer4life where are you located? I'd be happy to help look for any assistance for you man, please don't lose hope.
So glad I denied pain meds when I broke my wrist skateboarding. Literally could have been me. I always avoided pills like the plague
I’m so proud of that man who will help anyone he sees in a bad situation he’s a living 👼 angel
Thank you for having the fortitude to bring light to this. It's crazy, but in the insanity, you have people who genuinely care and help and walk into the fire daily
Subscribed for your politeness. Not to mention the bravery and patience it takes to do what you do. I'll definitely be watching more today
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 for all the lost and forgotten souls out there and everyone suffering from addiction regardless of how they ended up there...
I’m from central WI, and I lived with my wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, in her condo for about 6 months back in 2016-2017 in Queen Village, Philadelphia. Someone stole our recycling bin, so I googled the closest place to pick up a new one, which was in Kensington. I went there to pick it up having no idea what I was about to drive into. It was like a bomb went off in that area. Buildings destroyed, windows blown out, etc. it was like walking into a 3rd world fallout zone. Very scary and sad area. I moved back to WI not long after that.
yea philly is wild, theres more areas in the city like that
Former Queen Village here, too. The city is such a mess everywhere.
🤣🤣🤣
Queen village - aka yuppy white people who don't care about the hundreds/thousands of people dying within a 3 mile radius of them 🤡
@@OleLockAndKey HEY. I did care. I volunteered my time to the South Street police department and Headhouse Square business district to improve crime. We got more patrols and bridged the gap in communication between the business owners and the residents vocalizing concerns. It didn't used to be so bad. Don't assume we are all like that, please.
@@MYOB2023 good on you.
Those are merely symptoms of the larger issues created by 60 years of exclusively democrat policies that keep people tied to "the system" with no realistic way out.
Those 60 years of short-sighted, dumb politics have led to the insanity taking place in the 215 today - see: Larry Krasner
Kensington- one tiny little area of a city that in 1992 was the 4th largest city in USA. Many many good neighborhoods in Philly. South Street district, Old City, China Town, Center city, Eakins Oval, Northern Liberties, Boat House Row, East Falls, Germantown, Mount Airy, Mannyunk, Chestnut Hill. Penns Landing, West Oak Lane, Society Hill, Roxborough, Fairmount, (I am sure I am missing a few) Not to mention the outside areas of Willow Grove, Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Narberth, City Line ave and Bryn Mayr. Philly still has many many good places to visit, eat at, enjoy, stroll and take in. I lived in Philly for 20 years, never had anything bad happen to me or my family. All TH-camrs only show Kensington because it gets views.
Kensington resident here. Kensington is a pretty big section of the city, rather than a “tiny” neighborhood; Olde (south), New, West, Harrowgate, and Kensington proper. China town is an absolute S hole, and neither boathouse row nor center city are neighborhoods. When’s the last time you been here, ‘92? And have you ever been to Kensington? Olde Kensington is currently one of the hottest neighborhoods to move to. Sandwiched nicely between northern liberties and fishtown but with much more space and tons of fantastic places to eat, some good breweries and a couple great ones (human robot, fermentory form), art galleries and studios…its a great neighborhood, better than some you mentioned. Don’t listen to this Montgomery County person, come to Kensington, just keep your head on a swivel.
-life long resident
Such nice guys to show you around with cameras and talk about things openly, knowing it puts them in risk. I had no idea things were like this. Thank you for sharing and spreading the awareness.
It's such a thankless but humane thing these guys are doing. I'm sure it doesn't always feel worth the hassle but it's a beautiful show of human decency and kindness
America is lame.
Respect to the young man who waited for the narcan . That's very thoughtful and still so tragic people are living this way. God help us.
Democrats allow this. It’s all about population control.
Hi I’m from Sydney Australia .. I’m a mother of 3 .. I watched a few of these videos .. it’s devastating .. I’m a mother of a addict daughter sister and granddaughter of addicts .. I have lost 5 of 7 sisters to drugs either overdose or suicide .. parents and grandparent were addicted .. I’ve lost nieces and cousins aunts .. it’s horrific to watch .. as loving a addict is hard .. you live on a fear of the phone of what maybe .. a battle for money or a loss of life .. I seen it all my life thru generational yet I have smoked weed and no desire to experiment .. it’s the most devastating seeing your beautiful child turn from a loving fun great mum to a addict .. it is devastating all the love in the world can’t save them .. as a parent it’s like your running around with a safety net trying to catch them or just cleaning up the trauma they have left behind .. prayers
All of these dudes seemed to be really good people just from a bad area and with some baggage , they just need help or the opportunity to get better and be better . I hope they recieve it , they all seemed like good people
I bet they go to church. We need good people like them. Our society is spiritually bankrupt. Everything is materialistic and fake. Spirituality is a big part of sobriety. The problem with rehab centres is a lot don't have any 12 step programs. If you want to get sober, you need a higher power. Full stop.
You're gullible as they come
Get the national guard in there round them up
Block off certain areas put check points in
@@audreyfreeman2121 The national guard isn't going to get these addicts sober.
You, my friend, are one slip and fall or sprained knee away from addiction. It's the medical doctor's introducing dangerous painkillers to everyday people. They won't hesitate, even at your smallest discomfort.
That's how it is in every bad area around the world. Most people are good and just in a shit situation
How does this man not have more subs? His content is amazing.
Dude in white shirt damn near made me cry. That's a real 1 right there. God bless that man
Bro, dude's a black nigga with tattoos, we don't need any more of them. Look at this as well 4:35, litterbug? No way bro.
@@michaelmaas5544 u never lost people close to you over street shit
Kensington is everywhere now. Nice little college towns have neighborhoods like that. Small rural towns have serious addiction problems.
This is all of America.
I ran in those streets for 20 years off and on and I now have been clean off drugs and away from Kensington for more then 4 years. I came from the suburbs and ended up in Kensington lost. I also actually lived in Wisconsin too. In spring valley lol. I think you have a great thing going on. You seem like a great guy. I'm definitely going to watch from now on.
Sketch is an understatement. This is apocalyptic.
Dystopian.
The future democrats want
lmao you got that meme pic
Hugh hwat?
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don't want this to stop, they encourage it and make it happen with their delibrate policy,s on drugs and illegal importation
Bro's leveling up right in front of our eyes. I love the content you've been dropping lately and I'm locked in! Subscriber for life.
As someone that used to be homeless in Chicago, it's pretty easy to become jaded to it all, and you can forget the humanity involved. I have a lot of respect for the guys that showed you around. Better people than I am.
Mans in the white tee was a literal living angel. Need more ppl like him.
Bro, dude's a black nigga with tattoos, we don't need any more of them. Look at this as well 4:35, litterbug? No way bro.
I currently live in Seattle with the city dealing with the same issues like Kensington, Philly and straight up I haven’t seen this kind of care and sense of community compared to the PNW.. great community that they are aware of the situation educating themselves, others, and risking their lives to help in such a chaotic area.
Every democratic ran city either looks or will be looking like this..
Expect it to not be solved as long as human rights remain. You cant help people that don’t want help.
Yeah I visited Portland 2 months ago for a vacation. It didn’t look as bad as this but I was legitimately Leary walking up and down the streets. I’m just sad to see the world turning for the worst and politicians not giving a shit on what happens.
I seen this problem in Portland, at first I thought it was here under the el but I noticed how clean it was. I don't think any place can be as bad as it is here.
This is REAL journalism man! Keep showing the people the hard stuff
So glad to see people talking about this. It's not just here, it's all throughout Appalachia.
I'm from West Virgina, we have it here too, especially downstate. One of my first jobs, a McDonald's, this girl, probably in her early 20's, not much older than I was at the time, came in nearly every day to shoot up in the bathroom. Almost every day, since before I'd started, she'd come in, already high, and sit either inside or by the door all day if she got to causing too much trouble inside, and they'd all just say "Oh, she does that.". It was just so normal, even in the nicer neighbourhood it was located in.
I hadn't been there long before she ODed by the door.
and I called my manager's and co-workers attention to it, if nothing else as confirmation that it was real, it was happening.
and they told me to leave her.
That she'd done it before.
They acted like it was nothing. That she wasn't literally dying on their doorstep.
I was only 16 or 17, and it's nothing I hadnt seen as a child plenty, but I was old enough now to understand it. To care. But still a child. I was scared. And yet none of the adult's seemed to care a bit. I just remember it feeling so strange to me. But it's all around, it plauges this place.
(For conclusion, with encouragement and guildance from my mom we called an ambulance and stayed with her till then, but neither the cops nor EMTs seemed too concerned either, as if she was just an annoyance really, but she was fine. She was banned after that, but saw her a few times after that in the following months out and about.)
People here, they grow up in this. It's normal. Kids get neglected, abused, even sold and exploited for drugs by their parents here. To neighbors, friends, family, not just dealers. I've even seen parents giving their babies, toddlers, kids whatever they're taking. Babies are born addicted through pregnant mothers that use. It doesn't stop. That neglect in the formative years causes mental and physical health issues, personality disorders, etc etc. The healthcare system is so overloaded with drugs and former drug related issues that they can't get care when they get older even if they wanted to, no money to travel out of state/no insurance, so, with no other options, they turn to drugs. And the cycle deepens. It becomes this never ending cyclone that only grows the more havoc it wreaks. It wasn't always like this. But maybe, one day, it won't be.
It was really nice of you to find locals in the area rather than just being a spectator they can give insight that no one else has
This man's content is on another level. Really been enjoying the videos lately big dawg! Keep doing you and you're gonna be huge on TH-cam soon enough
After watching Soft Underbelly and programs like this, I just can't believe how dystopian things have become since I moved from the USA 40 years ago. Appreciation and respect for those good people who are trying to help out where they can.
And it’s all by design. Never believe otherwise.
That's when it started going downhill, about 40 years ago.
@@JW-uy2on Pure coincidence - I had nothing to do with it. Seriously we had troubles back then, but things are out of control.
@@tombeach1262 It started with Reagan, closing down the mental hospitals, gutting public housing/section 8, etc. Kensington should be renamed Reaganville.
Closing the mental institutions happened under JFK with the “Civil Rights” movement. Hell, the ACLU loves creating this shit.
Condolences to guy that lost his sister.
“Rather die off the drug that you on then be happy that you saved their life” this basically sums up every single drug addict and its sad
I ugly cried watching this... That young man who was so kind to give money😭 This is a sad thing to have to wittness in person, I am sure. If I had a family member doing this to themselves, I don't even know. Every single person is on a path. Your path is not my path. My path is not their path. We must walk along and endure life as we navigate our own path.
The man in the white t shirt is an absolute angel! A great man of integrity!
He gave the homeless guy something at 9:37👀
@@ThePeyton1199 He gave him money, they literally talked about it at the moment you timestamped.
Bro, dude's a black nigga with tattoos, we don't need any more of them. Look at this as well 4:35, litterbug? No way bro.
the things you do matter man this is so educational !!! big respect and keep it up
I hope these guys can be accepted by their families and experience the love that they are missing.... Real love from family friends and be accepted in the society ❤
Salute to that brother in white shirt. Your attitude and good heart is something to be admired and emulated. God bless you and your family
Hi guys, good video. I used to live about 1/2 mile from K Ave and after living on 3 other continents and been involved in the scenes the first time I went to Kensington it was like walking into a nightmare! At the time they were finding young working girls (pros) chopped up and stuffed into suitcases! The whole scene is so unreal I wondered if maybe we were already in Hell, just waiting to die to find some relief. I posted a couple of my videos to FB and friends overseas didn't believe it was real until I got on facetime and showed them real time. For God's sake we are in America and this massive social problem has to be addressed!
God Bless those poor souls and I am incredibly grateful GOD helped me get sober. It's been 6 years and truly I probably wouldn't have survived another year living there.
Take care people and remember there's always more people out there that are worse off!
its actually pretty crazy, because i went to philadelphia on a school field trip. we went to a museum, and i felt really safe. Its insane that only about 2 miles away is kensington…
Glad someone is taking the time to show people what is really happening in PA right now. This is no joke