As Christians, Faith is a huge part of who we are. But God did not just equip us with faith, he also gave us wisdom and discernment. If your good works are causing more harm then good, then one must find a better way to do good. The Word also speaks of not throwing your gifts away on people who will only trample over it. That is what happens in skid row with many. They take your good intentions and use them to do horrible things to themselves and the community. Which is why in our caring and giving, and concern, we must be smart and aware. That's all I'm saying here.
Hello Officer Joseph!! I love this video of you and Mark! You guys explained it perfectly on why it causes more harm than good to throw food out to the homeless on the streets and how to feed the homeless the right way so they can get plugged into social services and then eventually get into housing. Every state and the federal government needs to do what Utah is doing which is giving the homeless housing first and a social worker to work with so they get on their feet again. Utah is doing the right thing since it's saving the state millions and they have almost no homeless people now!! I hope every state duplicate Utah's program someday!
Ron. The Bible says when doing good works, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Do your good works in secret. Most people who feed the homeless in skid row do it to be seen doing good. The best way to be in order with the word is to work with the missions. The Bible speaks of helping those in need of food and clothes. In Skid Row it is impossible to go hungry or naked. You know this Ron. The missions have everything they need. Many Christians try to point out Jesus feeding 5,000. Those people did not come to Jesus for a sandwich. They came to hear his words. After three days they ran out of food and Jesus feed all 5,000 with fish and bread. What most people forget is that when Jesus started to leave, theywanted to make him their king because he feed them material food. They wanted him not because of who he was but what he could do for them. He wanted no part of that. In skid row they don't run out of food because there is plenty of it to go around. Ron.
Officer Deon Joseph thank you for letting us know about this. I have recently gotten with a program to start a program in my area. I can’t financially donate but I will be teaching about finances and saving. It a 24-month homeless shelter. They have cute little homes. I’m hoping the program works out.
Hello S. McCoy. I am sorry you had a bad experience with cops. But you did not have a bad experience with me. Like you I truly would like to be judged as an individual, not by the actions of others. If you don't trust me, that is your right, but if I am telling the truth to a serious issue, I don't think my uniform should be disqualify my credibility on the issue. This issue is about finding better ways to help the people I care about in Skid Row. Most of the robberies and thefts that occur happen on the sidewalks, not inside of the missions although the missions have their share. Whether you lose an item or two in the mission or street, one may find something more valuable in the missions, and that is sobriety. Many cannot obtain that when they are getting their needs met in the streets. 6th street, and San Julian is not Vermont and Century. This is no race issue, so I do not understand why you being "White" is relevant here. Your biblical reference is noted, but I know the Bible too, and I am familiar with verses that justify my stance, but I am not into playing Bible chess with anyone. I just want the truth to be told so that one day we can find a real way to help change the lives of the homeless. People have been doing the same type of outreach in the streets of skid row for decades, and the same people are still struggling until they "decide" to use the resources to lift themselves up from their circumstance. No agenda there Sir. Just truth. God bless Sir.
Deon Joseph Sir, I have become increasingly aware of the work you have been doing in Skid row and I do believe that you represent the very essence of makes a true police officer, someone who is ultimately dedicated to helping people, not merely arresting them. This is coming from someone who lives in Australia with a great interest and appreciation for law enforcement. You are a great man and your work is amazing. But I'm afraid I must ask you, and I'm aware that you may not be allowed by your superiors to answer, but the recent shooting of a man by officers of your department in Skidrow has generated a lot of controversy and I wanted to know what you thought about it, that is if you are allowed to discuss that. If not, then iIwill wish you stay safe and continue your great work.
Wow, I learned so much from this this post. Like many churches, I would have thought feeding directly on sight would be the most helpful. Thank you very much for this perspective. Blessings.
Same! I have bought shoes and clothing for homeless. But now i am aware that they will sale it to feed their addiction. Its sad. I want to help directly but i guess getting involved with the community would be a smarter way. I think ill make hygiene kits and keep them in my car so when i see homeless people ill give that out instead.
He is a hero officer. I admire what he says. A very knowledgeable man on the subject. Fascinating how he is constantly looking about. This man deserve a public award.
Could anyone know the "real" deal other than a police officer that has the passion and courage in his heart to walk skid row and try to put the needs of others out there and help...but he is only 1 man.......respect.... he has been consistent and true in this walk. Thank you...
Homelessness is everywhere, even in 'family-friendly' Burbank. I had never seen so many of them, in parking lots, in parks, shopping zones... it is something all of us need to be aware and to care about.
Wow, America actually has some decent police officers! The goodness that resides within someone is definitely reflected in their face - I know, it sounds wierd and I can't explain it, but it's definitely true.
"Carry the message" (Bill W. & Dr. Bob) How about some AA's & NA's take the meetings to the Missions on Skid Row? Churches get down to the Missions. God bless you Officer Joseph, Protecting and Serving 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸. Good talk, Mark! 👍
I knew a guy who moved there from SF just because of the free food days....he called and was elated about how the feeds were so cool......and exactly: the people are not hungry and not naked......nobody goes hungry in large California cities who have homeless.
The ONLY Answer to homeless is Affordable Housing and Fair Paying Jobs so people can sustain permanent housing. Homelessness is a business. There are many people and agencies making tons of money off the backs of the homeless. This is one of the reasons why homeless will never go away. If they would spend more time finding permanent housing for the homeless as they are discouraging people from feeding them, we wouldn't be having this conversation. As a homeless activist for over 20 years, I know first hand that the majority of the people on Skid Row were not drug addicts until AFTER they became homeless. And let's not dismiss the mentally ill and the elderly people that are on Skid Row. But I agree, there is a lot of food on Skid Row. No one could go hungry on Skid Row.
“Skid row” in Austin, TX is the same. I absolutely preach help BUT I say don’t give food or clothes. In Austin there’s a free meal and free clothes 24/7. What is needed is resources, churches, shelters, and individuals with programs and housing resources. *I work at a shelter, for 2 years in the dorms 1 in case management.
Local church coordination is key and can be done best in smaller cities...we have to many homeless in our city that is at great odds with our local mission thus a gap or need in meals served in our downtown core.
world wide crisis, same in Oxford city centre, England, UK where i am, obviously and thank fully we don't have guns and gangs but huge homelessness issues and the associated problems, protistution, drugs, alcohol, crime etc etc been homeless myself and many of these people are personal friends, they are all people like you and me with their own stories any one can become homeless
some people just don't want to do anything! this officer is exactly RIGHT 😉! some people need just housing ,jobs are plentiful, but housing has become IMPOSSIBLE for what people are trying to make! work 30-40 hours 70-90% of your paycheck goes to housing! WTF 😕
If this cop was mayor or governor skid row would be a much better place !! Stop giving out food filming it for TH-cam likes , the help is there they have to wanna use it these guys are both making sense
Why does it matter if it's their own community or not? The point is charities shouldn't be doing public feedings at all. The point is to get them into housing, not feed them and leave them on the streets
I complement this officer and MANY police are great people trying to do a very dangerous and stressed Job! and I complement our president for working to get people entry level carreers that's what people need god bless both 😉
The starting point is losing a job. Because of the pain, the homeless are tempted to use drugs to escape the pain. Many of the homeless who are interviewed tend to cry.
Faith and Food wont resolve drug addiction. The drugs and alcohol distribution must stop first. And, unfortunately, it means more of an open air prison type setup. But, despite that, it could still be maintained relatively cheaply.
Maybe if they stopped feeding them so much things might change. If everything is provided why would you want to change? To live on skid row and gain weight is nuts.
This is an " example " of how for years, LAPD Central Division Officer has " attempted to undermine and down play the efforts of residents and community activists in Skid Row to " change the conditions " that exist He continues to ignore our accomplishments and contributions to community development. It's an OLD STORY but a continuous one.
butbi do think that not homeless do drugs. and instead of asking to talk to experts.. but listen to the homeless needs!!! not experts not u and me... but talk to the homless
Skid Row is " far more than a recovery community ". As a matter of fact, WHAT IS A RECOVERY COMMUNITY? Tell me where one is at??? This is just a " nice sounding phrase "., Skid Row is primarily a " low income community ", that has nothing to do with recovery or homelessness. There are MANY elderly people that are disable too. They need to eat, low income. What? They are suppose to get up and walk to a mission to eat??? This type of Officer is part of the propaganda program. He talks about bringing hygiene kits...those get sold fast for cash or dope. So, he is double talking. Bring hygiene kits not food. Both get sold if a person is trying to hustle.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND I was going to ignore your response. But I'm just going to go ahead and respond, , because one thing I cannot tolerate are people who spread lies. This will be my only response to you, you can feel free to have the last word, because after this, I really won't give your falsehoods anymore life. You must be new to skid row. You probably joined the "Positive movement". Did you know before it was called the positive movement it was called "Operation Face Lift?" Did you know that when it started, I provided them with brooms and trash cans? Did you know we used to work together and they asked me to protect their murals. I put in cross walks, shaved time off of the crosswalks at their request. Did you know I supported and played in the 3 on 3 basketball league they put together? I cleared Gladys park so the kids could play on Fridays years ago so they would not be exposed to the criminal element. I was asked by the group to do that along with my fellow officers. Did you know OG Man was one of my guest mentors for my kids program at the mission? If you didn't know that, then you must be new. And if you did know that, then It is you spreading lies and propaganda. I have not associated with them for a few years because of disturbing information I was made aware of by community members regarding two members of your positive movement. As a result I have had to distance myself. But though I am not working with them as I used to, I still speak highly of the positive aspects of what the rest of the group does, as well as their past efforts which in my opinion was heroic and inspiring and that will never change. I share that with everyone I meet. I also refer groups to UCEP whenever they want to feed the homeless as UCEP has been great at educating people on safe and sane ways to engage in food outreach to the homeless in Gladys Park. This video in no way shape or form undermines what you are doing. It educates the public on the realities of skid row, which by the way, IS a recovery zone, as the the shelters, hotels and other entities within it have rehabilitative components to it. And if you say that is not true, you are being dishonest and disingenuous. I will always have respect for the good they do. But I don't know if you realize it or not, but the community has gotten worse. Anyone with common sense will see that. I don't think it will get better until we can somehow get back together, but until the wolves separate from the sheep, I just have to support them from a distance. I will speak the truth, whether you like it or not. It's just that simple.
As Christians, Faith is a huge part of who we are. But God did not just equip us with faith, he also gave us wisdom and discernment. If your good works are causing more harm then good, then one must find a better way to do good. The Word also speaks of not throwing your gifts away on people who will only trample over it. That is what happens in skid row with many. They take your good intentions and use them to do horrible things to themselves and the community. Which is why in our caring and giving, and concern, we must be smart and aware. That's all I'm saying here.
Hello Officer Joseph!! I love this video of you and Mark! You guys explained it perfectly on why it causes more harm than good to throw food out to the homeless on the streets and how to feed the homeless the right way so they can get plugged into social services and then eventually get into housing. Every state and the federal government needs to do what Utah is doing which is giving the homeless housing first and a social worker to work with so they get on their feet again. Utah is doing the right thing since it's saving the state millions and they have almost no homeless people now!! I hope every state duplicate Utah's program someday!
Hi officer Joseph, my fellow Christian. Thanks for your words and your advice and your insight. I wish that all police officers were like you.
quite possibly the coolest officer evah! xx
Hello Officer Deon Joseph Sir!! I have seen you on several youtube videos and you are an inspiration to me. God bless you sir
Thank you
Dear God please make everyone want to be more like officer Joseph and people from invisible people. 😔🙏☮️💜 Amen
Officer Deon Joseph should be the mayor of LA.
I like this cop... he's speaks truth thanks for helping them.
Officer Joseph is an excellent role model for cops everywhere. He has great people skills. More cops need these skills. God Bless
This officer Joseph is one smart cookie very compassionate humble and just a good all around human 👍👍👍
Ron. The Bible says when doing good works, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Do your good works in secret. Most people who feed the homeless in skid row do it to be seen doing good. The best way to be in order with the word is to work with the missions. The Bible speaks of helping those in need of food and clothes. In Skid Row it is impossible to go hungry or naked. You know this Ron. The missions have everything they need. Many Christians try to point out Jesus feeding 5,000. Those people did not come to Jesus for a sandwich. They came to hear his words. After three days they ran out of food and Jesus feed all 5,000 with fish and bread. What most people forget is that when Jesus started to leave, theywanted to make him their king because he feed them material food. They wanted him not because of who he was but what he could do for them. He wanted no part of that. In skid row they don't run out of food because there is plenty of it to go around. Ron.
Officer Deon Joseph thank you for letting us know about this. I have recently gotten with a program to start a program in my area. I can’t financially donate but I will be teaching about finances and saving. It a 24-month homeless shelter. They have cute little homes. I’m hoping the program works out.
I don't like this world, and I don't really like people to be honest, but you sir are an inspiration.
Need more good police like him. He's a good, kind person.
Hello S. McCoy. I am sorry you had a bad experience with cops. But you did not have a bad experience with me. Like you I truly would like to be judged as an individual, not by the actions of others. If you don't trust me, that is your right, but if I am telling the truth to a serious issue, I don't think my uniform should be disqualify my credibility on the issue. This issue is about finding better ways to help the people I care about in Skid Row. Most of the robberies and thefts that occur happen on the sidewalks, not inside of the missions although the missions have their share. Whether you lose an item or two in the mission or street, one may find something more valuable in the missions, and that is sobriety. Many cannot obtain that when they are getting their needs met in the streets. 6th street, and San Julian is not Vermont and Century. This is no race issue, so I do not understand why you being "White" is relevant here. Your biblical reference is noted, but I know the Bible too, and I am familiar with verses that justify my stance, but I am not into playing Bible chess with anyone. I just want the truth to be told so that one day we can find a real way to help change the lives of the homeless. People have been doing the same type of outreach in the streets of skid row for decades, and the same people are still struggling until they "decide" to use the resources to lift themselves up from their circumstance. No agenda there Sir. Just truth. God bless Sir.
Deon Joseph Sir, I have become increasingly aware of the work you have been doing in Skid row and I do believe that you represent the very essence of makes a true police officer, someone who is ultimately dedicated to helping people, not merely arresting them. This is coming from someone who lives in Australia with a great interest and appreciation for law enforcement. You are a great man and your work is amazing. But I'm afraid I must ask you, and I'm aware that you may not be allowed by your superiors to answer, but the recent shooting of a man by officers of your department in Skidrow has generated a lot of controversy and I wanted to know what you thought about it, that is if you are allowed to discuss that. If not, then iIwill wish you stay safe and continue your great work.
Deon Joseph yes! Exactly! People judge you by your uniform and not by the man in the uniform. Everyone is not the same!
thank you for your service to humanity what you are doing and have done for decades is phenomenal
🇨🇵... je vous admire... Martin Luther king est fier de vous et du LAPD 🚔🇺🇸❤️
Deon so thankful for
him. God bless him abundantly to continue what he does. 🙏❤️
Wow, I learned so much from this this post. Like many churches, I would have thought feeding directly on sight would be the most helpful. Thank you very much for this perspective. Blessings.
Same! I have bought shoes and clothing for homeless. But now i am aware that they will sale it to feed their addiction. Its sad. I want to help directly but i guess getting involved with the community would be a smarter way. I think ill make hygiene kits and keep them in my car so when i see homeless people ill give that out instead.
He is a hero officer. I admire what he says. A very knowledgeable man on the subject. Fascinating how he is constantly looking about. This man deserve a public award.
🇨🇵... oui, une médaille en forme d'ange, sur sa poitrine à côté de son badge du LAPD... Martin Luther king est fier de lui
Could anyone know the "real" deal other than a police officer that has the passion and courage in his heart to walk skid row and try to put the needs of others out there and help...but he is only 1 man.......respect.... he has been consistent and true in this walk. Thank you...
Thanks so much for this. I learned so much about the problems facing the community in skid row.
Mark that u name so proud of u doing the things I are doing to bring this to u in the world.
Thank you officer for all your love and help to these people. I learned a lot from this video.
give this man a promotion
Officer Joseph is really an awesome person. God bless him!
Homelessness is everywhere, even in 'family-friendly' Burbank. I had never seen so many of them, in parking lots, in parks, shopping zones... it is something all of us need to be aware and to care about.
I love this guy...
May our Heavenly Father bless these men in every way! In Jesus name Amen🌞
w
What a wonderful officer, and people that really care
GOD bless you again and again Bro.
proof that there are excellent officers out there that are out there to Protect and Serve
Interesting perspectives and nothing i can argue with. The reasoning makes sense to me. Its a pleasure to listen to two amazing and awesome people.
Thank you officer for your help!!!!!!!!
What a fantastic police officer.
God Bless you my friend.
Keep doing good and God is proud of you! X
Wow, America actually has some decent police officers! The goodness that resides within someone is definitely reflected in their face - I know, it sounds wierd and I can't explain it, but it's definitely true.
"Carry the message" (Bill W. & Dr. Bob) How about some AA's & NA's take the meetings to the Missions on Skid Row? Churches get down to the Missions. God bless you Officer Joseph, Protecting and Serving 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸. Good talk, Mark! 👍
wow. i would have never known. you are doing a fantastic job
I knew a guy who moved there from SF just because of the free food days....he called and was elated about how the feeds were so cool......and exactly: the people are not hungry and not naked......nobody goes hungry in large California cities who have homeless.
This guy. Seriously looks like a hero.
The ONLY Answer to homeless is Affordable Housing and Fair Paying Jobs so people can sustain permanent housing. Homelessness is a business. There are many people and agencies making tons of money off the backs of the homeless. This is one of the reasons why homeless will never go away. If they would spend more time finding permanent housing for the homeless as they are discouraging people from feeding them, we wouldn't be having this conversation. As a homeless activist for over 20 years, I know first hand that the majority of the people on Skid Row were not drug addicts until AFTER they became homeless. And let's not dismiss the mentally ill and the elderly people that are on Skid Row. But I agree, there is a lot of food on Skid Row. No one could go hungry on Skid Row.
Regarding food and clothes, does that just apply to skid row?
“Skid row” in Austin, TX is the same. I absolutely preach help BUT I say don’t give food or clothes. In Austin there’s a free meal and free clothes 24/7. What is needed is resources, churches, shelters, and individuals with programs and housing resources.
*I work at a shelter, for 2 years in the dorms 1 in case management.
How do you feel about an ordinance against public addiction with the "citation" being mandatory treatment at a professional detox center?
Officer Joseph reminds me of Officer Bradley 😊🤗.
Local church coordination is key and can be done best in smaller cities...we have to many homeless in our city that is at great odds with our local mission thus a gap
or need in meals served in our downtown core.
world wide crisis, same in Oxford city centre, England, UK where i am, obviously and thank fully we don't have guns and gangs but huge homelessness issues and the associated problems, protistution, drugs, alcohol, crime etc etc been homeless myself and many of these people are personal friends, they are all people like you and me with their own stories any one can become homeless
My New HERO! DEON JOSEPH!
some people just don't want to do anything! this officer is exactly RIGHT 😉! some people need just housing ,jobs are plentiful, but housing has become IMPOSSIBLE for what people are trying to make! work 30-40 hours 70-90% of your paycheck goes to housing! WTF 😕
Do you speak Creole or another language officer Joseph?
Great point of view
If this cop was mayor or governor skid row would be a much better place !! Stop giving out food filming it for TH-cam likes , the help is there they have to wanna use it these guys are both making sense
Officer Deon Joseph should go to churches and speak to the people there.
Damn! These are good men!!!
I agree with Officer Joseph.
Churches need to feed homeless in their own community. Some wont even let homeless people in their prayer groups and ask them to leave.
Why does it matter if it's their own community or not? The point is charities shouldn't be doing public feedings at all. The point is to get them into housing, not feed them and leave them on the streets
Dam i love these guys
God bless you 😉
4 years
Fantastic
I complement this officer and MANY police are great people trying to do a very dangerous and stressed Job! and I complement our president for working to get people entry level carreers that's what people need god bless both 😉
folks can always volunteer a the Mission or Hippie Kitchen if they want to help feed the homeless.
Dion Joseph should be the governor of CA.
Denver PD needs to learn from LAPD on homeless outreach
When at the table, do you have all earth's churches included?
OPD (Oakland Police Department) does NOT have officers like this. They throw the homeless belongings away, spit on and laugh at them.
Good job maxine waters keep voting democrat guys they have really done youre city well .
Homeless people are turned into sheep. Good money in being a shepherd. The do-gooders know it well.
The starting point is losing a job. Because of the pain, the homeless are tempted to use drugs to escape the pain. Many of the homeless who are interviewed tend to cry.
damn he is one sexy officer!
Give someone on the street a dollar or a sandwich and all you do is make sure that homeless person stays right there and keeps begging forever.
god bless u good police!
Faith and Food wont resolve drug addiction. The drugs and alcohol distribution must stop first. And, unfortunately, it means more of an open air prison type setup. But, despite that, it could still be maintained relatively cheaply.
Maybe if they stopped feeding them so much things might change. If everything is provided why would you want to change? To live on skid row and gain weight is nuts.
The guy says leave the bible in the car, Sir you NEED to be born again or you are going to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire!!
Less laws less gov 👌👌👌
If you really want to help become a fireman or take off the badge and get another job and see how far is your help
homeless need jobs.. love n shelter n food duh
Sounds like we need to take them toilet paper.
This is an " example " of how for years, LAPD Central Division Officer has " attempted to undermine and down play the efforts of residents and community activists in Skid Row to " change the conditions " that exist He continues to ignore our accomplishments and contributions to community development. It's an OLD STORY but a continuous one.
5
Ha Ha Ha leave the Bible in the care and bring Brooms!!!
(:Amen. Funny😀⛪
The Bible say feed the homeless⛪😀
butbi do think that not homeless do drugs. and instead of asking to talk to experts.. but listen to the homeless needs!!! not experts not u and me... but talk to the homless
Skid Row is " far more than a recovery community ". As a matter of fact, WHAT IS A RECOVERY COMMUNITY? Tell me where one is at??? This is just a " nice sounding phrase "., Skid Row is primarily a " low income community ", that has nothing to do with recovery or homelessness. There are MANY elderly people that are disable too. They need to eat, low income. What? They are suppose to get up and walk to a mission to eat??? This type of Officer is part of the propaganda program. He talks about bringing hygiene kits...those get sold fast for cash or dope. So, he is double talking. Bring hygiene kits not food. Both get sold if a person is trying to hustle.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND I was going to ignore your response. But I'm just going to go ahead and respond, , because one thing I cannot tolerate are people who spread lies. This will be my only response to you, you can feel free to have the last word, because after this, I really won't give your falsehoods anymore life.
You must be new to skid row. You probably joined the "Positive movement". Did you know before it was called the positive movement it was called "Operation Face Lift?" Did you know that when it started, I provided them with brooms and trash cans? Did you know we used to work together and they asked me to protect their murals. I put in cross walks, shaved time off of the crosswalks at their request. Did you know I supported and played in the 3 on 3 basketball league they put together? I cleared Gladys park so the kids could play on Fridays years ago so they would not be exposed to the criminal element. I was asked by the group to do that along with my fellow officers. Did you know OG Man was one of my guest mentors for my kids program at the mission? If you didn't know that, then you must be new. And if you did know that, then It is you spreading lies and propaganda.
I have not associated with them for a few years because of disturbing information I was made aware of by community members regarding two members of your positive movement. As a result I have had to distance myself.
But though I am not working with them as I used to, I still speak highly of the positive aspects of what the rest of the group does, as well as their past efforts which in my opinion was heroic and inspiring and that will never change. I share that with everyone I meet. I also refer groups to UCEP whenever they want to feed the homeless as UCEP has been great at educating people on safe and sane ways to engage in food outreach to the homeless in Gladys Park.
This video in no way shape or form undermines what you are doing. It educates the public on the realities of skid row, which by the way, IS a recovery zone, as the the shelters, hotels and other entities within it have rehabilitative components to it. And if you say that is not true, you are being dishonest and disingenuous.
I will always have respect for the good they do. But I don't know if you realize it or not, but the community has gotten worse. Anyone with common sense will see that. I don't think it will get better until we can somehow get back together, but until the wolves separate from the sheep, I just have to support them from a distance. I will speak the truth, whether you like it or not. It's just that simple.
(:Amen. Funny😀⛪
The Bible say feed the homeless⛪😀