HOW this young man became HOMELESS!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ธ.ค. 2015
- This AMAZING full length video captures Jonathan and Christi spending time with a homeless person named Andy. Andy has been homeless for the last three years and was kind enough to share his life story.
This is why people need to look at homeless people in a different way they all have a story to tell.. God Bless him
I used to be on the streets of Calgary and would often run into Andy. I remember him as having a caring nature. I hope he is doing well!!!
I feel like he understands life more than most of college undergrads i know.
What an intelligent kind hearted young man and hopefully your extension of a helping hand and resource will be of help to Andy. Not sure how this ended but you could see the appreciation in his eyes at the very end. Difficult to comprehend how family can grow so distant and uncaring. Hope that you meet up with him again.
could we have an update on Andy.
Thank you for being there for this young man who has nobody and his brother and father do nothing. He is lucky he survived childhood. Taking care of his mother and brother his childhood was cut short. He needs dental work badly. With a great smile his self esteem will be great
I hope the people that offered him help, keep their promise.
This is so desperately moving. Despite everything he has been through he has an incredible dignity. Is there an update? I truly hope he has moved to a better situation in his life.
David MacDonald me to
@@sebastianmarhop2532 Me 3
This guy choose to.be.homeless he will be homeless forever
Thank you so much for being there for this guy. I notice how he even had a hard time looking at you. I hope that you can help him get off the street. Merry Christmas.
People just need someone to talk to sometimes
Totally agree with that.
Not even to talk to, but someone who will listen.
God bless you for your kindness there is always somebody worse off than yourself he's eyes tells a Thousand stories god knows what he has been through hope that he is well and his life takes a turn for the better god bless
If at all possible, please update us on how he is doing! Seems like a good soul!
If I was able to fly West Jet, I would because of the true heart you have for not only your passengers, but for each other and for people in general. God bless all of you both now and in the future.
You certainly have the gift of the Holy Spirit. May God bless Andy and the two of you. What you demonstrated in this video is exactly what we all need to do! We are not on this earth to serve ourselves. We are on this earth to serve others as you have and do the will of him who put us here. Praise be to God most high and Jesus Christ our Lord. Many blessings to you and Christy my good friend.
you taught me a lot andy..thank you for being born...
I just want to hug him. And help him take him home to his family
What a beautiful yet sad soul...
I lived for 5 years on the Calgary streets it is a rough life indeed. Thank god I went to Drumheller penn for 3 years and got clean or I would still be there on the street smoking crack or dead. Starting a college engineering program this fall on Robotics and Automation. I will say that the homless life in Calgary is fairly closeknit most of the regulars knew one another. Rory
Good for you man .. hope you continue to do well
Hey you. Just a little Merry Christmas from me to you. 🤗
This is so inspirational and you guys are amazing to give us details on someone in this situation.
I am glad that I came across this video and the discussion here is worthwhile reading too. You have provided a real glimpse into the life of one young homeless person who is pretty much alone in the world because he is cut off from his family and has lost the connection from the people who would be his primary support system. There are so many like him and that is so much wasted potential.
Westjet you guys are absolutely amazing what you did for this young man was more than above and beyond ! Ur not just a airline I’m actually wordless as what to call you guys ! It warmed my heart to see this video just absolutely amazing ! Please please please keep us updated on Andy ! Would love to see how he is doing !
im 26 and this could easily be me i thank god i have a loving family who have supported me. hope he gets help.
Cheers! I couldn't agree more! Have a great but safe new year (=
That was nice of you to tell him he’s intelligent, he does seem intelligent. It meant a lot to him. God bless you. Under the right circumstances, homelessness could happen to anyone of us.
Andy is quite a well balanced and well spoken man considering his tribulations, what a great kid!
I feel so bad for him, God bless you andy.
God bless you Andy
Hope you reach out for & get whatever help you need to be happy & well
Loved the video! There's always a story behind why things went a certain way for some people. Good work! Look forward to more hiking videos as well. Cheers!
Thanks for the reply. I sincerely hope this kid does OK!
Andy, my heart goes out to you. Maybe because my son's name is Andy. Please accept all the help that is being offered to you. These people have caring souls full of good. Make them part of your future, You don't have to live your present alone.
He is a good person. I hope his situation improves.
What you two did was probably bigger than you even know. A hand up is far better than a hand out. Just knowing that there is someone to talk to goes a long long way.
I know. My son was homeless on the streets in Calgary for a long time. He learned to survive just like Andy. I know the most important thing for him was to have someone to talk to ... someone to trust.
The encouragement might not have immediate results ... but I'm sure the seeds are planted.
I miss my boy and worry still every day. He's not homeless anymore but it's always lurking close by. Steady,stable work and being around good people is the real key to helping him and Andy.
Your video and Andy's story put a huge lump in my throat ... but even though he's still out there, it also gave me a bit of hope.
Thanks.
Awesome , what a nice thing to do for Andy
This is awesome, normally companies choose people who are potential customers to give back too. Which is nice don't get me wrong, but they choose to help someone who cant afford to be a customer to them, someone who really needs it. Good job guys!
HI Andy, you can do it,one step at a time.
Wow u guy are real!! We need more ppl like u
This kid broke my heart
he seems like a very special guy !
Well done. I hope he took you up on your offer of assistance.
I wonder what become of this guy? I hope good things came his way.
Geraldine Braxton , I hope good things also come your way👍
Good to see that those grade four piano lessons came in handy.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL..............
Oh my God, that ripped out my heart! This poor kid is the perfect example of what it’s like coming from a broken home. Granted, I don’t know all the details, but I don’t have to, you can see it in his eyes, by the way he talks into his chest, he’s beyond homeless, he’s beaten, as a well educated, trained medical professional, I’m trained to identify people with substance abuse problems, and he is definitely a candidate for exactly that, but I absolutely refuse to pass judgement on him or anybody else, because we don’t know his story. We don’t know the kind of abuse he might have suffered or faced, we have no idea whatsoever, what this poor kid has been through in his life, all I wanna do is jump through my screen and give him the biggest hug, tell him everything is going to be OK, and do everything in my power to try to help him. Unfortunately, I live on permanent long-term disability myself, not having worked for 7 years now, and I rely on my husband to pay the bills, because all my money goes to medical expenses. But if I didn’t have my husband, I would be just like Andy, alone, with no one to care for me. It’s a lot easier than you could possibly imagine to end up like that, and don’t say it’s never going to happen to you, because all it takes is the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, or a serious illness, and suddenly you find yourself having to sell everything that you once had just to survive, and once that money is gone, only way to survive on the streets for a lot of people, is by using drugs to block out the pain. I’ve always prided myself on being a sympathetic soul, I’ve always been good at reading people, I can tell you right now, Andy is not a bad kid, he was just unfortunate enough to be trapped in a really crappy, cruel, and horrific situation, and didn’t have the right people around him to save him and to help him. It breaks everything inside me to watch this, I’m posting this with tears in my eyes and a broken heart. Why? Because I care too much, I always have, I never could learn professional distancing, always getting attached to my patients at work, but I just can’t help it. I’m not a robot or a machine, I’m a human being, just like everybody else, and all of us fall on hard times and need a helping hand. There’s no shame in that whatsoever, and being able to help someone like him has the greatest rewards you could possibly imagine, but not tangible ones, just knowing that you were able to make a difference to help somebody, is for me, the best feeling in the world, but watching this and not being able to do anything about it tears me apart. I literally weep for this brave young man stuck in a really horrible situation that is almost impossible to escape from. All I can do is pray to God that somebody out there watches this video, somebody with means, somebody who will be willing to reach out, and offer all the help that he needs to get back on his feet and get his life back. He’s not too far gone, he can still be brought back, but that window is very short, after a few more years, the drugs affect the brain to the point where full rehabilitation is no longer an option. Time is of the essence for people like Andy, and nobody deserves to live like that, we all make mistakes and we are all worthy of a second chance. So if ever you’re able to help someone like that, I beg you from the bottom of my heart, as one human being to another, please help someone, because I feel it is our moral and civic duty to do so. Even though I haven’t got much money, I’m lucky enough to have a roof over my head and food in the fridge, everything else is just extra. But I will gladly spare what little I have, as I have done so many times in the past. I haven’t been able to work for seven years now, after three decades of Crohn’s disease and intestinal cancer along with 37 surgeries turning my life upside down and backwards, I was so lucky to have people who stood by me through it all and still stand by me to this very day. Not everyone is so lucky, and Andy is the perfect example of that, he only needs to be given the opportunity, but you must understand, it’s a real struggle for them. If you’ve never been addicted to drugs, you couldn’t possibly understand how hard it is to get off them, but it completely alters your brain chemistry, and your capacity to think logically slowly fades away the longer they’re stuck in such a horrific situation. So if you do try to help someone, and it doesn’t go the way you plan, don’t give up on them, because it won’t happen overnight, for many people it never happens, because they’re just too far gone, their minds eroded by heavy duty narcotics, a total lack of nutrition, and living on the streets. It’s an absolutely terrifying prospect, but I do know addiction, because I too was addicted to prescription painkillers after having those 37 operations. I had a psychiatrist and a doctor to help me go through rehabilitation, and even then I still couldn’t quit, and these were perfectly legal prescription painkillers, Percocet and morphine to be exact, street drugs are far more powerful and deadly. You don’t realize how powerful they are until you try to stop, and your entire body and mind completely shuts down, leaving you feeling absolutely horrific, to a point where you wish you were dead. I know that because I tried to commit suicide, not thinking I would ever be able to stop, but again I was incredibly lucky to have people that wouldn’t give up on me, and because of their love and persistence, I am drug-free, live in a happy loving environment with my spouse and now have a wonderful relationship with my parents who are both still living. I count my blessings every single day of my life, but when I see videos like this, I’m instantly dragged back to that moment in my life when I too was going through hell on earth. So I repeat, please don’t judge, just have compassion and remember that nobody, absolutely nobody, chooses this type of lifestyle, it chooses them after a series of unfortunate and misguided choices. For what it’s worth, I love you buddy, and I pray to God that you find the help you need, because you’re worth it, you deserve to be stuck in your current situation, and you’re better than those that would put you down. Don’t ever forget it, and remember that there are people who do care, who care more than you could possibly know. Sending you all of my love, my hopes, and my prayers to you, TJ in Toronto ❤️😰
i agree u people are awesome keep up the good work
"There's nobody left around to blame" that hit me like a brick.
really moving video feel sorry for the guy
Andy appears to be a good person. He has a better outlook than I do. I hope y'all do get to check on him again soon.
o man suddenly what i go throught seems so small thanks i will try harder
I wonder how you are doing now Andy? And also nice of West Jet to have someone reaching out! I've only flew 4 times! West Jet all the way!
It make my hart glad to see this
Years ago I was in and out of homelessness all whilst battling my addiction issues. Andy's story is indeed touching, and it is nice to see so many touched by this video. Unfortunately...it is far from being "hugely unique", and I think most people who have never experienced or faced homelessness would be surprised how many people are in a very similar boat with a similar, sad tale. For years I worked as a volunteer at every downtown agency, all whilst relapsing and fighting my addiction. With clean time and successful sobriety I worked as a Street Level Intervention worker at the Mustard Seed and I still go out on holidays by myself or with friends, and distribute food to those in the very line-ups I used to use. Everyone has a story. No one is disposable. Take it upon yourself to be this kind of KIND in the future. It will go a long way. @getupmountainhikes - Andy is indeed still around; I saw him on my last shift rotation back from Fort McMurray. Try leaving a message on the message board - 2nd floor of the Drop In, or possibly a notice letter to intake supports at Alpha House. Someone on the street...will get him a message a lot faster than you ever trying to find him. News travels fast there...trust me. I know. ;)
I'm going to be homeless in the next few months. Although I've been working for decades, I got sick and after two years of COVID I lost everything. I hope my legal experience helps other's when I go into the shelter..
Amazing he was willing to share so much...Could have told them to go to hell but he really wanted to share.
Hey, any updates on Andy?
powerful video i sub
Good luck Andy! Keep your chin up!
I appreciate this video .... not the usual ... corporate sponsored give away video as one might assume by the title ... given his background and available contacts / adding addiction to the mix there isn't a whole lot a person can do for him but give him helpful contacts ... I read your comment and agree money wouldn't help him ... he needs new friends and a will to support himself ...
How is he now? I feels that he trying not to cry
Is there an update on Andy?
How can we help this man? I am fairly well off and i am willing to get this guy on his feet again. I am very serious, please let me know.
+I Crist I hope you find him and all I can say is Thanks for Caring
Any update on him?
place?
This is why WESTJET is the be st airline!
How about a bed to sleep in, proper clothes, help him get back on his feet with a job. You can tell he wants better but will never ask and does not know how to start......give him his sense of purpose and dignity and he will soar.
❤❤🙏🙏❤❤
where?
Whatever happened to Andy? Where is he today?
Did he say he was from Chatham
we guys are very nice I hope any has a nice future and I hope you guys see him I wish his family really loved him because I feel the same way that I am a rock too in my family I don't really like my mom that much because she's always strict at me well she really likes my brother and sister alot the only person who really loves me is my grandma and grandpa, sometimes my brother bullies me and my sister trying to be all right and telling all lies. sorry if this comment is too long :(
-I hope you will see any again in the future! :)
this is so sad
I feel bad
Forgive my ignorance but what has this to do with Westjet? Can't see anything done by them, just the two individuals interviewing the guy? Also, why no updates, did they ever go back and see him? Seems odd that this has just been forgotten when the story and the message is more important than ever!
what does this have to do with WestJet?
no job no money no friends i decided to be homeless i living like a pet at home this is shameful. i from turkey and 38 years old. my parents good to me but i said this is shameful for me. maybe i will try go to antalya in fall there is most good weather for winter
Did you stay in touch? Did he get to go to the moutains? What happened?
I know its not politically correct but everytime I see some person like this I think "There but for the grace of God go I".Sadly a lot of people are facing this future in Alberta right now
About a month ago, I was at Tim Horton's near my place here in Montreal. I was waiting in line and this guy infront of me looked down on his luck and was counting his change when he got to cash to place his order, he wanted a coffee but barely had enough for that, and I assumed he wanted a muffin or donut because he was scanning over the items in the display case. So I asked him if he wanted anything I would get it for him....total silence..I thought he was going to knock my head off.- the cashier was in shock at his reaction, and I felt like I did something wrong...He blew me off and asked the cashier to buzz him into the washroom.
That is exactly what I thought, that maybe the young guy took offence, and that did hurt my feelings, thinking that I possibly did offend him . But anytime I have a bit extra and can do something for someone I will. I have had people give me a helping hand over my life and gladly accepted and appreciated..there is never anything wrong with saying one needs a hand or a bit of help. I figure if I can afford a coffee and donut for myself, I can afford for another person who might want..But as you said, some people do take offence. Then again I have offered to buy a guy here and there lunch, who were street guys and they did not want the lunch, they wanted the money..I loved your video and I wanted to hug Andy. I think also some people just need human contact and even a hug. And my heart broke when Andy said he seems invisible to people. Your heart is good, and you are kind, and that really gets to me. Much love and hugs to you. Xx -Kirk..in Montreal
What happen to this young man ...... Dec 2018 ....
have you been able to locate Andy yet?
Get Up Mountain Hikes I know it’s 2019 but is there any update since then?
WWW.GoFundMe.com for him. if you can find him.
ok what happen nexxt cannot just let him there.. what kind helped did he receive, its just a photo op to make the company wst jet look good
who agrees?
what andy needs is a future,somewhere to live clothes a job and someone to care about him,would be awesome if this happened for him
I was homeless in calgary
So you didn't help him? Help him find a job or anything? What became of him?
Get Up Mountain Hikes absolutely... addiction is too powerful and many relapse
semd this young man my way i will give him a home and hot meals and get him a job i am in nova scotia message me
i phoned you left a message but never heard back from you. did ypu find this young man yet? i will help him with housing cook him some good healthy meals everyday get him a job .
Any word on how this young man is doing?
Get Up Mountain Hikes Maybe the chance to have a position to help others in similar circumstances would be something he would enjoy, provide something to look forward to as motivation. A lot of people his age haven't had the chance to aquire enough skills and experience to know what they'd like to do. We need more programs that are set up to help people succeed and are based on their needs and proper assessment. If you can connect people with such groups, if they exist, it could be helpful. Before those in need can make use of programs, they need a decent place to live and nutritious food. Kudos to communicate already doing that. Thank you for taking time to speak with the young man. Hope he finds his way.
how did it go sir ?
Get Up Mountain Hikes Did you give him your phone number or find out where he shelters? We're you just doing the video as a one-of ?
Get Up Mountain Hikes any update?
The real Peter Pan.
...Did ANYONE HELP HIM.....$$$$ .. besides Just Talk.!!
There is no point giving an addict money it will just go to the addiction. If only we had more humane shelters in Calgary the ones that are open are disgustingly dirty and have little compassion for the people. Lack of sleep Lack of proper food makes it very hard to even work if it is what you even want to do. I lived on the streets in that city from 2008-2013 when I finally went to the penitentiary and got clean its a hard life.
West Jet should help him with a Job, rehab psycological treatment or education. this could be a greater give of life.
All these people that are homeless their parents failed them
yo lilttley crying
what does this have to do with west jet and a christmas miracle?
Get Up Mountain Hikes ah well the video makes no reference, that I saw. But what was the miracle, you bought him lunch?
Get Up Mountain Hikes I've seen him at the Tim Hortons across from the court centre on 6 ave and 5 street a few times
something good happened on my birthday
+Get Up Mountain Hikes my grandad isn't I'll anymore :) thanks for asking
u are so cool the most ive done is give 60p and a big pack off hula hoops to a homeless but I'm still a kid
Hope he gets a job and housing
Bcuz he doesnt have an opportunity....
The stepmother is a therapist and she won't help. Needs license revoked. Best of luck to you!
Sweet and caring guy.
He's just a child. My God! His mother forgave him believe me. If I had a family out there I would try to find him
Bullshit, this is the closest anybody gets to a homeless person. Thinking their lives are far worse then this guy. The "oh, I can't help you because....(enter excuse here)"
I'm not saying all them but I live in place that homeless get put in jail breaking n places and Lot murders. U can't go around them or money. It puts a target on your back. They see ya and know u was one gave them money them and others chase people and rob.. Sad but true. Every wk something happens