This is Liam. I appreciate you letting me show you around this crazy city. This is the first documentary ive seen that actually showed what seattle is like. If you ever come back out here hit me up. Much love 💯
@@CrankyLawyer I was doing 20 xans a day, if not xans then oxi or vic. On top of that I was doing an 8ball of a coke/meth mix about once too twice a week where I would stay up for days. I did that for 3 years straight
I started doing drugs years ago as a teenage, got addicted to fentanyl. Spent my whole life fighting fentanyl addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder, got diagnosed with OCD. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 4 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
I love hearing great life changing stories like this. I want to become a mycologist because honestly mushrooms are the best form of medicine (most especially the psychedelic ones) There are so many people today used magic mushrooms to ween off of SSRI medication- its amazing! Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death buddy, lets be honest here.
Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Australia don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source 🙏
Yes Predroshrooms..Psychedelics/psilocybin made me quit a lot of bad habits and gave me a more positive outlook on life and the appreciation for other people.The day after one trip I came out as a better me, nothing can compare, I owe it to psychedelics, it cannot be described in words.
Thanks for sharing your story. That's rough I sympathize. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health. I will pray for you all.
I appreciate all of your support in the past few months. ive had a lot of tragedy in my life recently, my brothers death date is in two days my papa isnt well, got people i love dying, im messed up about a lot of stuff but i want you all to know how much i appreciate a lot you guys supporting me it means the world to me. im in lebanon right now covering the war and no matter what happens i am proud of what we’ve done with this channel. keep cold ass riding i love you guys
I live in Seattle and all this thing is fake there a lot of gang here but as long as you don’t be disrespectful nothing is gonna happen Seattle is super safe so don’t spread lie 😂😂😂
Sorry to hear it bro, not to be parasocial but we all ride for you bro, never seen no one realer on the internet and we appreciate the hell out of it. Wishing you the best brother.
People like you are doing the job the mainstream REFUSES to do. You are a journalist. Stay true, stay ethical and authentic and people will always support you. Keep up the good work.
Liam was my homie when I was out there on the streets as well. I’m happy to find out from this video that he got clean. You interviewed a great person to give you the quick run down on third and pike.
If you want to know more, I was on the streets for 4 years, got clean March 13, 2022 with the help of King County Drug Diversion Program. There is help out here. I avoided major felony charges and got my life together pretty good right now. I got my rights reinstated and can also vote. Drug addiction is a mental health issues. I know most of the people in this video and it’s sad to see them suffering.
I lost my ex-husband to meth addiction, and when I came across him in Seattle Center before he passed, I barely recognized him. I fluctuate between anger and utter sadness and hopelessness. Addiction is hard. Staying sober is even harder, and I have so much respect for those choosing sobriety. This video has reduced me to tears
The woman that mention the loss of her baby (my niece) is actually my sister. Her name is Cece. After the death of my niece I hadn’t heard from her in years and she ended up moving to Seattle. I am from California, but recently went there and found her! Our family tried to help her the best we could but we couldnt stay for long. It is crazy to see how much drugs change people, at the end of the day they are humans just like us and all have their stories. I hope that she and all of the other people interviewed are able to get the support that they deserve. Thank you for bringing awareness to the drug epidemic in Seattle.
Thank you sweetie for sharing this. I’m proud of you coming and finding her. I knew you would. As promised I will continue to pass along anytime I see her or hear from her. I know she loves you very much and the loss of baby hurt her heart to her core. I miss my granddaughter in heaven so much 😢may her little twinkling lite continue to shine of both your sister and my son 🙏🏽
I'm sorry about your sister. My condolence. I lived 2 hrs outside Seattle. I've drive by there 2 weeks ago it was worse than year 2020. The Leaders in Seattle are all Democrats. They do nothing for the city. Sad but true.
I came to Seattle when I was 18, had nothing and was homeless. The only thing that saved me was getting off my ass and getting into the shipyard. This was 4 years ago and that experience really made me grow up and take life serious
The nice black lady was SO coherent and smart. Still speaks with knowledge and tells the truth. She has still got a chance! You can see it in her eyes. Not completely lost!
Wild. That dude who said I score touchdowns and walked off went to my high school. He was an all state running back who played in college. Drugs are crazy man.
I live in the area, my sister died to an OD on fentanyl not far from where this was filmed just a few months ago. Thank you for trying your best to bring light to these issues.
Personally, I would describe addiction as giving up everything, even your loved ones, for just 1 thing. Recovery is the opposite, giving up the 1 thing to get back everything that truly meant something to you.
Idk, it definitely can be like that... But a lot of people are just in that kind of environment pretty much from jump, so getting into it doesn't really feel like giving something up. It just is what it is, and feels like the only thing to do. And then you're supposed to recover when you don't have shit to recover FOR. No family, or a family you have doesn't love you, so they tell you to do it for god or a higher power. That only works on some people. Relatively few. Personally I never had shit mean anything to me, except for the people I was with during my active addiction, who are either dead, became very mentally ill, or don't want to talk to people from back in the day, so it's hard to have any motivation to get up and fix your life.
Respect the actual journalism it’s nice to know someone’s still going out in the field getting different perspectives instead of just talking about it from behind your computer keep the good work up mayne
According to Dj Diabeto aka Dj Doubble Cheese 🧀 & Poetic Pounds on pounds Flakko aka thunder thighs Brandon is just a culture vulture … meanwhile Brandon the best journalist on the net and actually talks to folks face to face with respect to.. well dj diabetics and poetic pounds on pounds thunder thigh Flakko sit behind a screen running outta breath tryna get their point across , keep up the great work buckingham we luv ya
I was an opiate addict for 12 years. From age 16 to 28. I am now 30 with 2 years clean. Quit fentanyl COLD TURKEY. I was doing at least 2 grams a day. It was HELL, but it IS possible. I am forever thankful that I decided that I no longer wanted this... substance to have power over my life.
Congrats, very proud of you. I don’t think people who use that understand that the next time they use could be the last time anyone sees you again. My daughter’s dad is gone forever because of an accidental overdose. His passing has changed so many peoples lives.
Thanks for the inspiration, the exact situation I’m in about 2 grams a day and it adds up!!!!!. I wish I could save money but I’m stuck with my demons. I’m 22 years old started 3 years ago biggest regret of my life
I used to work on third and pike as armed security, and I actually recognize a lot of the people you spoke to. I'm just glad to see that they're still alive.
I went through this in Seattle. I actually recognize some of these people, luckily i had enough pain and was able to pull out of it with help from family. Its unbelievably hard. Such a bad place to be in in life. I just got 3 years clean, if i could do it anyone can
The way she said "thats okay" when you offered condolences to her daughter that died, really shook me. These ppl are all running from something in their lives. Straight into the warm arms of fetty. As former IV user i pray that each and every one finds their way and they find their WHY
She is like a daughter to me on this interview her soul shattered when her precious baby girl passed away 10/11/21. (My grandbaby Selaiyah) My son is the Father. I don’t wish this pain on anyone. Especially when you see your loved one on here 😢. My granddaughter was 2 months old at the time💔 In those shorts months her parents took thousands of photos & videos with her, showing pure love. Cece the mom in video worked her butt off her whole pregnancy with a full-time job. to have a car, apartment and everything needed for baby all during a pandemic. She was the best mother. She was NOT on drugs, however chose a painful path to numb the hurt. Grief is horrible, losing an infant is a nightmare. The pain I have and feel for both Cece and my son are unimaginable. The lady who said I’m sorry about your background then proceeded in name calling should be ashamed. Who is she to judge. I love Cece like my own daughter and I’m here for her anytime she calls or just needs uplifting. She doesn’t ask me for nothing. If I can save her from these streets I would in a second, but until she is ready I have given it to God. I pray for all the lost souls in the beautiful streets of Seattle that I grew up in and around the world affected by drug addiction. May the right help, the right people and the strength of the broken find hope & peace. Thank you for this @BrandonBuckingham 🙏🏽
How does being a druggie and a drag on humanity supposedly comforting after losing a baby? All these people talking trash but they’re wallowing right there in the gutter like a pig in a shtty mud pen.
I work in the area, and the funny thing is, it's literally just pockets. You go up or down the street a few blocks, everything is fine; until you hit another pocket in near pioneer square.
@@wtfserpico Ehh not really. I live in one of those $3000 a month apartments and have watched this block for the last 4 years. The way it's filmed here is really the worst it gets because it's likely shot after 8PM. I get Chipotle across the street from the Ross all the time and never had a problem. There's another pocket around 3rd and Lenora and one more around Bell and 2nd and that's literally how it's been constantly except for when there's a major event and the cops will come around and sweep things up.
@@TroyHuntington 4 years? So you have no idea what Seattle used to be like then. You are downplaying it because you are used to it. Even neighborhoods like Greenlake are effected now. It only gets bad after 8p.m.? Do you listen to yourself when you talk? It shouldn't be like this at any time of day or night.
@@scottymackay1801 Hey, it's only so bad you can't leave your house after 8p.m. according to this guy, and he can still get Chipotle so life is good. Better make sure I get a blue pen to really vote blue as hard as I can this election cycle.
the laws in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s were barbaric to drug users and it didnt slow use at all,, in fact harm reduction, education,and not penalizing users into felon status while treating addictions is the best approach. using an area the police refuse to do their job in as a hallf decade temper tantrum for citizens daring to question their violent tactics as an example of drug policy though....wtf is that about? seems kinda misleading as This isnt tolerated in much of seattle and none of the surrounding areas with the same laws. 3rd and pike is Seattle PDs big middle finger to the taxpayers!!!
I'm not sure it's really making as big of an impact as people think, people don't care if drugs are illegal, they will still use them. I agree that it is the reason people feel more comfortable littering, but that's a slightly different issue. Personally I can't believe people litter like that, I was addicted to opiates including fentanyl and heroin for 9 years and I never littered, It's not hard to put your garbage in your pocket until you find a trash can, it is so easy. I don't know why some people are so indifferent about ruining environments. My perspective on drug use is as long as your only hurting yourself it's fine, which is the government's view on alcohol, weed, and cigarettes, so why should these vices be any different. I always made sure never to litter and I also never stole from anyone, in order to ensure that I never allowed my drug use to negatively effect other people. I always worked for my money, which is definitely the way to go if you want to get high, otherwise you can't afford it lol and during any time where I was in between jobs I knew it was time to get sober.
I worked Security at Pike Place Market. Some of the things I witnessed will forever haunt my mind. I saw it all, especially on the graveyard shift. Shootings, stabbings, rapes, drug use, robberies, and everything in between. I also drove Metro for 10 years. I have stories! One night I was stopped by McDonalds waiting for the light to change. I looked over my shoulder and watched a man get stabbed. I never saw a man bleed out like that. He died within minutes. Had to give a statement to SPD over that one. Another night on the route 120, I had a kid walk up to the bus, pull out a revolver, point it at me, and pulled the trigger several times. That one scared me pretty bad. Thankfully it wasnt loaded. My coworker was shot 4 times on 3rd and Pike while loading fhe bus. Its bad!
@@JamieBrewer-zt1gl whos to say they did nothing? They didnt say if they did or didnt. And what would you do if you witnessed a guy getting stabbed while waiting at a light? You gonna run at a person with a knife?
I worked night shifts at a couple of downtown homeless shelters between 2006 and 2020. I used to commute from Burien on the 120. 3rd and Pike and Chinatown were always rough but watching this video, it looks like it has gotten 10 times worst. I never go downtown now that I don't have to.
17:49 his name is Bryce he has a lot of family and friends waiting for him when he's sober. My hope is that he's able to get clean and look at this video to see how far he's came. Thanks for interviewing all of these people brandon this one hit close to home, literally! It helped me put into perspective that these are real people and not just characters for our entertainment. I'm from bothell a city about 20 minutes away from Seattle opioids completely devastated our community. A lot of people I grew up with are dead or deep in addiction. Thanks for shedding light on Seattle's issues. If you must visit Seattle stay at tourist locations pike place market, Seattle Great Wheel, space needle/MOPOP, kerry park. There will be homeless people but they usually have security out and about. Basically if you are starting to smell piss go back from where you came because you will end up on a street that looks a lot like this video.
I lost my brother and my father to fentanyl within the last three years. Thanks for spreading awareness, you’re genuine and it’s obvious. No clue what happened to your bro but your brother is with you always hawmie. Idk why I felt like I needed to say that, but I went through hell on earth in Afghanistan and saw he was in the service too so RIP to a GOAT and hero.
I really appreciate that he doesn't say much about the topic and lets the people who have or are still experiencing life there speak to their own opinions. Thank you for giving visibility to this issue!
Im homeless in Seattle, however I am sober. Moved out here because of the wages. Hard to get on your feet unless you have great credit. I try to keep positive and keep my mind on getting an apartment.
Leave the city, seriously hope on the ferry to Bainbridge island and go to helpline house. They will help you and although the island is expensive there are jobs.
The Aaron guy at the end of the video legit brought me to tears, I hope more than anything him and every human soul in this video finds peace and prosperity on this world
I was a heroin addict and got clean 11 years ago. I've read this same statement in other comments, but what helped me get clean was making the decision that I didn't want to live with my life revolving around dope anymore and then I took the steps to get clean. Some of these homeless people are the most entitled people I've ever seen. "You need to come out here and find me and give me housing, how hard is that?" With an attitude like that, nothing will ever change.
It is amazing how entitled some people are. My church housed some refugee families for a few months until they could get their paperwork processed. And some of them were the most entitled people I have ever met. Taking the Costco sized dish soap, just because? Interestingly enough, those entitled families (while they got moved out of the Church first) are the ones who ended up long term in hotels with unstable conditions for their children. While those who were humble, patient, and understanding were the ones who found work (albeit under the table) and ended up in more permanent and stable, being placed in apartments.
real shit man that mindset won't get you anywhere. to get sober you gotta work for it and you gotta go get it yourself. success only comes after pain and struggle. 💯 1 year sober here and life gets better every day.
I worked at that exact Ross for 4 yrs through the pandemic as security. Standing at that exact podium watching all these things happen through the doors was a straight horror film. Had my share of close calls and as a Seattle native it hurts to see the decline. What's being shown isn't even half of what goes on down there but I'm glad something like this is being publicized because it opens a window for ppl to see that Seattle isn't as nice as they think it is.
I went to that Ross and the McDonald’s after my soccer practice with my friend cuz we were hungry we are only 15 but I had a few people staring at my Jordan’s😅😅
The same thing is happening here in Southern California the city I grew up in was really safe and the neighborhood has only 2 local homeless people everyone knew but now it’s full of drug addicts everywhere and it’s so bad and dirty and dangerous now
I didn't come into this expecting a lot. But I was incorrect. You simply asked what people's experiences were. No agenda pushed. Well done @BrandonBuckingham. Delighted that this was such a raw and untainted view of the problems we're facing with the epidemic, and how prolific the homeless problem is directly related to the fentanyl crisis. Extremely eye opening and I hope more people see this. We have a long way to climb back as a society, and this is the kind of journalism we need to have to create open conversations that help instead of push political agendas one side or the other.
I'm from Seattle raised all my life and the Blade is no joke some crazy shit goes down on 3rd and pike especially once the sun goes down . I finally moved away from Seattle when Fetty flooded the streets , also recovering heroin addict so glad I got a second chance at life and got clean and left my home city !!
Those folks you saw dancing and having a good time were the affluent Democrats who run the city. Their policies of course don't affect them - just the "little people" you saw homeless on the sidewalk.
Haven't seen a comment on how heartbreaking it is to see the young woman at the beginning of what looks like a downward spiral and hear she lost her daughter, I couldn't imagine the pain of losing a child especially as a mother, grief does crazy things and i hope she finds peace in her daughters passing and finds a new life her daughter could be proud of❤
Like genuinely had to pause,shit was tough to hear these are real people with problems that were never addressed and emotions they cant handles its sad
For those who havent experieced it, heroin/opiate withdrawal is the most discomfort you can imagine. Every cell hurts. Cold and hot simultaneously. Bones and muscles hurt. Nauseous. Insomnia. Sweating out toxins creating smells that create more nauses. Eyes pouring tears. Restless legs. Creepy crawly feelings on your skin. Its not like the flu, which you normally hear. There is no reprieve. There is no sleep, or getting comfortable in your bed. Its just suffering for a week. Methadone even longer. I have kicked 100 times in my life and cant believe i ever went back after experiencing it once. Addiction. Being dopesick is horrifying to an addict. Its always looming, just 8 hours away. Youre just using to keep it away. Just constantly buying 8 hours, giving you enoigh time to figure out where to get money for next 8 hour reprieve. Full time job.
Don't forget diarrhea at the same time you're puking, just exploding from both ends. As well as the mental anguish it puts you in, severe depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
@@BeanCasserole-wg7wuI remember being at a rehab, sitting on the toilet while holding a trash can, pouring out of both ends. I kept thinking this is what hell has to be.
Glad you wrote this...i thought of druggies trying to chase their next high, but it sounds like you're really trying to avoid discomfort and get back to baseline (normal level)
@@206Nish thats exactly it. When i was using i remember being dopesick and looking at normal people going about their lives and feeling jealous that they dont have to deal with this awful addiction. So freakin happy to be clean.
i work downtown. it's honestly a gamble every time i go in or walk to the bus stop. it makes you not want to leave your house. but the bills won't pay themselves, so...
That is why I moved. I didn't like playing Russian Roulette with my own life. Besides Seattle is ridiculous in living prices..... your struggle can easily be solved by moving 10-20 miles north or south ..... OUT of Seattle that is ....
I worked in tukwilla at the south center and would have to walk nearly 15 mins from my apartment on capital hill to get to my bus 🥲 late asf at night. It was always a gamble. Got chased to my friends car at the goodwill on cap hill by a homeless guy and he yanked on our doors and hit the windows. So glad I moved out of there 😭 they should do pac hwy is federal way next
@@hunterjardine7148 dude that goodwill is scary asf. the mcdonald's on 3rd and pike is the only other place that gives me the willies that bad. at night everything is like a billion times worse 😭
20:28 This is the most articulated, clean, well dressed addict, that also shows the full effects of addiction on the body (likely highly highly increased due to having cancer) that I've ever seen. Was really cool to hear him talk about everything.
I know the guy in the white jersey. He was a family friend, but I hadn't seen him since I was a kid. My mom was good friends with his mom for a very long time. I heard that he ended up on drugs, but it was a trip to find him in this video. I hope he and everyone else on the streets can get the help they need.
Thank you so much for showing this and being respectful. I can’t lie I was scared when I clicked to watch it. But you did an incredible job. If you come back to Seattle, I would love if you’d highlight the effect of tech companies moving in contributed to the skyrocketing housing prices and gentrification in the central district and south end… all contributing factors to get Seattle where it’s at. I’ve worked at the public hospital in Seattle for 16 years, I’ve seen a lot. It’s absolutely heartbreaking what’s happened to my city ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m here in Seattle working in the trenches with this population… it’s not for the weak. I admired every single person you interviewed in this, I’m rooting for them all. Seattle used to be such a beautiful vibrant city, even just 15 years ago it was so different than it is now. Now it hurts my heart to drive around 💔
Thank you, Brandon. Please do a multi-part video on Seattle - Pioneer Square, 3rd and Pike, then Belltown [from 3rd and 2nd and the alleyways down to 1st Avenue, and all in between Bell St, Blanchard St, and up to Lenora St.], and then hit the ID. Adding the videos from a time long gone by was so powerful. Your reporting is so real and unedited. The way you speak to these suffering souls warms my heart. When will the city and county figure this sh_t out?
My life is amazing now that I'm sober. You gain absolutely nothing from doing drugs you only lose. I'm one year clean from fentanyl and cocaine. Best decision I've ever made!
This is the most dangerous time for you - if you go back now after this long your body won’t be able to handle a 1/10th of what it once did and will most likely OD - stay strong 💪
this was really eye opening. i’m struggling with substance use and i don’t want it to get to the point where i need something stronger to feel better. these people were were once young and had dreams and (as bad as it sounds) i don’t want to give that up for a life like this
Oh that momma, who lost her baby…. I understand, I wish those who want help could get better assistance. If I didn’t have my second child, when I lost my child, I could easily be I her position. Honestly. It’s the hardest thing to go through, as a mom. My love to her.
Watching Brandon’s videos is like watching the human version of those videos where they lift the big ass rocks in the forest to find bugs. Bro is going out into the realest parts of the world we don’t usually get to see. Props to you bro.
I live downtown and unfortunately, I see this every week going out. It’s not something we don’t get to see, but something we have the privilege to ignore.
As an addict in recovery that’s been homeless the thing that got me clean was my decision to not want to live like that anymore. Obviously I had plenty of resources but if I didn’t/dont do the work all resources in the world wouldn’t have gotten me sober. No one is gonna come save you, you have to save yourself. #WeDoRecover
There will never be real help for these people because of the amount that doesn’t actually want to do anything but get a free ride. It’s sad. They do need help but so many will just take advantage.
My mom was a drug user and dealer that walked all through downtown Seattle selling her drugs for years back from the early 80s onto the late nineties and it NEVER looked like that!!
thank you for not being like a certain other RUclipsr who sensationalizes homeless people for views. I appreciate you giving them the opportunity to speak about their experiences with no judgment, leading questions, and rage bait editing. just sitting down and talking with them, giving them a piece of humanity.
They don’t need humanity. They are homeless by choice. The problem roots from the government and support system they are given. You can get lakefront property in Seattle as a homeless person. Citizens who actually follow the law are the ones who are punished. It’s pathetic.
I lived in Seattle during the early to mid-2000s, and it was STUNNING! It was beautiful, clean, and had a vibrant nightlife. I left in 2008 and didn't return until 2022 for vacation. The streets were filthy, needles littering even the nicest areas of Downtown. Human feces on the sidewalk were the norm. Bashed in business windows, sketchy people fucking with people just minding their own business. Just horrible. I don't know the answer, but being soft on crime sure hasn't helped. No/minimal consequences = no fear of breaking the law. It's absolutely heartbreaking that the Emerald City has turned into this.
i went to high school in downtown seattle and took city buses every day to and from school and ALWAYS avoided transferring buses at 3rd and pike because of this, but in just a few years this has turned WAY worse than i ever remember. it was never safe when i was in the four years i was in high school, but in the four years since i’ve graduated it has truly turned into something far worse. thank you so much for this video-it was very refreshing to have such raw coverage about my hometowns current issues
Seattle and most of the I-5 corridor is "woke" and Democrat. Its the Dems policies that have made this mess over the last 30 years. Seattle and Washington will vote "Woke" again, and these people and our state will continue to suffer.... wake up people....
Got respect for the dude that admitted a lot of these people want to be homeless. Some will blame the gov, but the gov cant do anything for the tons of people out there that literally don't want help to begin with. Its very easy to blame your problems on someone else so to see at least someone out there take responsibility for their actions is refreshing. The first step for a lot of these people is realizing they have a problem that needs addressing in the first place.
You can 100% blame the government, tf are you on about? We're in late capitalism where these people don't realise there are much better conditions and systems to live in.
@@ToTheGrave20no you can blame the person that’s homeless. Some are homeless due to unforseen circumstances but most are homeless because they chose drugs over having a life. I had a taste of it being a loser that played the game all day smoking weed at my moms house. It’s way easier to get high all day and not do shit than it is to man up and work for what you want. Now I work at least 40hrs a week and still smoke hella weed. Most of it is by choice stop blaming the world for these folks choices
@@michaelcunningham6457 Yeah he's right those empty houses aren't gonna be used by their owners unless they can make a buck, instead of take a financial hit corporations like BlackRock buy up homes in mass numbers leave them empty then artificially jack up prices so the few they do sell make them a lot.
I go to SeattleU, 3rd and Pike, it's sad to see how many people are struggling, it's just important to remember that at the end of the day, those struggling are still human.
The guy at the end, Aaron Gilmore is my homie. Man thats really sad to see. I hadnt heard from him in about 9months. Last time i talked to him he was living in his truck, looks like things have gotten worse. This is the 2nd time ive seen a friend from a youtuber interviewing ppl in seattle. I live an hr north. Aaron, if you see this youre loved and youre worth it. Everyone is worth it, doesnt matter if its your 35th chance, never give up. I pray for everyone in this video. I myself have 5yrs free from herion. I feel beyond blessed and grateful to have just barely gotten out before fent hit HARD here in snohomish/king county. Lots of lost souls in this video, i hope they can find the way to a healthy life ❤
I’m really praying your message reaches Aaron, I was genuinely fighting tears hearing about his struggle with cancer leading him to using. I work with cancer patients and it’s a hard battle for anyone at any place in life. I truly hope he’s able to find some strength to get back on track in life and that people like you that have known him will be there to cheer him on
I live about 2 hours away from Seattle, but I’m there every week to either spend time with my girlfriend or there doing deliveries for my cannabis farm job. I spend a lot of time talking with strangers in the area since I’m a pretty social person and I’m fascinated with getting to know peoples stories. A lot of the people we see out on the street in Seattle are genuinely good people who are self aware of the situation and it’s so depressing to see them continue this lifestyle when all they need is a good support group. Thank you for bringing more eyes to this. I hope those who are truly kind hearted on the streets can get the help they need before it’s too late.
False and a lie. This was already exposed on Komo news 6 years ago that the majority of seattles homeless population has a criminal record, and often a long one.
@@CPAgamer313 congrats, I hear you it's different with the fentanyl, I've been clean for 2 years too after 7 years on Suboxone, I weened myself off that. You have to be ready to get clean. You know how tough the withdrawals are, that's the hardest in my opinion.
Im from Seattle was on fetty 5-6 year homeless and locked up for 7 shits not worth it the only thing that worked for me was making the choice that I couldn't have a good life like this and getting up off my ass and making shit happen. so people say it isnt a choice but at the same time it is a choice to consciously put yourself through the withdrawals and deal with all the pain you've caused yourself and others and get through the withdrawals and start grinding your way back to where you wanna be in life sober for 3 years n im only 24 but I made it happen. I dont wish fentanyl or opiate addiction/ withdrawals on no-one but at the same time you reap what you sow and I think that those withdrawals you go through when trying to quit is just a way of punishing you for all the pain and damage that you've put yourself and all the people around you through
i was homeless and on meth and heroin. I got clean on my own, signed up for govt housing, got a job, bought a car, now im in college to become a Molecular Biologist, PhD. you CAN do it, you just have to REALLY want it.
I was stationed at McChord in the 90s and loved it there. The people, the food, short drive to Seattle. It was great. I moved a Yacht from Seattle to San Francisco last year.. both cities are lost
It's sad to see how much worse it got with the drug epidemic in Seattle. I remember it just like yesterday being homeless at the age of 15 and hanging out at Pioneer Square almost 20 years ago looking for my next lick and hit. I can't honestly say I have been experiencing a successful life at the moment, but I have been clean for almost 11 years now off the hard stuff with a roof over my head. I made horrible decisions with getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, did jail and prison time, destroyed relationships with family and friends, and lost everything from being addicted to heroin in Seattle. We can't truly rely on our government, authorities, and politics to tackle the drug and homeless epidemic. People need to share more respect, love, and patience with each other in our communities to outlet a better awareness to work with people in need rather than tackling them for their own regrets and issues. These people coexist with these issues and feelings and it turns into a cycle of pain, regrets, and bad decisions. No one will save you, you are the only one who can save yourself and get clean and I know you can do it! Thanks for sharing light on our community!
I escaped Seattle 18 months ago. I was always a very functional heroin addict. Held jobs, maintained relationships. When the drug supply switched to all fentynal everything changed. My life became unmanageable. People I knew started dropping like flies on a daily basis, people who had safely maintained heroin habits for decades. The fent messes with your mind in a way heroin just doesn’t. All the Fent in Seattle is also cut with Xylazine, that literally causes you to rot from the inside out. I never shot up in my legs and never got an abscess shooting in my arms in a decade of heroin use. 6 months of fent use and I had huge open weeping abscess ON MY LEGS, non injection site wounds, that refused to heal. My feet would randomly swell up to three times their normal size with infection. 18 months back home and free of the demon and impending death that is opiate addiction. I do have every intention of moving back to Washington state one day, it’s beautiful, the people are great, the weathers great. I’ll just be moving to a smaller city like Bellingham and staying clean.
Thats very sad to hear, but the fact of you saying "I have every intent of moving back to Washington" kind of shows youre going to fall back into that life again one day, cause you're a "functioning addict" and you won't see yourself slipping, and you know right where to go again... Best of luck to you though friend
Stay away from everett my guy was raised there and just about all my friends went down the oxy path. I love Washington as well but don't think I can ever go back. Good luck to my friend
Bellingham isn’t smaller man. Unless you still want to be in a big city. It’s just expensive as hell. But we will welcome you back with open arms. Congrats on staying sober!
COVID turned that area into a fucking mess. I say this as someone who has been living in Seattle for the past decade and watched the decline happen in real time. It was depressing.
@@General_ONeill a lot of different factors, but the main reasons would be the lockdowns (which caused a mass Exodus of people who worked from home which in turn caused a lot of businesses to close) and the already rampant homeless population basically given free reign on areas of the city the did not have before the pandemic. It's getting better, but it's still pretty fucked. I remember when I first moved to Lower Queen Anne and it had your normal amount of riffraff but nothing too too crazy. But during the pandemic we had full blown tent cities erected on Mercer St. Like, a 10 minute walk from the cultural center. I couldn't believe it. They got that cleared out at the beginning of summer, but it was wild to see that shit happen! Two weeks ago I saw a tent go up in front of the parking lot next to the Metro Market (bougie grocery store, if you're not already familiar with it) and I said to my wife "here we go again". I was pleasantly surprised to see it had been taken care of before we got back from running errands though. Anyway, like I said, a lot of different factors but those two are the biggest for Seattle in my eyes. Fortunately things have been getting better, so that's good! Kind of turning back into the city I fell in love with over a decade ago.
During covid there were a lot of George Floyd riots, and the war between rioters and police ended up leaving a lot of downtown an abandoned wasteland, especially on third where most of the businesses were. There was a rapid increase in violence and drugs when the police abandoned the whole area. Businesses boarded up and left. Everyone tries to avoid the area. Those riots were about anarchy and getting rid of the police, and that's exactly what happened. So it wasn't *due* to covid. But it happened during the beginning of covid, and covid continued to be an excuse to let everyone there rot. I left in 2021, but I honestly doubt anything has improved. Third was always a problem, but covid marked a catalyst basically.
I work in a involuntary psych ward about 30-40 minutes from Seattle, and sadly I see so many people come through our doors that lived this life in all these same places. All have similar stories and lived life experiences, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. I have a lot of respect for those who come out on the other side clean, and a lot of love for those who are still stuck in the thick of it. The epidemic of drugs and mental health in Seattle is so, so horrific. The system constantly seems to be failing. Even in the involuntary ward, I've watched people walk out and go right back to this because even when we let them out and try to find housing, sometimes the housing still fails, and they end up right back where they started. Either that, or they end up right back in the ward. Something needs to be done, because there is only so much I or other healthcare workers can do.
@BurnerJones Nah, there's a different facility in Mukilteo that I work at occasionally. However, a lot of the patients that come in are often frequent fliers and have been at Fairfax too-- Ive thought about picking up shifts there
I moved from Washington to Oklahoma about 13 years ago and it breaks my heart to see this. I'd give everything to move back but it seems its definitely gotten worse 💔
I remember being in highschool around 2010,2011 and downtown wasn’t like this. It was nice and clean still. In the span of 10 years it completely changed. It just ruined my hometown for me. I remember walking down as a kid with my mom downtown to grab some pizza etc around 3rd and pike. Now it just ruins your experience.. sometimes just because you see the despair of some of these people, and then you have an apple building, Google building etc within a mile radius. Downtown Seattle feels dystopian to me now..
I have lived in Seattle for 18 years and used to work at the Walgreens on 3rd and Pike for four years. I now work a block away. That area is so weirdly magnetic. Even for someone like myself who isn't struggling with addiction or homelessness I have always felt drawn to that area. I now work with the multitude of housing programs that aim to help the homeless population. My focus is facilities maintenance and sanitation. So much of this is extremely eye opening and reminds me that the people in 3rd and Pike are still humans and should be treated as such. We need to practice more compassion, understanding and patience. It also doesn't help that this is such an important thoroughfare. You've got the monorail and Westlake Park a block away. That's the best way to transit between the Space Needle and downtown. You have the light rail which has two stops (University and Westlake) within blocks of this area. You then have Pike Place Market two blocks away. This is a major tourism thoroughfare and there is a huge cry for help and just wanting to be noticed. Thank you for making space in your heart and mind to ask questions and listen. You're good people.
Props to you guys for taking your lives in your hands to do REAL investigative journalism. You are showing the way it is on the other side of life. Where no one wants to look. You are holding up a mirror to this place to show the people who live here what is *really* going on here. Awesome job people. The lack of concern that the Seattle city council has been appalling. They started with what they called a "social experiment" when they pulled the cops back and cut down reasons to arrest criminals and said they were going to focus on the crime of abusers; violence, high-volume dealing and such, not now they won't even cuff someone if they're caught with up to 3 gms of fentanyl and they don't bother with most of the violence either. They *haven't* defunded the police, they can't get anyone to apply for a police *job.* No one wants to work here. They can't pay people enough to take a job on the force. The roll is down because no one wants to die on these streets. I've lived here since 1986 and was a psych and detox nurse until I was disabled. But I can tell you that city planners and tax payers don't want to help these poor people. They don't want to pay for treatment, not for drug treatment OR psychiatric treatment. They only want to put them behind bars and leave them there. It's sickening to see how oblivious people are when they go about their lives without a second thought for someone they just stepped over in the gutter. They won't even look down at them. Hypocrites! They do their prescription drugs and drink too much and beat their kids and wives and pretend to be better then these poor people who have nothing. But they have warm beds with a lock on the door and food in the fridge. You have done a brilliant job of showing what these cities go through when the lights go down and moon comes out.
I was just there last Sunday walking around with my wife. We dropped one of our kids off at the convention center and decided to walk around downtown. This is a great documentary and it covers some issues not everyone wants to acknowledge or know about. Thanks for the time and effort put into this project!
Not even close to true. All democratic ran cities have one. I’ve yet to see a republican ran city look like this. I lived in Seattle for 5 years. Most disgusting, ran down city I’ve come across. I’ve been to third world countries with cleaner cities.
As some one who is very picky with certain personalities, ive always known or atleast strongly thought, Brandon is a big hearted genuine guy who makes amazing, informative content. You personally go to these places and hear the real stories from real people experiencing whatever it is you are trying to show to your audience. When it comes to journalism i dont understand how anyone could say you dont do the work.
@@BrandonBuckingham Maybe do something similar to Josh Liljenquist. Get in with the people and listen and raise money to help people. Go into all these hoods and instead of just reporting on the beefs, help the people, give away school supplies, give away turkeys something man there is so much you can do positive with all these eyes on you. You are a good person and it's obvious you care about people.
My family owns the Vegan Deli on 12th and Jackson. We have been trying to support the community by giving out free meals and anything we can every Sunday. There are those who help and there are those who don’t like what we’re doing. A lot of customers don’t come to our deli anymore because they don’t feel safe about the area. Being in the area often, I don’t feel unsafe-don’t interact and you won’t really be bothered. But I understand the sentiment. Helping your community matters. We will continue trying to support for as long as we can.
Your family's restaurant is one of my favorites! The other establishments in the same complex are fantastic too. It's really upsetting to see the state of that intersection-- the businesses there deserve so much better. I will continue to support all the restaurants in that area and I really hope things start to improve, best wishes to you and your family.
1000% agree, I hate the sentiment from people that Seattle is unsafe just because they see a homeless person, or a group of homeless people, or god forbid an ENCAMPMENT of homeless people. They are actually just people. There are also those dangerous people out there taking advantage of the homeless, stealing, fencing, all of that, but that is not what the homeless population does. Maybe there are some people that are homeless that are also doing those things, but that doesn't mean all or most of them are.
I've met the black woman with the head wrap in 2016!! i was going to the art institute in downtown seattle. one day a friend and i went to the big target downtown and she came up to me asking if i could give her a few bucks for sanitary items and i had no problem with that! i was only going to give her a $5, but she noticed a $20 in my wallet. she was NOT disrespectful by any means. but she looked at me with desperate eyes, and at 18 having never been in the city alone.. i gave in and gave her the $20!! and she thanked me so much and gave me a huge hug which- i won't lie- GROSSED ME TF out and i was so uncomfortable!! but i got over it and even though i worried about her just spending it on drugs, the interaction was something that stuck with me to this day. its so wild to see her face on youtube 8 years later! she may not have gotten better but she's still here and that makes me so happy!!
You have a heart, that’s unique now days. Don’t feel bad, I work with people like her and I don’t let them hug me but I’m out there supporting them every day.
Randomly stumbled on this vid. Honestly don't know your other work or background, nor am I from the US. But I like your style. Thank your for letting people speak without judgement, a feat. much to rare these days. Hang on to it. Makes for some unique vies into another world.
I'm from Washington but not from Seattle. I was walking around Seattle one night after a few drinks and came across a hotel that had some sort of wedding celebration going on inside on the first floor. Inside you could see all these people in their suits and dresses dancing and having the time of their life, when just outside the window not even 10 feet away from some of the people inside was a man on the ground passed out on the sidewalk with track marks all up and down his arms who looked dead. Not sure how people can be so comfortable with how terrible their city has become. America is the wealthiest, most powerful country on Earth. We've got billions to stupid fucking wars but can't take care of our own people or clean up our own streets. What the fuck man. Thanks for covering this Brandon. Good video as always
Thank you for touching on this Brandon. no one outside of the state ever really talks about it and our local government does nothing but fund the problem
@@BrandonBuckingham deport all fent dealers and force jail/rehab for at least a month, but no criminal charges on the people suffering from addiction. it would be rough but it would work.
@@BrandonBuckingham I grew up out there and still have family there. It's truly is so sad. I really wish there was just some press button solution for all this but its so complicated.
@@RNG-999 Truly the only peaceful solution, the taxes thing, you're incredibly naive if you think your votes matter and that the elections arent rigged.
This was a lot better than I expected, a lot of these kinds of videos are very exploitative. I don't think you necessarily needed to give so much time to the opinion that "people who want housing would get it" etc because the layers of trauma, lack of education, etc go deeeeep and it really doesn't come to down to what someone "wants" but, I get it, they said it and you used it. I just hope it inspires people to help and not to dismiss the issue.
I moved here in 1991. The people in Seattle were proud of their downtown at that time. It was a vibrant place that I felt comfortable taking my kids to enjoy a movie, do some shopping or eat out. I haven't been downtown in over 5 years. The people running the city decided to allow a violent sub-culture to thrive there. It's grown to the point where many established businesses have closed their doors. I'm a retired addiction counselor and can say that there are successful models in other cities where they give registered addicts drugs and a safe place to use them, but they also give severe consequences for anyone breaking the law while under the influence or in order to obtain drugs. In the US, we have tried a half-assed approach that fails every time. We stopped prosecuting people for using, but didn't provide them with drugs or a safe space to use. So, they still needed to have drug dealers, they needed to steal to get money and they use in the open. This will endanger everyone, including the addicts themselves. The answer is not in stopping drugs at the border. We can make them right here. The answer is in helping people deal with addiction is a positive way. GIVE them drugs and clean needles and a safe place to use. Also give them help as soon as they ask for it. Stop making them wait weeks for an appointment. Drug addicts have problems with compulsion, they don't wait well. Support a livable wage for addiction counselors and stop insisting that they be mental health care professionals. Those are different fields. Provide sober housing for those who commit to sobriety and housing for those who aren't there yet. Support anti loitering and no camping on public spaces laws. Understand that there is no overnight solution and not everyone becomes sober. Most of all, have compassion for people with this disorder.
Lived in seattle 12 years and 3rd and pike been wild af. The whole downtown fell off. Pioneer square, pike place, Chinatown, little saigon. All used to be my favorite places. I live 10 minutes from it all and haven’t been to these areas in years.
My company was hired as armed contractor security firm and McDonald’s hired us to clean the lobby of McDonald’s there on 3rd and pike. It was a shit show. We kicked out the key dealers and also the users that used the bathrooms to shoot up. First week I worked there I told everyone that they had 5 min inside the bathroom and you had to leave their backpacks outside the restroom. Had a 23 yr old guy that went into the bathroom and for so reason I had a altercation out in the lobby,. I then realized the guy had been inside the stall for close to a half an hour. I looked over the stall and found him overdosed and dead. And for what?? This fentanyl shit had killed so many people. But the cops hands are tied and can’t make arrests. I have so many stories I could tell you about that place, it’s sickening!.
Currently at the Police Academy through SPD. And I swear videos like this make me so motivated. Its so sad to see. Makes me want to help this city and I am not even from here!
You'll lose that honorable optimism so fast you'll either quit or become as jaded and corrupt as every other cop out there. Half of the reason it got so bad is because the city chose to abandon it. George Floyd riots made sure that police weren't allowed to interfere during early covid. And then afterwards, they kept that up. If you want to help people, become a social worker. You won't be a hero being a badge.
In 2004 I used to walk that route EVERYDAY with my girls from Beauty School. We always felt safe and would hit up Pike Place Market for flowers and produce. This is an entirely different world 20 years later, and now I feel really old 😅
I worked 3 blocks NW of 3rd & Pike until 2016. It was a nothing like it is today. Most of Seattle is still beautiful however the bad parts are worse than ever. Never thought I’d see this happen. It’s heartbreaking. Shit needs to change.
This is Liam. I appreciate you letting me show you around this crazy city. This is the first documentary ive seen that actually showed what seattle is like. If you ever come back out here hit me up. Much love 💯
ty babe
Hey Liam, there you are. I tried adding my insta here but youtube keeps deleting my comment.
hey liam! much love for you
Stay up G!
@@Liamreis-dc4yx congrats bro, keep up the good work!!!
I’m from Seattle, when I got off drugs I threw up every single morning for months
Coming up on 3 years sober 💪
Proud of you- 3 years is a huge accomplishment!!!!!
Amen - congratulations 🎉🎉 that's something to celebrate for sure ❤
Awesome!
3 months? Were you on methadone or something?
@@CrankyLawyer I was doing 20 xans a day, if not xans then oxi or vic. On top of that I was doing an 8ball of a coke/meth mix about once too twice a week where I would stay up for days. I did that for 3 years straight
I started doing drugs years ago as a teenage, got addicted to fentanyl. Spent my whole life fighting fentanyl addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder, got diagnosed with OCD. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 4 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
I love hearing great life changing stories like this. I want to become a mycologist because honestly mushrooms are the best form of medicine (most especially the psychedelic ones) There are so many people today used magic mushrooms to ween off of SSRI medication- its amazing! Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death buddy, lets be honest here.
Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Australia don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source 🙏
Yes Predroshrooms
Yes Predroshrooms..Psychedelics/psilocybin made me quit a lot of bad habits and gave me a more positive outlook on life and the appreciation for other people.The day after one trip I came out as a better me, nothing can compare, I owe it to psychedelics, it cannot be described in words.
Thanks for sharing your story. That's rough I sympathize. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health. I will pray for you all.
I appreciate all of your support in the past few months. ive had a lot of tragedy in my life recently, my brothers death date is in two days my papa isnt well, got people i love dying, im messed up about a lot of stuff but i want you all to know how much i appreciate a lot you guys supporting me it means the world to me. im in lebanon right now covering the war and no matter what happens i am proud of what we’ve done with this channel. keep cold ass riding i love you guys
@@BrandonBuckingham LOVE YOU FOREVER LEGEND ❤️❤️❤️
I live in Seattle and all this thing is fake there a lot of gang here but as long as you don’t be disrespectful nothing is gonna happen Seattle is super safe so don’t spread lie 😂😂😂
Sorry to hear it bro, not to be parasocial but we all ride for you bro, never seen no one realer on the internet and we appreciate the hell out of it. Wishing you the best brother.
@@colorfultrains Why you mad at him for you being poor 😂, get your money up instead of whining on his video you goofy
pray for pops
People like you are doing the job the mainstream REFUSES to do. You are a journalist. Stay true, stay ethical and authentic and people will always support you. Keep up the good work.
Liam was my homie when I was out there on the streets as well. I’m happy to find out from this video that he got clean. You interviewed a great person to give you the quick run down on third and pike.
shoutout liam man whats his instagram?
I’ll try to find it for you. We both have same friends just not each other yet.
If you want to know more, I was on the streets for 4 years, got clean March 13, 2022 with the help of King County Drug Diversion Program. There is help out here. I avoided major felony charges and got my life together pretty good right now. I got my rights reinstated and can also vote. Drug addiction is a mental health issues. I know most of the people in this video and it’s sad to see them suffering.
Fuck ya brother! Share your success story as much as you can! I'm 8 years clean off meth and heroin living out of Everett.
@@OceanicFeelwe need to shut down the supply if we want it to end. I lost my mom to that shit last year.
I lost my ex-husband to meth addiction, and when I came across him in Seattle Center before he passed, I barely recognized him. I fluctuate between anger and utter sadness and hopelessness. Addiction is hard. Staying sober is even harder, and I have so much respect for those choosing sobriety. This video has reduced me to tears
Sorry to hear that.. seems like he passed of a broken heart to
Honest question, how do you die from meth addiction?
@@julieann4616 probably ruined his heart or kidneys
@@julieann4616 maybe dirty needles
lol what a Methew
The young guy and his dog really knew his stuff. He was well spoken and down to earth. His dog was so chill and cute too.
The woman that mention the loss of her baby (my niece) is actually my sister. Her name is Cece. After the death of my niece I hadn’t heard from her in years and she ended up moving to Seattle. I am from California, but recently went there and found her! Our family tried to help her the best we could but we couldnt stay for long. It is crazy to see how much drugs change people, at the end of the day they are humans just like us and all have their stories. I hope that she and all of the other people interviewed are able to get the support that they deserve. Thank you for bringing awareness to the drug epidemic in Seattle.
I'm sorry you have to go through that loss. Praying for your family.
Thank you sweetie for sharing this. I’m proud of you coming and finding her. I knew you would. As promised I will continue to pass along anytime I see her or hear from her. I know she loves you very much and the loss of baby hurt her heart to her core. I miss my granddaughter in heaven so much 😢may her little twinkling lite continue to shine of both your sister and my son 🙏🏽
I'm sorry about your sister. My condolence. I lived 2 hrs outside Seattle. I've drive by there 2 weeks ago it was worse than year 2020. The Leaders in Seattle are all Democrats. They do nothing for the city. Sad but true.
i’m praying for you
Sadly you can't help people that don't want it and a lot of this just enables the behavior
I came to Seattle when I was 18, had nothing and was homeless. The only thing that saved me was getting off my ass and getting into the shipyard. This was 4 years ago and that experience really made me grow up and take life serious
Similar song but security , keep fighting king
Good shit. Stay up.
That’s cool. Are you at the Bremerton shipyard or in Seattle. I’m from kitsap county. 25 minute ferry ride. Town called Poulsbo
Getting into the shipyard? What's that?
@@Astrohhh a job
The nice black lady was SO coherent and smart. Still speaks with knowledge and tells the truth. She has still got a chance! You can see it in her eyes. Not completely lost!
I agree. 🫶🏻
That was funny when she said “that b!ch is a mess” 🤣
Broooo i genuinely was surprised and heartbroken when she said she was a druggie bc she sounded so intelligent....
I hope she finds her way bc she’s not fully lost yet‼️
None of them are lost causes, people get sober at 60-70 years old. Hopefully before then though obviously.
As someone who works down the block from this, I appreciate you getting all sides of the story. Its sad to see so many people suffering.
Not sad it's deplorable!
Wild. That dude who said I score touchdowns and walked off went to my high school. He was an all state running back who played in college. Drugs are crazy man.
Go Saints
Holy shit
So what you're saying is, that he wasn't wrong.
tbh something bad probably happened to him to make him go from a stand up guy to a drug addict
Small world, I’m from Tacoma and my cousin has been all along downtown Tacoma to downtown Seattle…he might have very well been there if it was 2020.
I live in the area, my sister died to an OD on fentanyl not far from where this was filmed just a few months ago. Thank you for trying your best to bring light to these issues.
Rip your sister bro. My brother passed from it too here in Chicago
Sorry for your loss
im not sorry
you really think we care about scum?
@@Donuthead2143-k3s could you have stopped him? or did you just prolong the inevitable? i bet your life is less chaotic now despite your loss
Personally, I would describe addiction as giving up everything, even your loved ones, for just 1 thing. Recovery is the opposite, giving up the 1 thing to get back everything that truly meant something to you.
Well said
Idk, it definitely can be like that... But a lot of people are just in that kind of environment pretty much from jump, so getting into it doesn't really feel like giving something up. It just is what it is, and feels like the only thing to do. And then you're supposed to recover when you don't have shit to recover FOR. No family, or a family you have doesn't love you, so they tell you to do it for god or a higher power. That only works on some people. Relatively few. Personally I never had shit mean anything to me, except for the people I was with during my active addiction, who are either dead, became very mentally ill, or don't want to talk to people from back in the day, so it's hard to have any motivation to get up and fix your life.
couldnt put it any better myself
That’s a personal choice.
Simplified explanation. People like simple
As someone from Seattle thank you for speaking on these issues and having actual people who struggle out here say their piece
Respect the actual journalism it’s nice to know someone’s still going out in the field getting different perspectives instead of just talking about it from behind your computer keep the good work up mayne
thank you man much love i hope you are well
According to Dj Diabeto aka Dj Doubble Cheese 🧀 & Poetic Pounds on pounds Flakko aka thunder thighs Brandon is just a culture vulture … meanwhile Brandon the best journalist on the net and actually talks to folks face to face with respect to.. well dj diabetics and poetic pounds on pounds thunder thigh Flakko sit behind a screen running outta breath tryna get their point across , keep up the great work buckingham we luv ya
@@BrandonBuckinghamwhy do you only respond to the whites?
@@alexpascal5403??
@@alexpascal5403his name is enrique you crackhead
I was an opiate addict for 12 years. From age 16 to 28. I am now 30 with 2 years clean. Quit fentanyl COLD TURKEY. I was doing at least 2 grams a day. It was HELL, but it IS possible. I am forever thankful that I decided that I no longer wanted this... substance to have power over my life.
Congrats, very proud of you. I don’t think people who use that understand that the next time they use could be the last time anyone sees you again.
My daughter’s dad is gone forever because of an accidental overdose. His passing has changed so many peoples lives.
Thanks for the inspiration, the exact situation I’m in about 2 grams a day and it adds up!!!!!. I wish I could save money but I’m stuck with my demons. I’m 22 years old started 3 years ago biggest regret of my life
Good shit
You are an angel! Please keep it up.
Me to. Im 54. Amd used for over 35vyears. Im still alive.
I used to work on third and pike as armed security, and I actually recognize a lot of the people you spoke to. I'm just glad to see that they're still alive.
glad? LOL!
Noticed a armed security in beginning of vid
Is this the neighborhood they called the blade? I spent a lil time in seattle but mostly in sober living houses way away from all that shit.
@@henlo1910the Blade is Aurora
@@sentryogmixmasterwow look at you so cool mister no empathy
I went through this in Seattle. I actually recognize some of these people, luckily i had enough pain and was able to pull out of it with help from family. Its unbelievably hard. Such a bad place to be in in life. I just got 3 years clean, if i could do it anyone can
proud of u
The way she said "thats okay" when you offered condolences to her daughter that died, really shook me. These ppl are all running from something in their lives. Straight into the warm arms of fetty. As former IV user i pray that each and every one finds their way and they find their WHY
Believe me ……. It is NOT OK. I’m Cece’s mother…. We are all devastated 💔
@@sexxymommasaha It's not too late, go get her. She seems very coherent and smart. It's winter soon and the streets will be cold.
@@JustFranke-yy5wk theyre trying to be there for her.
@@sexxymommasahaim sorry for the loss of your granddaughter. No one should have to go through losing their baby.
She is like a daughter to me on this interview her soul shattered when her precious baby girl passed away 10/11/21. (My grandbaby Selaiyah) My son is the Father. I don’t wish this pain on anyone. Especially when you see your loved one on here 😢. My granddaughter was 2 months old at the time💔 In those shorts months her parents took thousands of photos & videos with her, showing pure love.
Cece the mom in video worked her butt off her whole pregnancy with a full-time job. to have a car, apartment and everything needed for baby all during a pandemic. She was the best mother. She was NOT on drugs, however chose a painful path to numb the hurt. Grief is horrible, losing an infant is a nightmare. The pain I have and feel for both Cece and my son are unimaginable.
The lady who said I’m sorry about your background then proceeded in name calling should be ashamed. Who is she to judge. I love Cece like my own daughter and I’m here for her anytime she calls or just needs uplifting. She doesn’t ask me for nothing. If I can save her from these streets I would in a second, but until she is ready I have given it to God. I pray for all the lost souls in the beautiful streets of Seattle that I grew up in and around the world affected by drug addiction. May the right help, the right people and the strength of the broken find hope & peace. Thank you for this @BrandonBuckingham 🙏🏽
Sending love to you, your son, Cece, and little Selaiyah ❤❤❤ tears in my eyes. Trauma and addiction takes down the tallest trees
Why isn't your son supporting her?
The creator of this content exploits human beings. Stop watching it.
@@JustFranke-yy5wksome people dont want help u cant help someone who doesnt want it
How does being a druggie and a drag on humanity supposedly comforting after losing a baby? All these people talking trash but they’re wallowing right there in the gutter like a pig in a shtty mud pen.
I work in the area, and the funny thing is, it's literally just pockets. You go up or down the street a few blocks, everything is fine; until you hit another pocket in near pioneer square.
Pockets that are growing and spreading by the day.
@@wtfserpico Ehh not really. I live in one of those $3000 a month apartments and have watched this block for the last 4 years. The way it's filmed here is really the worst it gets because it's likely shot after 8PM. I get Chipotle across the street from the Ross all the time and never had a problem. There's another pocket around 3rd and Lenora and one more around Bell and 2nd and that's literally how it's been constantly except for when there's a major event and the cops will come around and sweep things up.
@@TroyHuntington This sounds like cope. You definitely vote Democrat.
@@TroyHuntington 4 years? So you have no idea what Seattle used to be like then.
You are downplaying it because you are used to it. Even neighborhoods like Greenlake are effected now.
It only gets bad after 8p.m.? Do you listen to yourself when you talk?
It shouldn't be like this at any time of day or night.
@@scottymackay1801 Hey, it's only so bad you can't leave your house after 8p.m. according to this guy, and he can still get Chipotle so life is good. Better make sure I get a blue pen to really vote blue as hard as I can this election cycle.
That was actually respectful to the people. Thank you.
Hearing the lady flat out say the acceptance and laws changing are why addiction is worse was eye opening..
And she sounds so educated and intelligent and it’s sad that we’re losing good people to these drugs…
the laws in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s were barbaric to drug users and it didnt slow use at all,, in fact harm reduction, education,and not penalizing users into felon status while treating addictions is the best approach. using an area the police refuse to do their job in as a hallf decade temper tantrum for citizens daring to question their violent tactics as an example of drug policy though....wtf is that about? seems kinda misleading as This isnt tolerated in much of seattle and none of the surrounding areas with the same laws. 3rd and pike is Seattle PDs big middle finger to the taxpayers!!!
The only thing eye opening about it is that anyone dares to openly say what everyone already knows.
I'm not sure it's really making as big of an impact as people think, people don't care if drugs are illegal, they will still use them. I agree that it is the reason people feel more comfortable littering, but that's a slightly different issue. Personally I can't believe people litter like that, I was addicted to opiates including fentanyl and heroin for 9 years and I never littered, It's not hard to put your garbage in your pocket until you find a trash can, it is so easy. I don't know why some people are so indifferent about ruining environments. My perspective on drug use is as long as your only hurting yourself it's fine, which is the government's view on alcohol, weed, and cigarettes, so why should these vices be any different. I always made sure never to litter and I also never stole from anyone, in order to ensure that I never allowed my drug use to negatively effect other people. I always worked for my money, which is definitely the way to go if you want to get high, otherwise you can't afford it lol and during any time where I was in between jobs I knew it was time to get sober.
Gee you think 🤔
It seems like an obvious effect
I worked Security at Pike Place Market. Some of the things I witnessed will forever haunt my mind. I saw it all, especially on the graveyard shift. Shootings, stabbings, rapes, drug use, robberies, and everything in between. I also drove Metro for 10 years. I have stories! One night I was stopped by McDonalds waiting for the light to change. I looked over my shoulder and watched a man get stabbed. I never saw a man bleed out like that. He died within minutes. Had to give a statement to SPD over that one. Another night on the route 120, I had a kid walk up to the bus, pull out a revolver, point it at me, and pulled the trigger several times. That one scared me pretty bad. Thankfully it wasnt loaded. My coworker was shot 4 times on 3rd and Pike while loading fhe bus. Its bad!
Damn i take that 120 once or twice a week, shocked to hear that
My uncle drove for Metro in the 80's-90's , he's retired now. I didn't realize the risk.
And what did you do... Nothing.
@@JamieBrewer-zt1gl whos to say they did nothing? They didnt say if they did or didnt. And what would you do if you witnessed a guy getting stabbed while waiting at a light? You gonna run at a person with a knife?
I worked night shifts at a couple of downtown homeless shelters between 2006 and 2020. I used to commute from Burien on the 120. 3rd and Pike and Chinatown were always rough but watching this video, it looks like it has gotten 10 times worst. I never go downtown now that I don't have to.
17:49 his name is Bryce he has a lot of family and friends waiting for him when he's sober. My hope is that he's able to get clean and look at this video to see how far he's came. Thanks for interviewing all of these people brandon this one hit close to home, literally! It helped me put into perspective that these are real people and not just characters for our entertainment. I'm from bothell a city about 20 minutes away from Seattle opioids completely devastated our community. A lot of people I grew up with are dead or deep in addiction. Thanks for shedding light on Seattle's issues. If you must visit Seattle stay at tourist locations pike place market, Seattle Great Wheel, space needle/MOPOP, kerry park. There will be homeless people but they usually have security out and about. Basically if you are starting to smell piss go back from where you came because you will end up on a street that looks a lot like this video.
Help him now u twat instead of waiting
I lost my brother and my father to fentanyl within the last three years. Thanks for spreading awareness, you’re genuine and it’s obvious. No clue what happened to your bro but your brother is with you always hawmie. Idk why I felt like I needed to say that, but I went through hell on earth in Afghanistan and saw he was in the service too so RIP to a GOAT and hero.
I really appreciate that he doesn't say much about the topic and lets the people who have or are still experiencing life there speak to their own opinions. Thank you for giving visibility to this issue!
Where oh where are the families? I get it but yuh know? Family dysfunction ruined these people. It actually has created these ruined folks.😢😢😢😢💙❤️💛💚
Care about yourself before anyone else will care and give a fuck
Brandon is the absolute man.
i love you tommy
Pause brodie 🫡
Your both the man❤ we need more channels like yours❤❤
@@unrealesedmuzik8250cornball
Wow so badass to see legends showing legends love!!
Im homeless in Seattle, however I am sober. Moved out here because of the wages. Hard to get on your feet unless you have great credit. I try to keep positive and keep my mind on getting an apartment.
You have all your credentials looking for work ?
@@BillionaireVbyz I do have all my credentials, and I am looking for work.
You are the problem. Move away from the city you asshole!
Leave the city, seriously hope on the ferry to Bainbridge island and go to helpline house. They will help you and although the island is expensive there are jobs.
@@kkaylacaldwelll Yeah, go to Bainbridge for work and all its affordable housing.
The Aaron guy at the end of the video legit brought me to tears, I hope more than anything him and every human soul in this video finds peace and prosperity on this world
I was a heroin addict and got clean 11 years ago. I've read this same statement in other comments, but what helped me get clean was making the decision that I didn't want to live with my life revolving around dope anymore and then I took the steps to get clean. Some of these homeless people are the most entitled people I've ever seen. "You need to come out here and find me and give me housing, how hard is that?" With an attitude like that, nothing will ever change.
same on every count. one day at a time
It is amazing how entitled some people are. My church housed some refugee families for a few months until they could get their paperwork processed. And some of them were the most entitled people I have ever met. Taking the Costco sized dish soap, just because?
Interestingly enough, those entitled families (while they got moved out of the Church first) are the ones who ended up long term in hotels with unstable conditions for their children. While those who were humble, patient, and understanding were the ones who found work (albeit under the table) and ended up in more permanent and stable, being placed in apartments.
OK, but what is so entitled about housing? How the fuck is he supposed to do it without housing?
8 years sober here.
An addict will continue to use till the pain of using becomes more then the pain of not.
real shit man that mindset won't get you anywhere. to get sober you gotta work for it and you gotta go get it yourself. success only comes after pain and struggle. 💯 1 year sober here and life gets better every day.
One of few accounts that does real raw journalism, please never change.
This ain’t nothing but exploitation
@@Fearismanmade2 How
@@Fearismanmade2 wait till you find out about the people that go around giving to the homeless with a camera in hand and becoming millionaires 😅
@@Exposingpreds yeah like Mr beast look what happened with him
@@wesjdr you know how yall just love seeing death dude just records people and does nothing to actually help anyone but himself
I worked at that exact Ross for 4 yrs through the pandemic as security. Standing at that exact podium watching all these things happen through the doors was a straight horror film. Had my share of close calls and as a Seattle native it hurts to see the decline. What's being shown isn't even half of what goes on down there but I'm glad something like this is being publicized because it opens a window for ppl to see that Seattle isn't as nice as they think it is.
I went to that Ross and the McDonald’s after my soccer practice with my friend cuz we were hungry we are only 15 but I had a few people staring at my Jordan’s😅😅
The same thing is happening here in Southern California the city I grew up in was really safe and the neighborhood has only 2 local homeless people everyone knew but now it’s full of drug addicts everywhere and it’s so bad and dirty and dangerous now
I didn't come into this expecting a lot. But I was incorrect. You simply asked what people's experiences were. No agenda pushed.
Well done @BrandonBuckingham. Delighted that this was such a raw and untainted view of the problems we're facing with the epidemic, and how prolific the homeless problem is directly related to the fentanyl crisis. Extremely eye opening and I hope more people see this.
We have a long way to climb back as a society, and this is the kind of journalism we need to have to create open conversations that help instead of push political agendas one side or the other.
I'm from Seattle raised all my life and the Blade is no joke some crazy shit goes down on 3rd and pike especially once the sun goes down . I finally moved away from Seattle when Fetty flooded the streets , also recovering heroin addict so glad I got a second chance at life and got clean and left my home city !!
Those folks you saw dancing and having a good time were the affluent Democrats who run the city. Their policies of course don't affect them - just the "little people" you saw homeless on the sidewalk.
Haven't seen a comment on how heartbreaking it is to see the young woman at the beginning of what looks like a downward spiral and hear she lost her daughter, I couldn't imagine the pain of losing a child especially as a mother, grief does crazy things and i hope she finds peace in her daughters passing and finds a new life her daughter could be proud of❤
Like genuinely had to pause,shit was tough to hear these are real people with problems that were never addressed and emotions they cant handles its sad
That hit home
Heartbreaking
Hopefully she gets past self- sabotage stage alive.
Just heartbreaking
im here to comment on this too. its so sad..
She might be bipolar and manic, it might not be just drugs
For those who havent experieced it, heroin/opiate withdrawal is the most discomfort you can imagine. Every cell hurts. Cold and hot simultaneously. Bones and muscles hurt. Nauseous. Insomnia. Sweating out toxins creating smells that create more nauses. Eyes pouring tears. Restless legs. Creepy crawly feelings on your skin. Its not like the flu, which you normally hear. There is no reprieve. There is no sleep, or getting comfortable in your bed. Its just suffering for a week. Methadone even longer. I have kicked 100 times in my life and cant believe i ever went back after experiencing it once. Addiction. Being dopesick is horrifying to an addict. Its always looming, just 8 hours away. Youre just using to keep it away. Just constantly buying 8 hours, giving you enoigh time to figure out where to get money for next 8 hour reprieve. Full time job.
Don't forget diarrhea at the same time you're puking, just exploding from both ends. As well as the mental anguish it puts you in, severe depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
@@BeanCasserole-wg7wuI remember being at a rehab, sitting on the toilet while holding a trash can, pouring out of both ends. I kept thinking this is what hell has to be.
Glad you wrote this...i thought of druggies trying to chase their next high, but it sounds like you're really trying to avoid discomfort and get back to baseline (normal level)
@@206Nish thats exactly it. When i was using i remember being dopesick and looking at normal people going about their lives and feeling jealous that they dont have to deal with this awful addiction. So freakin happy to be clean.
How much would you be using a day to get that sick without it? Thats horrific
This is probably one the realist most humbling videos I've watched this shit was real deal and really hit home for me...❤
i work downtown. it's honestly a gamble every time i go in or walk to the bus stop. it makes you not want to leave your house. but the bills won't pay themselves, so...
@thaegan That part. 💯.
That is why I moved. I didn't like playing Russian Roulette with my own life. Besides Seattle is ridiculous in living prices..... your struggle can easily be solved by moving 10-20 miles north or south ..... OUT of Seattle that is ....
@@zigzagkillah7666 why, thanks so much 🙄 but i don't live there, just work. my home neighborhood is wonderfully peaceful and boring lol
I worked in tukwilla at the south center and would have to walk nearly 15 mins from my apartment on capital hill to get to my bus 🥲 late asf at night. It was always a gamble. Got chased to my friends car at the goodwill on cap hill by a homeless guy and he yanked on our doors and hit the windows. So glad I moved out of there 😭 they should do pac hwy is federal way next
@@hunterjardine7148 dude that goodwill is scary asf. the mcdonald's on 3rd and pike is the only other place that gives me the willies that bad. at night everything is like a billion times worse 😭
20:28 This is the most articulated, clean, well dressed addict, that also shows the full effects of addiction on the body (likely highly highly increased due to having cancer) that I've ever seen. Was really cool to hear him talk about everything.
I worked two kitchen jobs with him a few years before the pandemic. He was extremely driven and loved cooking with a passion.
@@General_ONeill?
I know the guy in the white jersey. He was a family friend, but I hadn't seen him since I was a kid. My mom was good friends with his mom for a very long time. I heard that he ended up on drugs, but it was a trip to find him in this video. I hope he and everyone else on the streets can get the help they need.
Thank you so much for showing this and being respectful. I can’t lie I was scared when I clicked to watch it. But you did an incredible job. If you come back to Seattle, I would love if you’d highlight the effect of tech companies moving in contributed to the skyrocketing housing prices and gentrification in the central district and south end… all contributing factors to get Seattle where it’s at. I’ve worked at the public hospital in Seattle for 16 years, I’ve seen a lot. It’s absolutely heartbreaking what’s happened to my city ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m here in Seattle working in the trenches with this population… it’s not for the weak. I admired every single person you interviewed in this, I’m rooting for them all. Seattle used to be such a beautiful vibrant city, even just 15 years ago it was so different than it is now. Now it hurts my heart to drive around 💔
Invite some of them to live in your home.
I live in Auburn and I’m horrified of going to Seattle 😭
@@woodjunkjrjr2689 that’s a suicide mission dawg NO
@@Bkn1BttmDo11a I get scared going through Auburn😂
@@Bkn1BttmDo11a Like in every big city, there are areas to avoid. Other places are fine.
Thank you, Brandon. Please do a multi-part video on Seattle - Pioneer Square, 3rd and Pike, then Belltown [from 3rd and 2nd and the alleyways down to 1st Avenue, and all in between Bell St, Blanchard St, and up to Lenora St.], and then hit the ID. Adding the videos from a time long gone by was so powerful. Your reporting is so real and unedited. The way you speak to these suffering souls warms my heart. When will the city and county figure this sh_t out?
I was gonna say belltown!!
My life is amazing now that I'm sober. You gain absolutely nothing from doing drugs you only lose. I'm one year clean from fentanyl and cocaine. Best decision I've ever made!
This is the most dangerous time for you - if you go back now after this long your body won’t be able to handle a 1/10th of what it once did and will most likely OD - stay strong 💪
this was really eye opening. i’m struggling with substance use and i don’t want it to get to the point where i need something stronger to feel better. these people were were once young and had dreams and (as bad as it sounds) i don’t want to give that up for a life like this
Oh that momma, who lost her baby…. I understand, I wish those who want help could get better assistance.
If I didn’t have my second child, when I lost my child, I could easily be I her position. Honestly. It’s the hardest thing to go through, as a mom. My love to her.
Watching Brandon’s videos is like watching the human version of those videos where they lift the big ass rocks in the forest to find bugs. Bro is going out into the realest parts of the world we don’t usually get to see. Props to you bro.
Lmao that's a crazy but accurate analogy
bro is making poverty porn about shit that was sensationalized on other media platforms. give me a motherfucking break. "3rd and pike". lmfao
You call the USA world? Typical American.😂
Calling the USA world is wild. 😂
I live downtown and unfortunately, I see this every week going out. It’s not something we don’t get to see, but something we have the privilege to ignore.
As an addict in recovery that’s been homeless the thing that got me clean was my decision to not want to live like that anymore. Obviously I had plenty of resources but if I didn’t/dont do the work all resources in the world wouldn’t have gotten me sober. No one is gonna come save you, you have to save yourself. #WeDoRecover
EAST UNION
Well said. Your right, No one will come save you but if you decide your ready those who’ve been there before you will show you the way.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired brother, glad you made it out.
There will never be real help for these people because of the amount that doesn’t actually want to do anything but get a free ride. It’s sad. They do need help but so many will just take advantage.
🙏🙏🙏🫡
My mom was a drug user and dealer that walked all through downtown Seattle selling her drugs for years back from the early 80s onto the late nineties and it NEVER looked like that!!
thank you for not being like a certain other RUclipsr who sensationalizes homeless people for views. I appreciate you giving them the opportunity to speak about their experiences with no judgment, leading questions, and rage bait editing. just sitting down and talking with them, giving them a piece of humanity.
Are u talking about Tyler Olivera ?
@@Taylor-tc1bu- I’m betting my money that he is.
They don’t need humanity. They are homeless by choice. The problem roots from the government and support system they are given. You can get lakefront property in Seattle as a homeless person. Citizens who actually follow the law are the ones who are punished. It’s pathetic.
@@mayeramschelrothschild3126 did we watch the same video or are you just fucking stupid?
Danny Mullen @@Taylor-tc1bu
I lived in Seattle during the early to mid-2000s, and it was STUNNING! It was beautiful, clean, and had a vibrant nightlife. I left in 2008 and didn't return until 2022 for vacation. The streets were filthy, needles littering even the nicest areas of Downtown. Human feces on the sidewalk were the norm. Bashed in business windows, sketchy people fucking with people just minding their own business. Just horrible. I don't know the answer, but being soft on crime sure hasn't helped. No/minimal consequences = no fear of breaking the law. It's absolutely heartbreaking that the Emerald City has turned into this.
Yeah I left in 2005 came back from time to time and the last 15 years it's been terrible!
Liberal policies....
Bullshit.
WEALTH HORDING.
Agree but just handing out $$ so they can live in drug filled apartments aint gonna happen-why would it. @@Synrgiii
i went to high school in downtown seattle and took city buses every day to and from school and ALWAYS avoided transferring buses at 3rd and pike because of this, but in just a few years this has turned WAY worse than i ever remember. it was never safe when i was in the four years i was in high school, but in the four years since i’ve graduated it has truly turned into something far worse. thank you so much for this video-it was very refreshing to have such raw coverage about my hometowns current issues
O'Dea??
@@michaeljames4630 the center school! so kinda the opposite lmao but i love o’dea
@@estonchase Harrison St. LFG!
“Where do you want to be in 3 years?”
“Not dead.”
Thanks for showing us what’s really happening on Pike and 3rd.
We are all humans.
The saddest part is some of those people who aren't already too far gone are actually intelligent and could go places 😢
they chose their path
they chose their path
Seattle and most of the I-5 corridor is "woke" and Democrat. Its the Dems policies that have made this mess over the last 30 years. Seattle and Washington will vote "Woke" again, and these people and our state will continue to suffer.... wake up people....
No chance
They could absolutely turn it around they just have to want it
Got respect for the dude that admitted a lot of these people want to be homeless. Some will blame the gov, but the gov cant do anything for the tons of people out there that literally don't want help to begin with. Its very easy to blame your problems on someone else so to see at least someone out there take responsibility for their actions is refreshing. The first step for a lot of these people is realizing they have a problem that needs addressing in the first place.
You can 100% blame the government, tf are you on about? We're in late capitalism where these people don't realise there are much better conditions and systems to live in.
@@ToTheGrave20no you can blame the person that’s homeless. Some are homeless due to unforseen circumstances but most are homeless because they chose drugs over having a life. I had a taste of it being a loser that played the game all day smoking weed at my moms house. It’s way easier to get high all day and not do shit than it is to man up and work for what you want. Now I work at least 40hrs a week and still smoke hella weed. Most of it is by choice stop blaming the world for these folks choices
@@ToTheGrave20Congratulations. This is the dumbest thing I’ve read all day.
@@ToTheGrave20 It's the capitalism!
@@michaelcunningham6457 Yeah he's right those empty houses aren't gonna be used by their owners unless they can make a buck, instead of take a financial hit corporations like BlackRock buy up homes in mass numbers leave them empty then artificially jack up prices so the few they do sell make them a lot.
Thank you for your unbiased coverage. You do what no one else really does.
i really appreciate that
I go to SeattleU, 3rd and Pike, it's sad to see how many people are struggling, it's just important to remember that at the end of the day, those struggling are still human.
The guy at the end, Aaron Gilmore is my homie. Man thats really sad to see. I hadnt heard from him in about 9months. Last time i talked to him he was living in his truck, looks like things have gotten worse. This is the 2nd time ive seen a friend from a youtuber interviewing ppl in seattle. I live an hr north. Aaron, if you see this youre loved and youre worth it. Everyone is worth it, doesnt matter if its your 35th chance, never give up. I pray for everyone in this video. I myself have 5yrs free from herion. I feel beyond blessed and grateful to have just barely gotten out before fent hit HARD here in snohomish/king county.
Lots of lost souls in this video, i hope they can find the way to a healthy life ❤
god bless you
@@sleepy6912 thank you ❤️ god bless you too.
I’m really praying your message reaches Aaron, I was genuinely fighting tears hearing about his struggle with cancer leading him to using. I work with cancer patients and it’s a hard battle for anyone at any place in life. I truly hope he’s able to find some strength to get back on track in life and that people like you that have known him will be there to cheer him on
Is Aaron Gilmore from Kitsap? If so, I knew him too.
@@christahewitt2758 yes im pretty sure he is!
I live about 2 hours away from Seattle, but I’m there every week to either spend time with my girlfriend or there doing deliveries for my cannabis farm job. I spend a lot of time talking with strangers in the area since I’m a pretty social person and I’m fascinated with getting to know peoples stories. A lot of the people we see out on the street in Seattle are genuinely good people who are self aware of the situation and it’s so depressing to see them continue this lifestyle when all they need is a good support group. Thank you for bringing more eyes to this. I hope those who are truly kind hearted on the streets can get the help they need before it’s too late.
False
I need some cannabis
False and a lie. This was already exposed on Komo news 6 years ago that the majority of seattles homeless population has a criminal record, and often a long one.
sometimes I curse my life but seeing things like this puts things in perspective.
I work on 4th and Seneca where all the homeless and drug addicts trickle down to. It’s absolutely insane.
As a now clean opioid addict for 20+ years, IT IS possible to get clean. Withdrawals are the WORST tho!!
Good job on that I had to do the same myself a few years back but these people aren’t on the opioids we grew up with its a whole different beast
Fr. Congrats on that dub tho dude that's fucking awesome.
@@CPAgamer313 congrats, I hear you it's different with the fentanyl, I've been clean for 2 years too after 7 years on Suboxone, I weened myself off that. You have to be ready to get clean. You know how tough the withdrawals are, that's the hardest in my opinion.
@@zhuyu9268 thx a lot!!!
The opioids of today are not the opioids of 20 years ago. Congrats, tho. I'm proud of you, fasho, cause it ain't easy either way.
Im from Seattle was on fetty 5-6 year homeless and locked up for 7 shits not worth it the only thing that worked for me was making the choice that I couldn't have a good life like this and getting up off my ass and making shit happen. so people say it isnt a choice but at the same time it is a choice to consciously put yourself through the withdrawals and deal with all the pain you've caused yourself and others and get through the withdrawals and start grinding your way back to where you wanna be in life sober for 3 years n im only 24 but I made it happen. I dont wish fentanyl or opiate addiction/ withdrawals on no-one but at the same time you reap what you sow and I think that those withdrawals you go through when trying to quit is just a way of punishing you for all the pain and damage that you've put yourself and all the people around you through
i was homeless and on meth and heroin. I got clean on my own, signed up for govt housing, got a job, bought a car, now im in college to become a Molecular Biologist, PhD.
you CAN do it, you just have to REALLY want it.
That's awesome! It's crazy how much talent is being wasted on the streets.
Holy shit man. Best case scenario.
Keep it up!
Congrats, but you’re leaving out some details…
@@zevkej😂they always do and who knows if he’s even telling the truth!
I was stationed at McChord in the 90s and loved it there. The people, the food, short drive to Seattle. It was great. I moved a Yacht from Seattle to San Francisco last year.. both cities are lost
It's sad to see how much worse it got with the drug epidemic in Seattle. I remember it just like yesterday being homeless at the age of 15 and hanging out at Pioneer Square almost 20 years ago looking for my next lick and hit. I can't honestly say I have been experiencing a successful life at the moment, but I have been clean for almost 11 years now off the hard stuff with a roof over my head. I made horrible decisions with getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, did jail and prison time, destroyed relationships with family and friends, and lost everything from being addicted to heroin in Seattle. We can't truly rely on our government, authorities, and politics to tackle the drug and homeless epidemic. People need to share more respect, love, and patience with each other in our communities to outlet a better awareness to work with people in need rather than tackling them for their own regrets and issues. These people coexist with these issues and feelings and it turns into a cycle of pain, regrets, and bad decisions. No one will save you, you are the only one who can save yourself and get clean and I know you can do it! Thanks for sharing light on our community!
HOW TO AFFORD RENT???
I escaped Seattle 18 months ago. I was always a very functional heroin addict. Held jobs, maintained relationships. When the drug supply switched to all fentynal everything changed. My life became unmanageable. People I knew started dropping like flies on a daily basis, people who had safely maintained heroin habits for decades. The fent messes with your mind in a way heroin just doesn’t. All the Fent in Seattle is also cut with Xylazine, that literally causes you to rot from the inside out. I never shot up in my legs and never got an abscess shooting in my arms in a decade of heroin use. 6 months of fent use and I had huge open weeping abscess ON MY LEGS, non injection site wounds, that refused to heal. My feet would randomly swell up to three times their normal size with infection. 18 months back home and free of the demon and impending death that is opiate addiction. I do have every intention of moving back to Washington state one day, it’s beautiful, the people are great, the weathers great. I’ll just be moving to a smaller city like Bellingham and staying clean.
Thats very sad to hear, but the fact of you saying "I have every intent of moving back to Washington" kind of shows youre going to fall back into that life again one day, cause you're a "functioning addict" and you won't see yourself slipping, and you know right where to go again... Best of luck to you though friend
Stay away from everett my guy was raised there and just about all my friends went down the oxy path. I love Washington as well but don't think I can ever go back. Good luck to my friend
Bellingham isn’t smaller man. Unless you still want to be in a big city. It’s just expensive as hell. But we will welcome you back with open arms. Congrats on staying sober!
Good luck with that shit lol. Bellingham is just as chock full of drugs as Seattle.
why not just grow poppy flowers? not illegal. don't have to get fentanyl
I like your longer videos. Please keep making these. You are basically a raw journalist giving a voice to those without one. Safe travels Brandon.
I work downtown and walk through this horrific situation everyday. It’s worse in person.
Keep your head up Brandon, I'm sure you're brother would be proud. Praying for papa too.
COVID turned that area into a fucking mess. I say this as someone who has been living in Seattle for the past decade and watched the decline happen in real time. It was depressing.
The Socialist agenda did this, Covid was just an excuse.
Policy turned that area into a fucking mess, not covid.
This place was a fucking mess loooong before Covid ever hit.
@@General_ONeill a lot of different factors, but the main reasons would be the lockdowns (which caused a mass Exodus of people who worked from home which in turn caused a lot of businesses to close) and the already rampant homeless population basically given free reign on areas of the city the did not have before the pandemic. It's getting better, but it's still pretty fucked. I remember when I first moved to Lower Queen Anne and it had your normal amount of riffraff but nothing too too crazy. But during the pandemic we had full blown tent cities erected on Mercer St. Like, a 10 minute walk from the cultural center. I couldn't believe it. They got that cleared out at the beginning of summer, but it was wild to see that shit happen! Two weeks ago I saw a tent go up in front of the parking lot next to the Metro Market (bougie grocery store, if you're not already familiar with it) and I said to my wife "here we go again". I was pleasantly surprised to see it had been taken care of before we got back from running errands though.
Anyway, like I said, a lot of different factors but those two are the biggest for Seattle in my eyes. Fortunately things have been getting better, so that's good! Kind of turning back into the city I fell in love with over a decade ago.
During covid there were a lot of George Floyd riots, and the war between rioters and police ended up leaving a lot of downtown an abandoned wasteland, especially on third where most of the businesses were. There was a rapid increase in violence and drugs when the police abandoned the whole area. Businesses boarded up and left. Everyone tries to avoid the area. Those riots were about anarchy and getting rid of the police, and that's exactly what happened. So it wasn't *due* to covid. But it happened during the beginning of covid, and covid continued to be an excuse to let everyone there rot. I left in 2021, but I honestly doubt anything has improved. Third was always a problem, but covid marked a catalyst basically.
I work in a involuntary psych ward about 30-40 minutes from Seattle, and sadly I see so many people come through our doors that lived this life in all these same places. All have similar stories and lived life experiences, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. I have a lot of respect for those who come out on the other side clean, and a lot of love for those who are still stuck in the thick of it. The epidemic of drugs and mental health in Seattle is so, so horrific. The system constantly seems to be failing. Even in the involuntary ward, I've watched people walk out and go right back to this because even when we let them out and try to find housing, sometimes the housing still fails, and they end up right back where they started. Either that, or they end up right back in the ward. Something needs to be done, because there is only so much I or other healthcare workers can do.
Fairfax? I know a few people who went there.
Hare Krishna 24/7
@BurnerJones Nah, there's a different facility in Mukilteo that I work at occasionally. However, a lot of the patients that come in are often frequent fliers and have been at Fairfax too-- Ive thought about picking up shifts there
I moved from Washington to Oklahoma about 13 years ago and it breaks my heart to see this. I'd give everything to move back but it seems its definitely gotten worse 💔
I remember being in highschool around 2010,2011 and downtown wasn’t like this. It was nice and clean still. In the span of 10 years it completely changed. It just ruined my hometown for me. I remember walking down as a kid with my mom downtown to grab some pizza etc around 3rd and pike. Now it just ruins your experience.. sometimes just because you see the despair of some of these people, and then you have an apple building, Google building etc within a mile radius. Downtown Seattle feels dystopian to me now..
@@kingof206 parts of the city were clean not all
I have lived in Seattle for 18 years and used to work at the Walgreens on 3rd and Pike for four years. I now work a block away. That area is so weirdly magnetic. Even for someone like myself who isn't struggling with addiction or homelessness I have always felt drawn to that area.
I now work with the multitude of housing programs that aim to help the homeless population. My focus is facilities maintenance and sanitation. So much of this is extremely eye opening and reminds me that the people in 3rd and Pike are still humans and should be treated as such. We need to practice more compassion, understanding and patience.
It also doesn't help that this is such an important thoroughfare. You've got the monorail and Westlake Park a block away. That's the best way to transit between the Space Needle and downtown. You have the light rail which has two stops (University and Westlake) within blocks of this area. You then have Pike Place Market two blocks away. This is a major tourism thoroughfare and there is a huge cry for help and just wanting to be noticed.
Thank you for making space in your heart and mind to ask questions and listen.
You're good people.
Props to you guys for taking your lives in your hands to do REAL investigative journalism. You are showing the way it is on the other side of life. Where no one wants to look. You are holding up a mirror to this place to show the people who live here what is *really* going on here. Awesome job people.
The lack of concern that the Seattle city council has been appalling. They started with what they called a "social experiment" when they pulled the cops back and cut down reasons to arrest criminals and said they were going to focus on the crime of abusers; violence, high-volume dealing and such, not now they won't even cuff someone if they're caught with up to 3 gms of fentanyl and they don't bother with most of the violence either.
They *haven't* defunded the police, they can't get anyone to apply for a police *job.* No one wants to work here. They can't pay people enough to take a job on the force. The roll is down because no one wants to die on these streets.
I've lived here since 1986 and was a psych and detox nurse until I was disabled. But I can tell you that city planners and tax payers don't want to help these poor people. They don't want to pay for treatment, not for drug treatment OR psychiatric treatment. They only want to put them behind bars and leave them there. It's sickening to see how oblivious people are when they go about their lives without a second thought for someone they just stepped over in the gutter. They won't even look down at them. Hypocrites! They do their prescription drugs and drink too much and beat their kids and wives and pretend to be better then these poor people who have nothing. But they have warm beds with a lock on the door and food in the fridge.
You have done a brilliant job of showing what these cities go through when the lights go down and moon comes out.
Crazy and sad. Growing up most of the homeless were older and physically disabled. Tragic to see so many able-bodied people lost to drugs.
I was just there last Sunday walking around with my wife. We dropped one of our kids off at the convention center and decided to walk around downtown. This is a great documentary and it covers some issues not everyone wants to acknowledge or know about. Thanks for the time and effort put into this project!
What was your impression of the place overall?
"On the bright side, I'm totally immune to flashbang grenades"
- Helen Keller
Words of a fent addict
@@matthewjohnson4328 x
😭
😂😂😂😂😂
I was just in Seattle a month ago, it was lovely.
Every city in America is pumped with dope right now. You can find a third n Pike in every city.
exactly seattle aint bad during the day compared to portland shit even tacoma is worse then seattle😂
You can only find one Kensington though
Exactly
Not even close to true. All democratic ran cities have one. I’ve yet to see a republican ran city look like this. I lived in Seattle for 5 years. Most disgusting, ran down city I’ve come across. I’ve been to third world countries with cleaner cities.
@@devinwatkins7129 Portland is soft buddy don't ever compare tacoma to a weak ahh portland
I work in downtown seattle and this is all so true😭
As some one who is very picky with certain personalities, ive always known or atleast strongly thought, Brandon is a big hearted genuine guy who makes amazing, informative content.
You personally go to these places and hear the real stories from real people experiencing whatever it is you are trying to show to your audience.
When it comes to journalism i dont understand how anyone could say you dont do the work.
if anyone has any suggestions on organizations i can promote or ways i can help i am all ears man this shit hurts my soul
@@BrandonBuckingham Maybe do something similar to Josh Liljenquist. Get in with the people and listen and raise money to help people. Go into all these hoods and instead of just reporting on the beefs, help the people, give away school supplies, give away turkeys something man there is so much you can do positive with all these eyes on you. You are a good person and it's obvious you care about people.
Hope you are doing okay @BrandonBuckingham
My family owns the Vegan Deli on 12th and Jackson. We have been trying to support the community by giving out free meals and anything we can every Sunday. There are those who help and there are those who don’t like what we’re doing. A lot of customers don’t come to our deli anymore because they don’t feel safe about the area. Being in the area often, I don’t feel unsafe-don’t interact and you won’t really be bothered. But I understand the sentiment.
Helping your community matters. We will continue trying to support for as long as we can.
lots of love to you and your family. excited to make a visit asap!
Your family's restaurant is one of my favorites! The other establishments in the same complex are fantastic too. It's really upsetting to see the state of that intersection-- the businesses there deserve so much better. I will continue to support all the restaurants in that area and I really hope things start to improve, best wishes to you and your family.
I use to frequent the tofu deli weekly when it first opened! I loved it so much but I moved away from the area a long time ago.
1000% agree, I hate the sentiment from people that Seattle is unsafe just because they see a homeless person, or a group of homeless people, or god forbid an ENCAMPMENT of homeless people. They are actually just people.
There are also those dangerous people out there taking advantage of the homeless, stealing, fencing, all of that, but that is not what the homeless population does. Maybe there are some people that are homeless that are also doing those things, but that doesn't mean all or most of them are.
Sounds like you'll be out of business soon, sadly
I've met the black woman with the head wrap in 2016!! i was going to the art institute in downtown seattle. one day a friend and i went to the big target downtown and she came up to me asking if i could give her a few bucks for sanitary items and i had no problem with that! i was only going to give her a $5, but she noticed a $20 in my wallet. she was NOT disrespectful by any means. but she looked at me with desperate eyes, and at 18 having never been in the city alone.. i gave in and gave her the $20!! and she thanked me so much and gave me a huge hug which- i won't lie- GROSSED ME TF out and i was so uncomfortable!! but i got over it and even though i worried about her just spending it on drugs, the interaction was something that stuck with me to this day. its so wild to see her face on youtube 8 years later! she may not have gotten better but she's still here and that makes me so happy!!
She looks like a mess, but was surprisingly well spoken. You can tell she had so much potential if it wasn’t for the drugs and tragedies of her life.
You have a heart, that’s unique now days. Don’t feel bad, I work with people like her and I don’t let them hug me but I’m out there supporting them every day.
I've seen her on the streets for years. Talked to her, I belive she does use but she works for some outreach group. She's always in the area
wow what a great story God Bless
She played you. Doesn't care about you and thinks you are trash she can use.
Randomly stumbled on this vid. Honestly don't know your other work or background, nor am I from the US. But I like your style. Thank your for letting people speak without judgement, a feat. much to rare these days. Hang on to it. Makes for some unique vies into another world.
I'm from Washington but not from Seattle. I was walking around Seattle one night after a few drinks and came across a hotel that had some sort of wedding celebration going on inside on the first floor. Inside you could see all these people in their suits and dresses dancing and having the time of their life, when just outside the window not even 10 feet away from some of the people inside was a man on the ground passed out on the sidewalk with track marks all up and down his arms who looked dead. Not sure how people can be so comfortable with how terrible their city has become. America is the wealthiest, most powerful country on Earth. We've got billions to stupid fucking wars but can't take care of our own people or clean up our own streets. What the fuck man. Thanks for covering this Brandon. Good video as always
It's done on purpose it's a fallen, evil world and the ONLY one who can save you and I is the LORD KING YESHUA 💯 💜☝️🙏
The liberals like the chaos and elite/peasant dynamic
Facts!
The people inside dancing have made better choices.
@@fwagner9 Maybe so but it's important not to lose our humanity in the process
I take the bus through third and pike everyday to get to work. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Thank you for touching on this Brandon. no one outside of the state ever really talks about it and our local government does nothing but fund the problem
i would love to promote a viable solution i just dont know what to do man this shit makes me so sad
@@BrandonBuckingham The only solution is for taxpayers to stop paying their taxes in droves or start voting differently and not "blue no matter who".
@@BrandonBuckingham deport all fent dealers and force jail/rehab for at least a month, but no criminal charges on the people suffering from addiction. it would be rough but it would work.
@@BrandonBuckingham I grew up out there and still have family there. It's truly is so sad. I really wish there was just some press button solution for all this but its so complicated.
@@RNG-999 Truly the only peaceful solution, the taxes thing, you're incredibly naive if you think your votes matter and that the elections arent rigged.
This was a lot better than I expected, a lot of these kinds of videos are very exploitative. I don't think you necessarily needed to give so much time to the opinion that "people who want housing would get it" etc because the layers of trauma, lack of education, etc go deeeeep and it really doesn't come to down to what someone "wants" but, I get it, they said it and you used it. I just hope it inspires people to help and not to dismiss the issue.
So much misery and very little hope, I am stunned by the magnitude of this suffering.
I moved here in 1991. The people in Seattle were proud of their downtown at that time. It was a vibrant place that I felt comfortable taking my kids to enjoy a movie, do some shopping or eat out. I haven't been downtown in over 5 years. The people running the city decided to allow a violent sub-culture to thrive there. It's grown to the point where many established businesses have closed their doors.
I'm a retired addiction counselor and can say that there are successful models in other cities where they give registered addicts drugs and a safe place to use them, but they also give severe consequences for anyone breaking the law while under the influence or in order to obtain drugs. In the US, we have tried a half-assed approach that fails every time. We stopped prosecuting people for using, but didn't provide them with drugs or a safe space to use. So, they still needed to have drug dealers, they needed to steal to get money and they use in the open. This will endanger everyone, including the addicts themselves.
The answer is not in stopping drugs at the border. We can make them right here. The answer is in helping people deal with addiction is a positive way. GIVE them drugs and clean needles and a safe place to use. Also give them help as soon as they ask for it. Stop making them wait weeks for an appointment. Drug addicts have problems with compulsion, they don't wait well. Support a livable wage for addiction counselors and stop insisting that they be mental health care professionals. Those are different fields. Provide sober housing for those who commit to sobriety and housing for those who aren't there yet. Support anti loitering and no camping on public spaces laws. Understand that there is no overnight solution and not everyone becomes sober. Most of all, have compassion for people with this disorder.
Lived in seattle 12 years and 3rd and pike been wild af. The whole downtown fell off. Pioneer square, pike place, Chinatown, little saigon. All used to be my favorite places. I live 10 minutes from it all and haven’t been to these areas in years.
Great video - thanks for interviewing the folks who are experts on the situation.
My company was hired as armed contractor security firm and McDonald’s hired us to clean the lobby of McDonald’s there on 3rd and pike. It was a shit show. We kicked out the key dealers and also the users that used the bathrooms to shoot up. First week I worked there I told everyone that they had 5 min inside the bathroom and you had to leave their backpacks outside the restroom. Had a 23 yr old guy that went into the bathroom and for so reason I had a altercation out in the lobby,. I then realized the guy had been inside the stall for close to a half an hour. I looked over the stall and found him overdosed and dead. And for what?? This fentanyl shit had killed so many people. But the cops hands are tied and can’t make arrests. I have so many stories I could tell you about that place, it’s sickening!.
Currently at the Police Academy through SPD. And I swear videos like this make me so motivated. Its so sad to see. Makes me want to help this city and I am not even from here!
The mayor won’t let you help.
Police are the problem not solution
Let that shit go.
You'll lose that honorable optimism so fast you'll either quit or become as jaded and corrupt as every other cop out there. Half of the reason it got so bad is because the city chose to abandon it. George Floyd riots made sure that police weren't allowed to interfere during early covid. And then afterwards, they kept that up. If you want to help people, become a social worker. You won't be a hero being a badge.
In 2004 I used to walk that route EVERYDAY with my girls from Beauty School. We always felt safe and would hit up Pike Place Market for flowers and produce. This is an entirely different world 20 years later, and now I feel really old 😅
I worked 3 blocks NW of 3rd & Pike until 2016. It was a nothing like it is today. Most of Seattle is still beautiful however the bad parts are worse than ever. Never thought I’d see this happen. It’s heartbreaking. Shit needs to change.