Community Crisis In Saint John - Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Homelessness
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- Опубликовано: 16 май 2024
- In this video I investigate for myself what is happening on Waterloo Street in Saint John. I have been watching the work of Derrick May aka The Soapbox Preacher and was interested to hear more.
You can find Derrick on Facebook: profile.php?...
I filmed these interviews on the first and second days of May - the first being my birthday. It was my birthday wish to go out on the street with my camera and do what I love to do most - talk to people and hear their stories. I underestimated the toll it would have on me emotionally. My heart hurts for anyone who has fallen into the helpless cycle of homelessness/substance abuse/mental health. Once there - it's very difficult to emerge.
If you want to save the world - save yourself first. The best version of you (the compassionate, loving, patient, joy-rich version) - is a light for others.
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"If you want to save the world - save yourself first". The best version of you (the compassionate, loving, patient, joy-rich version) - is a light for others.
Jordan, what I love most about your videos is your curious mind and how comfortable you make people feel as they share their stories. These are complex issues; however, there are solutions. They are well known and have been spoken many times. Do we have the will as a society, maybe even the grit, to provide the essential support so desperately needed? Keep up the fantastic storytelling. Any measure of community success that ignores the reality that our fellow citizens face so many barriers and suffer without their most basic needs being met is a failure to accept those facts in front of our eyes.
You should reach out to Dr. Eric Weissman from UNBSJ to do an interview. Guy is a Saint, was homless for many years, and I'd love to see his perspectives shared more with the city
Would love to interview him.
You know, the faces change but the issues remain. I have been clean since 2012. I spent many years on the streets of Saint John using and selling myself for money. Back then, it wasn't as bad as it is now. It was crack and Dilaudid that were the problems.
I understand both sides of the issue. It took many tries but eventually sobriety stuck. I wasted years in and out of the county jail. Would get clean and then go back out and use again.
It's a viscous cycle. From my experience, I was just tired. I ended up on the county jail for the last time and after sleeping for 2 days, I felt exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally. I sat in my cell and wrote out a treatment plan for myself. I had to go back to court for sentencing and I think they could see a change in me. They actually gave me a chance to help myself. I'll forever be grateful.
Powerful video. You are wonderfully talented - Saint John is lucky to have you. You are a light in this world!
That was an incredible video. Thanks for bringing genuine voices and faces to this crisis.
Hey it’s super cool how Derrick can help these strangers but won’t help his own child because he can’t accept certain things about me. He’s refusing to aid in my recovery and can put on a front for the news, but will not allow me to live with him unless I sacrifice myself and stay a woman to make him comfortable. He’s not about recovery, he’s about putting on a front.
Well said! He puts on a great show.
What a massive hypocrite and phony attention-seeker. To talk about homelessness and not even mention that your own kid is homeless! LOL. Of all people to become a 'social justice activist'. This MAGA guy who abuses gay kids and screams the n-word and, quote, "Ain't above hitting women" - is 'working' with vulnerable people?! Yikes.
Imagine promoting yourself as a homeless activist and never mentioning that your own child is homeless. What a hypocrite.
What do you mean by 'stay a woman'?
Thank you for this captivating video Jordan and for shedding light on what so many of our friends, neighbours and family members are struggling with.
Thanks for bringing these peoples' truths + perspectives into reality for us, Jordan. I'm going to share this with my network and I hope this brings a lot of awareness and action to these issues!
It’s so well done. I have such a better understanding of what’s happening over there, a place I easily never see in my own day to day life. Thanks for bringing this info into the light for all to see. I especially loved your closing notes ♥️
Excellent video. Thanks for creating it. Important issue.
Amazing work that you do derrrick!
He doesn't work. He's on disability as too mentally ill to work. But he's 'working' with the mentally ill? Make it make sense! 😆
We would love to team together with you when you’re aiding these people . We advocate for Mental Health. Keep up the good work.
Excellent documentary explaining this rapidly increasing crisis.
Love your videos.
There is no easy answer, this reminds me of Grant Avenue in Hamilton late 70's to early 80's, Drug abuse is common in the Construction trades, at least in Ontario, lost many friends and acquaintences to Fentynal, opiods but alcohol is the worst. Either from chronic use or acute events. Saving yourself is the first and biggest step, thanks for such a thought provoking video, sobering to say the least. Peace.
Sadly new brunswick is very very quickly becoming ontario.drug users will soon far out number the clean.
All of the reasons we moved here are no longer the case after only 3 years.
Derrick was in the military, but he never served a tour or deployment. And he didn't retire. He claims to be mentally ill for disability benefits. Since he never served anywhere, he made up the most ridiculous story about being traumatized by a drunken barracks party when he was 19 and passed out with his pants down and the others mocked him. He said that traumatized him for life and he's too sick to work. Stealing from taxpayers and legitimate war veterans. This is a form of stolen valour, if you ask me, taking from real veterans. It's shameful. He should get a job if he wants to 'do work'. He certainly shouldn't be allowed around vulnerable people!
I teach my daughters that a homeless person is no different than any other people, they've seen better days in the past, and with little help from us, they will restore their lives back.
Hi Derrick.
I just found this channel.
DEFINITELY will be diving into your work.
There are too many shitheads in this world.
The divide is REAL AF
I am a senior now.. Was homeless for almost 3 years over 50 years ago. Lucky for me the Military accepted me when I was 18 *Saved my life.
I was born in St. John .. spent a LOT of time in the Waterloo area .. King Square ..
This makes me want to move back home to help. How can I Help?? :(
so so sad for so many souls
I’m originally from Saint John. I left in 1983 before it turned 18 went to Toronto frying pan into the fire spent 20 years there and now I live east of Toronto for 21 years, I’m grateful to say I’m a recovering addict. I had a relapsed two years ago that almost killed me. My mental health had already gone downhill really bad so my mental illnesses really crept up on me and I rely on narcotics anonymous and professional help to help me stay clean a day at a time. Streets have no heart the only thing that changes of the faces the game is still the same. It’s a dark cold and it’s eat or be eaten. They’ll eat you up and spit you out. I’m never going back one day at a time and thanks to my beautiful adopted rescue dog.. believe me if I can get clean again and be doing so well anyone can. ❤️🙏
Here’s what I’m thinking. In Ontario, there’s an 18 year waiting list for group homes. Many desperate families have gotten together and purchased a home for their children. Now the govt. runs the home and the families can rest assured that their loved one will always have a home. As well, my daughter worked at a privately run home for people unable to live on their own. The owner of the home gets paid through the residence’s social assistsnce, they run all kinds of programs and help people manage their affairs. Perhaps if the good people of Newfoundland purchased a property, I wonder if the govt. would step in and provide staff? Or perhaps talk to community college social service workers and see if they could volunteer their time? I’m hopeful this idea will perhaps open doors to alternatives. Thank you so much for shining a light on this desperate situation. God bless
Substance abuse is a cancer to our society. More resources are needed to support the victims to detox and rehab/counciling then housing and jobs.
So sad! This is a worldwide problem indeed and yes we all need to help out our homeless brothers and sisters no matter where they are! ❤
i grew up in the village and it always had an open drug and prostitution market, I even read about a women whos escaped a religious laundry orphanage on Waterloo in the 50,s who entered into the neighborhood prostitution ring There just wasn't the amount of people as there is now so most people could ignore it because there weren't tent city's. Losing loan water farm was a big effect, it was a beautiful sober living farm outside the city.
Doktor G'Hul has been trying to find sources like this. Walking around north end , I see discaarded needles and other crap, but I never seen the people. This is the source of the people's story...and that's what I want to understand. New subscriber.
Even if you don't put people in the psyche ward or leave them on the street...wouldn't it be nice if there was a third option...something like community housing,a place to call home with access to gardening and dinner parties ...craftanoons,
a place for yr pet.....with transport to town for day outs....drug,alcohol and meat free is a good security policy...plus bonus if it can be self governed...ie...talking stick circles once a week...avoid a power over situation...autonomy...individuation
Everyone acting like this is a new thing when most of us been dealing with it over ten years. Pretty sad.
Seriously yo nothing new here. It's gotten more crazy however these are things that have should've gotten more attention over a decade ago.
Its alwas been like this here!!!!!!!!
It's the same situation in Moncton. Sad.
Worldwide issues 🙏🏾
Good documentary.
The reason its so hard to help and provide help is a couple reason's. This homelessness and drug addiction hasnt just popped up, its been around in saint john my entire life and im 43. Moncton has has a major homelessness issue for the last 8 years because every city in New Brunswick sent their homeless to moncton. The biggest issue with the homeless and drug users is they likely all had many many opportunities offered to them. They need to learn to help themselves. I did. I struggled with addiction for 2o years. But just saying you would do this or that if someone would help me. but do realize they can do just the same as anyone helping them. Its actions needed not words..
It's sad what goes on in the world it's really getting bad in all our little towns and city's in canada and usa
Derrick doesn't even live on Waterloo St. He owns a house on the peninsula.
Is that really relevant my friend? Is that what upset you most after watching this video?
@@atribecalledowens I'm most upset that this guy steals valour (and funds) from war veterans by pretending to be too mentally ill to work.
"@soapboxcreature • 4 hours ago
@atribecalledowens I'm most upset that this guy steals valour (and funds) from war veterans by pretending to be too mentally ill to work."
Did you create a burner account and accidentally reply from it? It appears this account was created a few hours ago.
I wonder why? I spoke at the end of the video about being a light in a dark world OR being a person who contributes to society in a negative way. Which of these two paths do you believe you're speaking from? Even if what you claim is true - what do you expect to gain from your words? Is it helping people in need - or simply building yourself up by putting others down? Would you and everyone else be served better by not speaking at all?
@@atribecalledowens I'm not ronblizzard. I replied to him because it seems like the Preacher hasn't fooled him either. It is true, yes. If you'd like, I can share receipts. I am shining a light of truth on the Preacher's malevolent darkness. What am I gaining? Nothing. In fact, I am putting myself in danger by speaking out, but it's the right thing to do. It's wrong to pretend to be mentally disabled to mooch off taxpayers and steal from deserving veterans. Although, it is pretty crazy to be on disability benefits as 'too mentally ill to work', but at the same time advertising your 'work' with the mentally ill! Such irony, the mind boggles! If the Preacher wants to be some sort of celebrity and is out there promoting himself, as a wannabe public figure, he exposes himself to criticism. You seem like a nice person - you really shouldn't affiliate yourself with this narcissist.
@@atribecalledowens Strange, I replied to you earlier and it disappeared. I'm not ronblizzard. I replied to him because he seems to be aware of the Preacher's true nature. I am shining a light of truth on the Preacher's darkness. It is true, yes - if you'd like, I can share receipts. It is wrong to pretend to be too mentally ill to work, in order to take from taxpayers and war veterans. It is wild to claim to be too mentally ill to work, but then advertise your 'work' with the mentally ill.
Lone Water Farm got shut down? wow that was a horible decision
Moncton is getting bad, I see it daily on my bus routes.
Did you ask these people for their consent?
Which people?
yes, check out 8:55.
even if he didn’t who cares? karen🤡
@@iminyourcity4001 real shit lol 90% of the people in this video are a bunch of clowns anyways
a drug addict knows all the answers. too many bleeding heart enablers
ABSOLUTELY 💯!! The socalled advocate NEVER mention the crime filth and violence these junkies create. Onmy that thaey have had terrible childhoods, or society has failed them. No one has failed them but themselves!
Ill tell you the process that needs to take place first there needs to be a staffed rooming house to monitor residents and their needs then they need to have those needs treated mental health drugs whatever THEN from there be tranferred to appropriate housing you cant take someone off the steet and plop them in a building they are not used to neighbors and how to act around them trust me i know first hand my landlord works with these people and every single time its been problematic i get everyone needs and deserves housing but there needs to some sort of help inbetween the streets and an apartment you just CANT put people straight into apartments with vulnerable kids and elderly it doesnt work i dont live far from derrik and what he sees is very true my own kid has seen people od right around our house we would love more than anything to get out but we cant afford the rents they are asking these days we are extremely lucky because we moved here when rents started increasing and this was a decent deal however if something happened theres no way in the world my family could afford the rents these days we have 1 min wage income and struggle just to get by we are barly keeping our heads above water at this point i dont even eat breakfast or lunch to make sure the kids eat every day
Number #1...There need be good people in government who are making the decisions we all must live by and not ego filled sociopaths who will do anything for money. Number #2 Include indigenous elders who know how to care for the earth should be implemented into the Canadian government. Number # 3.. Bring back decriminalization of hard drug use. These sociopaths who sat around a table who decided this... alone is insane.. Our streets and parks and all around and filled with the outcome . Legally aiding addicts to perpetuate this is insanity. Use these monies instead towards detox centers, homelessness housing and counseling.. GET THE SOCIOPATHS OUT OF GOVERNMENT !!!!!!
why did you only speak to david hickey, the green candidate probably would’ve loved to chat. i assume you couldn’t speak to PCNB Arlene Dunn, elected MLA for SJ harbour, as she has stepped down from the Higgs cabinet.
I only spoke to David because he lives on the street.
Derek is a man of action and we can support this selfless man as he leads the charge in ending poverty and getting Saint John to pick up our "downed" brothers and sisters. I believe in us! JESUS IS COMING SOON
His own child is homeless.
Im tired of the poor me i had a life you write books about and i didn't turn to drugs and alcohol or giving my body up.I have know education and am 51 and have the best life i worked hard for everything i got.So i feel nothing for these people stop with excuses and fix your life and stop afecting others and the amount of trash around the city.Get it together
Good on you l wish there were more people with your great attitude. These people blame society the government the rich their up bringi. But never the fact that they made thwrong choices in life. I dont see why the rest of us are forced to ckean up their mess?
The awareness in this city is overwhelming. We need less videos and photos and more personal and individual action! Open your homes, set up a free BBQ on the lawn, the govt isn't helping to rehab these individuals, and the ones that aren't in need of rehab need beds, showers, food, and things! We can't help with addiction service on a citizen level, but we CAN do so much more than photos and videos. If every one watching this opened their door for a night, or their dining room table - that would make a difference.😊
I agree fully. Can I document you doing this? An example of what you’re speaking of would be powerful for people to see. I think others may be inspired.
@@atribecalledowens you can definitely join, but I'm not a camera gal. Are u free next Saturday?
I'll look you up when I move out there 😊
@@atribecalledowens The Preacher has a house he's not using - he should let some homeless folks live there! Put his money where his mouth is, so to speak.
That is kind of you, but totally bonkers at the same time. Drug users are unpredictable, dangerous and untrustworthy. Don't ever let these people into your personal space.