Interview with Thomas living in a Bathroom in Venice Beach 

Thomas! Last time I saw him he had a fresh hair cut.☺️ He helps out the restaurants/ small business by sweeping & throwing out the trash. He would take meals as payment. I wish him well.

The people giving out food on the beach to anyone that wants it...that's cool. Thanks GIV ❤️

My dad was homeless in venice and he was a vendor, selling his leather beaded jewelry. He was probably one of the most sane people ive ever met! He had a very abusive childhood and abandoned in nyc as a teenager. He had to teach himself how to get by and survive and he always had a hard life but he was honest and because he had long hair he was always harrassed by cops and eventuakly people give up... A human can only be so persistent but if things are just continuously difficult eventually a person gives up. My dad eventually began having full mal seizures and he crashed his van too many times and so they took away his license. He had no choice but to sleep on hard concrete violent l.a. streets close to his doctors... So its not always that people have mental issues, sometimes they just have alot of hardship and no suppoet sustem. My dad made alot of friends in venice. He took young street kids under his wing and taught them how to make money on the streets honestly by stringing beads When he died they had a memorial down there for him 💜 im grateful that people appreciated him because it was nt always his experoence.

Dear German in Venice, I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the incredible work you do through your videos and your genuine commitment to showcasing the beauty of Southern California, especially Venice. Over the past several weeks, I have been an avid viewer of your videos, and I must say that your reporting style, interactions with the public, and your dedication to highlighting the fun and vibrant lifestyle of Venice have been truly inspiring. Your content not only captures the essence of the community but also serves as an eye-opener for those of us who may not be as familiar with the area. One aspect of your content that has particularly struck me is your sincere concern for the issue of homelessness in Venice. Your efforts to delve into the lives of the underprivileged population living on the streets, to understand their daily struggles, and to shed light on the deteriorating conditions they face as they age, have been both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Your compassion and willingness to bring attention to this critical issue are commendable. It's evident that you genuinely care about the well-being of those who are less fortunate and are actively working to make a positive difference in their lives. I believe that you have the potential to be a powerful conduit for bringing about positive change and rehabilitation for the underprivileged population in Venice. Your platform can help raise awareness, mobilize resources, and encourage the community to come together in support of those in need. Your work is not only entertaining but also has the potential to create a lasting impact on the lives of many. May your dedication and efforts continue to be blessed, and may you find the strength and support you need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the underprivileged. Thank you for being an inspiring force in our community and for using your platform to bring attention to important issues. Keep up the fantastic work, German in Venice. Your work is making a difference, and I look forward to seeing more of your inspiring content in the future. Sincerely, Your Fan

You are a better journalist than anything CNN or Fox News or the other biased TV trash networks can put out. Keep up the great work GiV!!!

Tom was always homeless on the beach. He sold sage for years. For awhile he had a free apt in the Venice beach suites. He had a crazy methed out girl that ruined the room and him. At one point I asked him about family. Years ago we tried to call his dad but no one answered.

That woman is so pitiful..... thank you GIV for your honesty and compassion as well as your courage in so many places you go.

I was Homeless a few years back and so many good people out there homeless ..if i ever needed anything we would help each other..

Look how swollen his hands. And he’s talking about sweeping. I pray people remember these are people. Maybe there should be a PETA for humans. God bless and amen. 🇬🇧

Bless you GIV. Award winning compassion, dedication, bravery and truth. ❤️🇬🇧

I have far more compassion for people who, through no fault of their own, had tragedy strike. Like my grandmother, who got married at age 29 right before the Great Depression, had 2 kids, and her husband died at age 32 of the flu. She had to raise 2 toddlers while working full time & sleeping at the family home where she shared a bed with her sister - who told my Dad later that she cried herself to sleep every night for over a decade.

He is native american,german royalty and king of the bums. A true legend.

I have a good friend who was homeless at one point in his life due to traumatic events. I was surprised when he told me about it as I would have never guessed. It just made me realize it can happen to anyone.

Our country has failed many of us. Perfect example is Thomas. Our people: men, women, and even children. It breaks my heart! 😢 I pray for all ❤🙏❤ And I thank you, GIV, for showing us all what is going on. Hugs 🤗 and God bless 🙌

Very touching, GIV. I've given out money to the homeless many times. I'm just a middle class, blue collar guy. I've volunteered for Meals On Wheels, at homeless shelters...etc. It's a great feeling to help out.

Maybe next time we could learn some of his story if he's up to sharing. Nothing heavy just life adventures or whatever. Thanks for talking with him. Please don't worry about some of those who don't want to be filmed. You're so respectful and never come at anyone in a rude way. You have a good heart Mike or GIV. Thanks again,you take care 🙂♥️

He doesn’t want an apartment because he doesn’t like to hear people through the walls, so he’d rather stay homeless on the street where it’s way way louder. Makes sense.

We are at Venice weekly and brother, it is not getting any better. Thanks for the upload and update!!!

This is just plain sad! Very very very sad 😢😢😢

These up-close, personal videos showing the drama and real-life in Venice are the best...THANKS!

He may be poor... but Man, what a great head of hair.

GIV is real journalism. This is the real news. You put all the news outlets to shame.

free healthcare, free food, free money every month, free food stamps, million dollar view, weather nice, so you have substandard living accommodations... everything is free.. no stress about the bills or finances...i'd say he's a genius

I wish Mike asked about his entire life and how he eventually found his way to the streets and how old he is

Mike, I know sometimes you're not sure why you do what you do, but whatever it is you are doing on you tube, I think it is culturally important. You have a unique perspective that brings me and many people joy, and I appreciate your empathy, even if you are not sure what to do with it. Just doing the filming, however random, from serious to silly, ultimately creates a body of work that, in time, will begin to reveal its import both to you, and to those of us who appreciate history and sociology. Keep up the good work. I lived in Venice Beach summer '92 to summer'93. I appreciate getting to get a little taste of SoCal from your videos. Thanks

Good interview, GiV!

An old man and and an old woman locked up sleeping in a public bathroom?….very strange times we are living 😢..sad,sad😢

Thanks german in venice for this!

it is mind boggling thomas would rather sleep in a beach restroom than an apt.. too many elderly people have no home.. sad. thanks mike for being a friend to people that need one

"We got this big giant planet here... how can we be homeless??" Well said Thomas.

30+ years , wow. He’s got some luscious hair.

Hello German in Venice From Australia 🇦🇺

"No job is too big or too small" Yeah, except an ACTUAL job...This guy is a real mess and full of excuses. He's got LAHSA offering him housing every week and he doesn't follow up with it. He won't even take a free ID voucher to the DMV to get a State ID so he can register for housing. The LAHSA lady gave it to him twice and he keeps losing them. Saying he wants a house, not an apartment yet sleeps in a dirty public toilet stall daily. Nothing he says makes any sense whatsoever! 🤷‍♂

You are a good man, taking time to talk and to show how bad things are there for the poor people.

You get better at this, showing compassion and being more and more open-minded. It takes this to understand these people with a life so different than ours.

Another amazing video, thanks Mr. GiV and take care! 😎👍 frm Hickory , North Carolina 🇺🇲

Wow...sounds like she's having a whole ,"imaginary" interview over there by herself !!!

Thank you for your compassion. It makes me cry to think they live in a place where a locked door is the priority. No doubt it’s a tough place to feel vulnerable in.

- Waited all day for this post. Thank you Giv. 💯❤✌

Great interview GIV! Thomas seems like a nice guy

Nice to see this people taken care of at least with the food.

Thank you for shedding light on a very real problem most of us never see. We need to change this.

GiV is the real Hollywood superstar! I’d rather watch this channel than anything on the tv or movies !

When are state and federal politicians going to realize the real “pandemic” is in regards to mental health and addiction 🤷‍♂️ good stuff Mike keep the videos coming and god bless! 🙏👍✌️🇺🇸

Was looking out for this video 👍

You’re doing great things for your community, Mike. Thanks for sharing this content.

Refused housing because he cant live in an apartment and needs to live in a house. Meanwhile this guy is squatting in a bathroom 🤷🤷‍♂🤷‍♀

Please have Thomas check with doctors that discoloration spot on his nose. May God bless him

Having lived in low income apartments in a major W' coast city - I can relate to his concerns. I bet he and his friend would fare better in a parked RV. Alternatives can be very difficult to achieve once your at that stage. But apartments are simply not for everyone .... and homes are out of reach for many.

Well done on a sad and difficult subject !

Some people do not want help. They are happy doing what they are doing. In a way, hand outs only makes the homeless situation worse.

Very sad video , but Thank you for sharing people need to be aware of what is going on in Venice Have a wonderful day GIV❤

So sad. Thank you for the update.

Thank you for showing us some of the less fortunate people in Venice. You do a great job filming the situation. Good interview with "Tom." I live on the east coast and we have our own problems with the "un-housed" or homeless.

GREAT video GlV..GREAT interview.. regardless of any comments you get. l am AMAZED at how eloquent and rational Thomas is ! He says he can hear through walls and that bothers him.. even though his partner talked non-stop and has obvious mental issues. l still believe if the gov't built nearly indestructible concrete simple shelters that such people could at least sleep in..out of the weather.. that would be beneficial to them. lt is clear that there is a HUGE range of issues that individual unhoused individuals deal with.. mental/emotional issues, drugs, poverty etc. As l've said l am VERY upset that our gov't is very happy to spend BLLONS on fruitless wars elsewhere.. but seems to be clueless about this HUGE problem all over the USA. Gov't leaders seem to be deaf, dumb and blind concerning this growing problem. Thank you GlV for all that you do !!!

Mike: Interesting interview; Thomas clearly is not crazy, doesn't sound drugged up; puts a sentence together with a logical point of view and looks out for his partner, that's what stood out to me when he told you please don't film her. I would really like to hear his story if you can get back with him and he would be willing to tell his story. Again, great video.

GiV your a good man! Kind soul… keep doing what your doing! Love you Mike

Great video Mike, I really enjoyed it and I think you are very respectful and kind to the unhoused folks. Good job

never clicked faster on a GIV video. thanks for the daily vids !!

GIV you are a genius to document this. Nobody else is asking these questions.

Thank you for your videos and for helping these people of Venice. I’m a new subscriber. Thomas seems very smart and grateful. It’s an unfortunate situation to see people struggling so much.

I'm glad you are sharing all sides of Venice GIV !Thank you.

Best head of hair I seen all year ❤

Thanks for caring Mike you have a big ❤ man. Glad to see people bringing hot meals n something to eat or water for those folks on the streets. These folks are human beings.

You’re very compassionate, Mike🥰❤️

As odd as it seems some people actually prefer to be houseless. I've been there and although you have things to worry about at times while living on the streets when don't you have problems in life. The freedom vs living to pay bills and having stuff. Its a difference that is appealing honesty. I use to hop freight trains and never stay at one spot very long. You get to travel and catch opportunities as they come up. I have a feeling this guy is a lot like that. Just because the popular thing is to be wealthy and/or to have a house and raise and a family doesnt mean its for everyone. I wish this guy the best and hopefully he lives a life he wants to live and not the popular way. Great video thanks for sharing his story. ✌️

Am I hearing this right? The guy's holding out for his own house because he can't handle the noise of living in an apartment complex, now I've heard everything!

Mike, you're one of the best out there. This is actual journalism. No biases....you just interview people on all sides and gets their stories. It's refreshing to see. It's obviously not refreshing to see people on the streets, but I know that problem is so complicated and layered, it's almost not able to be explained properly.

Thanks GIV! Great interview.

thank you for giving us both sides of Venice you are a good person.......

He said he doesn’t want to live in an apartment he wants a house. Wow, so does everyone else living in LA. He wants a handout sadly. He rather sleep in a bathroom then to get help. That’s sad.

Thank you for always reporting with such dignity & respect, GiV. Whether the complex issues involved with homelessness include mental illness (including but not limited to addiction), the various social systems that can’t quite support sufficiently or consistently, or even the personal preferences & willfulness of people who feel disadvantaged….kindness & empathy shouldn’t be too much to ask.

your a good man Mike! they are lucky to have you around to help them out...😮

Good Job GIV...talking about the gnarly stuff no one really wants to face...

Good work GIV, the aged population and the incompetent don't belong on the street, this country can do better

It's unbelievable to me how wasting food and pranking ppl is always trending online 😒 but helping homeless humans who messed up In life and deserve a chance, will always get ignored everyday. To be fair I know there's a few youtubers who actually dedicate their channel to helping ppl who wants the help. Good wishes to those who look out for others.

Heartbreaking, thank you for this video GIV.

Thank you Mike. We watch every video of yours and they are all awesome. This one is super cool. We see the people in a better light when someone like you takes the time to interview these fellow human beings. A good light. Thank you Thomas as well for doing the interview. Keep up the good work GiV. You are a the true Angel of Venice. ❤😊

Melissa has been let down by the system, she is in serious need of mental treatment! 😢 Poor lady may even have demons! I pray her demons are cast out if that is the case!

Thomas is a nice guy, it is so sad to see a human being in those conditions.

Nuther great video Mike,thanks for lettin us get to know Thomas a little bit. I've seen him wandering around in several of your other vids,so it's nice to hear some of his story. At his age he's got an epic head of hair! 👍

Thanks for sharing this Mike, it was educational for something to learn about homeless on the street, it could of been a documentary for a guy name Thomas that was sleeping in a public bathroom in Venice California. 🙂👍

Your the absolute best, Mike.

Thomas appears relatively coherent on this particular day. One thing I think you could ask him to do or it he is open to you driving him to a free clinic-he does look like skin cancer on this nose. Needs to be looked at. Obviously other health related issues need attention also.

These people should be helped regardless of whether or not they want help at this point, you can’t have people living like that. It’s disgusting, Venice beach looks absolutely horrible and filthy to me.

Wow... 45k views. GIV is a good human person. Thank you for posting. :) Ivan

Now he makes more sense...thanks for talking to him and explaining why he is the way he is😊

It’s heart warming to see people handing out food to the homeless.

He rejected free housing. Why feel bad for him? He wants this disgusting lifestyle.

God bless him.

Lets help when 1 can we are gifts and need someone to believe in oneself Tomas love you brother keep the faith💯🙏

I'm afraid Thomas is his own worst enemy when it comes to making right decisions. His past as told had him housed and a means to generate some money. When around others' who are much the same, around others' who think negatively it can only do one of two things, be the cause to remain the same or to see yourself in them and strive to improve. I believe Thomas has it in him, however, must come to terms as to where he finds himself. To come to terms that we all must give allowances for those idiosyncrasies that we may have and or others'. Thomas seems to me as a loner, has been only associating with others' when he chooses to do so. This man, Thomas, may do well tucked away in an environment such as what now is being done, that being a micro-pod (room) environment in a small village of a dozen pods not connected. Like methadone clinics to be found in locations not known to most, small micro pods should be developed for those like Thomas, with the exception that it be a clean environment free from drugs. All micro-pod commuties should be small of no more than a dozen pods having two bathrooms and one kitchen with two stoves and two sinks for cooking food and cleaning of utensils. Refrigerators of 18 cubic feet in each pod for personal food. Create an environment like we do for those who are mentally handicapped, a group home set-up of separated pods! San Francisco spends $77,000.00 per-year on each homeless individual in the city. Money isn't the problem, it the industry behind homelessness that's much of the problem! These are my thoughts on this!

Rough life but they are offering housing and he declines. You can't help those who dont want help.

Thank your a very much for a compassionate interview

I love how you said you're gonna help him out But you did not care about the camera that's a good man

The hot lunch was very healthy. Bless these guys. ❤

- Thomas is right about living in apartments. i have crazy hearing as well. Walls are too thin, feels like everybody's personal business is under 1 roof whether you like it or not. smh - Had a nextdoor neighbor once tell me about ( My ) upcoming Dr's appt date and time. smh i was pissed.🤨

I'm glad you're doing this reporting GIV. It's a difficult situation for people living on the streets. Nobody knows what kind of trauma in their lives happened to make them not care about themselves. I hope Thomas's lady friend gets some shoes.

I had to listen to this twice because I found myself listening to the lady next to him speaking to herself.

He's seems a decent guy, and seems as content or more so than a bus driver, dogcatcher, bug spray man or school teacher Thanks for doing these videos Mike. You are going to learn a lot by talking to these guys.