Yolanda (Full Episode) - FIRSTHAND: Homeless 

FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. www.wttw.com/firsthand #FIRSTHANDwttw

Dear Heavenly Father, Please provide this beautiful lady permanent housing and please protect her and others in Jesus mighty name Amen.

I just don't understand why we help other countries but we can't take care of our own people 😞

even if my mom had to sleep on the floor In my house she s not sleeping out side

Most of us are one paycheck away.

US govt just approved 91 Billion for Ukraine and Isreal but we can not put tax paying citizens into housing?

There are homeless people who don’t have mental health issues or addiction problems, addiction just compounds the problem. Homelessness can happen to anyone.

To be treated like crap because you don’t have material resources is evil… Period.

It was so hard being homeless in Chicago. My family turned their backs on me and put me down. They wouldn't let me live with them.Talked about behind my back. I lost so much weigh. I almost died three times living on the street. I went from state to state.Churches to get food clothing toiletries. I went to shelters, and it was so dangerous being there. I finally got an apartment and now working on getting a home. It was God who carried me through my whole journey. I forever L♥️ ve my Father for helping me make it through the storm. I thank him daily. I 🙏 every morning before opening my eye and getting out of bed.

This video brought me to tears. Father, provide a safe space for Ms. Yolanda.

What the general population don't realize is that homelessness can happen to anyone at any time homeless people are still human beings so treat them as such!!

To throw away her husband ashes is freaking awful. How sad and unimaginable that there are humans walking around like that. No one is perfect. We make mistakes, we learn, we change , and we do better. May the Lord guide and protect her.

That church should be ashamed of themselves for not helping this lady. What is the church for if they can’t help her

Ain’t no way ima let my mom be on the streets !

I would never let my mother be homeless. Same on her children. Poor lady My heart goes out to you 💔 ❤️ ❤❤

🤨 My mother came to live with me 10 years ago. There's no way I'd allow my mother to be on the streets. I thank God 🙌 that he has empowered me to help her. 🎉 She just turned 85 on April 19th. God is good!

Judge not that you be NOT judged .

The increasing amount of homeless in this country is America's "dirty little secret" that we as a society continue to ignore at our own peril.

No one in that church could help her? What's the use of your religion if you don't actually help people in need? When do you apply your kindness?

How can we directly help & checkup on this dear elderly woman? 😢🙏💙

This hurts my heart🫂

Keep in mind that all of this is fixable! These are fixable problems happening in a country that brags about how rich it is... So sick and shameful!

It is terrible that anyone has to be homeless in a country that has so much excess

I don’t understand why she can’t live with her daughter until she gets on her feet.

What can we do to help Yolanda? is there a donation fund ?

Story keeps you grateful.

God please 🙏 protect and keep miss yalonda safe in your arms! Keep her free from drugs and alcohol and all diseases. Make sure shes fed amen.

She’s still beautiful she has hope and smiles in her face .

I hope she is able to stay off drugs and get a place for herself. She loves her grand kids and deserves a better life.

I don’t ever look down on anyone because most people these days are one paycheck, medical condition, divorce away from homelessness. When I lived in shelters 20 years ago, I met a CPS teacher who was living in the shelter with me! She fell down some stairs at the brown line stop and broke her leg and missed work and then had to pay alimony in a divorce that rendered her bankrupt. She lost her home then her teaching job. Not all homeless people have mental health or addiction issues.

It takes 3 to six weeks for antidepressants to kick in. Meanwhile people suffer with depression. It’s a horrible feeling.

A woman of faith. She is still praising God no matter what her circumstances is at the present moment.

Ms. Yolanda is suffering from a broken heart. It is not for a person, per se. It is for herself and what she lost. I think she should take a chance and move in with her daughter if she doesn't want to go into the shelter. Stay there, get the disability check started, and use it as income to qualify for a place. The shelter will help you do that too, but this going back and forth is going to continue to tire her out. She doesn't want to leave the tent because she doesn't want to leave that man, and she doesn't want to go into a shelter because she can't be together with that man. They both need to go into their shelters, get on a program that is usually for 6 months and sometimes for 18 months if you have a drug dependency, and take it from there. I know about these things because I used to be homeless. I just cried watching this video because I can sense her heart is hurting.

It seems like she’s trying and she’s learned from some poor decisions she’s made in the past. Hopefully she can come out of this really deep hole that she’s in…

She is right, everyone has a season, it may not be hers yet but someday it will be ❤

I wish people would just stop judging and understand most of us are a paycheck away from homelessness. Not everyone homeless is on drugs. I work and make what some consider good money but when work is slow and the bills keep coming I know I am just a check away from losing it all. I was raised to never judge others because you don't know their life. Bless this lady and her amazing spirit.

Throwing away husband's ashes is .pure evil😢

I'm sorry, but my MOMMA would not be homeless.

I worked as a Social Service Case worker for years and homelessness was always a cycle in the lives of people with Mental Health and Drug Abuse issues. She speaks well but it is very clear to me that she needs MH/Drug abuse support and a Social worker that will help her navigate getting SSI and permanent housing...but it is her unshakable FAITH that will open the door of her new apartment...and let all of God's people say Amen!🙏❤️

I'm watching this and bawling. It's shameful how much effort and money is being put into for illegals that have never paid a single dime in taxes, yet we have a beautiful woman of faith like Yolanda, who is struggling for her next meal. Things need to change.

I hope Yolanda receives affordable or low income housing it seems she would be awarded disability being that she can’t stand up straight or maybe she could get trained for a desk job- she’s a strong woman and I wish her many blessings of healing ❤️‍🩹 happiness and restoration ❤️

This is happening to all kinds of good people around this country. The United States has ruined it's economy. It basically forgot about the middleclass. Printing money has caused inflation and unaffordable living. It's about to get worse. The country is $34 trillion in debt. Government funded programs will start to disappear. Today our government has voted to send another $90 billion to Ukraine. Democrats and Republicans have both failed us. Good luck and God bless.

Most folks are one lost paycheck, illness, etc away from being unhoused. Praying for their restoration.

Yolanda you are strong you will overcome this

Sad this is everywhere nowadays. Yet they found 95 billion dollars to help other countries

I came across this lady and it broke my heart . I just couldn't stop crying. And yes, I know me crying can't help her. I am just recovering from breast cancer. i can imagine how it would be for me if I didn't have my family and friends. I pray that by now she's got her apartment. . They treat animals better than how they are treating humans

Very sad situation for Ms. Yolanda! I pray she gets herself out of this horrible situation !

Those people in the church could help her .

That prayer was powerful.

Grandma should be taken in by the daughter and be able to be in those grandkids lives. This is absolutely heartbreaking if I could reach out and help her bring her into my house.

The government helps foreign people but not our own

Can we get a follow up on her

All of the money that people are holding on to. When they can help in some way. When you die, you can't take the money with you. I pray that God will give her Favor...I pray that God will send someone to help her

The social work can help her get a a job that she will sit for the doctor’s recommended hours. It’s possible Yolanda don’t give up on yourself sweet lady.

It Sickens Me that our government spends billions to help other countries instead of taking care of our own. It also disgusts me that stores throw away food instead of donating. This beautiful soul is suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally while hiding behind her smile.

I pray that she obtains clean, nice afforable housing soon. Praise God. I KNOW I am just a paycheck away from homelessness myself

Man, I’m in tears. Ms. Yolanda, your faith and ability to still serve and love others even through your trials is inspiring. It’s so easy to become bitter and angry when we fall, but you- I see the Lord’s glory and hand on you 💕. Jesus is walking with you. And we all have our demons, ALL OF US. God is just waiting on us to choose him. What I’ve learned is we have to make a conscious decision every day to choose him over ourselves. So God bless you Ms. Yolanda, keep fighting the fight and resisting the devil. God bless you 🙏🏾💕.

If the lady in this episode watches this please live way people that want to help you can reach out to you. This absolutely breaks my heart, all this money for migrants.

Praying for you Ms Yolnda. You can do this wit Gods grace and mercy

Yolanda, you're a great grandmother.

Not nice they’re homeless. But the love ❤️ keeps them going.

This is sad. She needs housing

This is so sad this elderly woman 👩 is homeless, here in the U.S.A in this video 📹. Yet the U.S.A Congress's and U.S. Senate is just getting ready to give money 💰 to Israel 🇮🇱, Ukraine 🇺🇦 , and 🇹🇼 Taiwan , about $ 95 Billion Dollars 💸. That doesn't make sense 😢 , we have poor people who are U.S.A citizens , who need this $ 95 Billion Dollars more than these other foreign countries. Also there are U.S. veterans who are living in poverty right here in the U.S.A. President Joseph Biden and Vice President Karmala Harris you both need to watch this video and turn over the $ 95 Billion Dollars 💸 to aid our U.S.A citizens instead of giving money 💰 to foreign nations. Think about this folks 🤔. She needs to have an apartment to live in , so her and Clearence can have somewhere to live comfortably. Chicago, Illinois Housing Athority give these people a chance to get an apartment.

I thank Yolanda for sharing her story. Many times I feel like I'm one step away from being homeless

Jesus help this precious baby & all the other people in the world with the same or similar struggles. 😢

Don’t go back to drugs, pray and the lord will help you, be strong. Trust in the lord he will never leave you, never give up. My sister your dreams will come through, If I were in your city you could live with me I’ll welcome you with open arms.

The drugs have broken so many good and loving people. It really saddens me and angers me because the drugs came from not out of thin air and was focused in certain communities whilst simultaneously sending jobs overseas from those same communities. Yolanda was not born of a vacuum she is a human being who go caught up and despite that her loving spirit still shines through.

Please father GOD bless this wonderful woman beyond her wildest dreams

Homeless people are not how they were and used to be... They deserve love and respect 😢

"I don't want to impose on my family." That broke my heart. It's common too. Impose! They're there for that. It doesn't matter if it's hard for them right now too. If they have a roof, impose! One of the reasons certain countries have less homelessness than others is because they're more traditionalist in terms of family. Impose on your friends and family, anyone you can impose on, because that's how you bridge that gap of time where you need to find work and a roof faster. I was homeless a lot in my twenties. It took so much of my health that I'm disabled now. I know it's hard to beat through that pride or idea that you need to pick yourself up. But that's life. Even if it's not money, we live our lives being a burden on something and someone. But that's human and natural. Society, your loved ones, the world has a responsibility to help each other in times of need. Lean lean lean. Please. The faster you do that the faster you can get back on track. A lot of homeless people have nobody. If you have somebody, you simply should not be on the street. I know it's really hard to do. But please impose.

I've been homeless and drug free for 10 months now. Every day is hard, and I have a son I have to take care of. So very proud of all of us that continue to fight thru things without having the drug to get us thru, and proud of the ppl who are just starting out their journey. We do recover.

My mother is my first love even before I knew it. I put my children in the living room to put my mom in the room. Never would i let her walk up and down the streets and sleep in a tent. Hopefully her family does more. Some people forget how important their parents are. I'd treat my mom how id want my children to treat me.

In a country that touts its wealth...

You made my heart smile Yolanda!❤️

Yolanda has inspired me with her courage and strength. Although, she may have fallen on tough times, she remains committed to her faith and being a decent human being.. I wish her all the best and that her one wish of getting from under that bridge and into her own place happens soon...

I am very emotional to see this beautiful spirited black lady homeless in America I wish she gets help she needs the community should help her 100 percent

Sending prayers 🙏

Los Angeles has the highest homeless population. Taxes have increased, property taxes have gone up, monies from other services have been moved to help the homeless but guess what.. the government had not tracked where they money is going and how it’s being spent. 24 billion are not account for.. lost. It has become a business to keep people homeless in California. It is sad you see families living in the streets . Homeless are everywhere yet billions have been given to help the homeless and we don’t see anything changing. Corruption!!!

How come the sheriffs came in like she was a criminal when they evicted her?

Yolanda I hope things turn out better for you. What I will say is leave that man alone. He is not doing anything for you. Focus on you and your life.

I'm a 60 y/o African American grandma of 5.. I've been in the nursing industry 33 years...I grew up in the projects... but instead of turning to drugs and the streets and being a follower..I turned to God and going to school and being a leader..So alot of her problems are self inflicted.. God help those who help themselves.. God blesses a child who have their own.. she's very resourceful so people stop feeling sorry for her!!!

What is this "fiancée" doing all day while Yolanda is out panhandling and dumpster diving? Is he bringing any money or resources in?

I cried almost the entire video. I pray that she's doing better and now in housing.

You are so correct I been homeless for 3years and 4months family have places but they only want you there if you empty your pockets then they want you gone well I hope I can get me a place this year 2024 no more helpful family it's cheaper

Made me shed a few tears 😢 GOD IS ABLE!! GOD BLESS YOU Ms. Yolanda you can do it 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🫶🏾❤ THANK YOU NIGHT MINISTRIES FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE PEOPLE❤️

Thinking is appalling is a retired veteran it saddens me to see Americans homeless and on the streets, and there’s people in our shelters that are provided Everything they need by have not contributed to anything. Make it make sense

thank u yolanda for sharing ur story.

Homelessness in an epidemic all over the world, especially in the United States. It’s very sad 😢to see people in this low of states. Not everyone is addicted to drugs or criminals. A lot of these folks are down on their luck and just struggling to get by. No one chooses this life,…..if they can do it over I’m sure they would. 😢😢

Yolanda is a strong lady with the most beautiful soul ❤ May God bless her always!

God please save Ms.Yolanda an her fiancee off the streets like u did me an my family amen

Her weakness is trying to help everyone more than she helps herself and neglect health etc. There is a balance to everything including a GOOD HEART

God bless you sister....Im Muhammad from Malaysia....you are in my prayers.....🤲

This is so sad and can definitely be anyone of us!!Lord I thank you for what I have and won’t stress about what I don’t 🙏🏽♥️God bless this strong black Queen 🙏🏽🙌🏽

Her obvious addiction, is a major contributing factor, to her life hardships. If she was able to get off of the drugs, which is a full time job, with overtime, she would be able to live a less rough life, because, craving that fix, tremendously complicates, even the simplest of tasks.

How can I help this lady, she broke my heart .

You are in my prayers Ms Yolanda don’t give up coming from Jamaica Queens New York

What does the so called fiancé do to help her? This is very sad.

Prayers for her ❤❤❤❤

Imagine saying “my mother is homeless”. That’s messed up

So glad that you have faith to carry you through. I pray that you have everything you need including housing very soon.