Father of -Main Street- Homeless Al -

Paul Ding, Hanson Zhang

Another beautiful sunny day in Vancouver, it would be a shame  not to jump at such an occasion!

My friends Paul Ding and Hanson Zhang decided to come along for the interview today. Instead of going to the more ghetto parts of town we decided to try for an interview just outside Main Street Sky train Station.

Homeless Al

Name: Al
Location: Main Street Science World- Sky train
Age: 60
Background: Worked in Automotive industry for over 26 years
History: After several years of labor, chronic injuries to his hands 
and fingers
Current: Spends his time mentoring and giving advice to fellow 
homeless people in the area. 
Notables: Counselled several homeless out of suicide, as well as 
helped fellow (Brian) get off drugs. [Clean for 6 months]

 Just interviewed a homeless guy, and boy what an eye-opening experience. The man, Al, has helped a lot of people overcome their drug addictions and talked others out of suicide. He has nothing, but he gives what he receives to the people in need around him. And he told me that doing this was his purpose; he's never felt more peaceful in his life. Really gets you thinking about how you've been living your life up to now. We shouldn't judge people so quickly. I'm thinking that I'm helping someone who is unable to live a "proper life", but he's actually got it figured out, and is joyfully sharing his wisdom and kindness to total strangers. - Paul Ding

This was a very peculiar interview for me. I walked in anticipating to pity and sympathize with those less fortunate, after about half an hour of listening to him talk I felt envious.

It's quite eye-opening to see, someone who is on the streets everyday with very little possessions to himself has so much compassion and care for others around him. 

I find myself doubting everyday what I am 'meant' to do, and even more time thinking if chasing a particular career or education is the 'right' thing to do. 

I was stunned by the selflessness and compassion that someone like him could exert more sense of fulfillment in his life and has helped prevent suicides, and get others off drugs. 

Homeless Al, though may as much physical possessions as many people out there he has joy in helping others, spreading hope and enjoying life. A joy that exists from spreading it to more people, less fortunate people.  <Mind Blown>  

"I'm at the most peace with myself than I have ever been in my whole life..".- Al 

Full Video

A Sunny Day Downtown (EastSide) part III - Meet Jerry -

                                     - As Told by Jerry -

Jerry's born in Ontario, and raised in Ireland for several years. As  a victim of circumstance; he was found at a murder scene when he leaned over the car and accidentally contaminated the scene with his finger prints.

He has been in Vancouver for roughly 14 years so far.

Due to the his father's relations with the 'Hell's Angels Gang' the suspicion and guilt fell upon him.

He was sentenced 25 to life sentence in jail for convicted murder despite pleading 'not guilty for 5 years of trial', whilst in prison he started doing courses and schooling

After new evidence came forth and the 'criminal' turned himself in he was released from prison.

His wife and him were hit by a drunk driver which put him in a coma, caused him to lost most of his front teeth, as well as take the life of his wife.

 Current Events

Currently he's to "pick the pieces of himself up"(Jerry), and been offered to take courses in becoming a health professional in assisting the 'On Site injection' downtown.

He's been going to church recently, and discussions of spiritual faith and Morgan & Steven came about.

He can be found downtown between 11am- 6pm around : Cordova & W.Pender area about a block away from the A&W and & 7-Eleven.

Jerry was insistent on showing me his photo without the beard. 

*Video of the interview will be up tomorrow as it takes awhile to upload videos. 

Interview - Just Jerry giving us his life story. 

A Sunny Day Downtown (EastSide) part II

Upon entering A&W, I could immediately notice the judgement and shock that came upon the faces of the cashier, customer in line, and other guests at the restaurant.

We stood in line patiently just long enough for me to get the homeless man's name (Jerry) before the cashier proceeded to ask, "What can I get for you sir,?"

"I'll have a large coke," I paused, and looked towards the Jerry to my left, "What are you hungry for?".


"Teen Combo", he answered back with confidence and a grateful smile. I looked at the cashier and relayed the information back to her questioning face, an eyebrow raised as if seeking reassurance, " Large coke, and Teen Combo for this gentlemen right here".

Morgan Steve and 'Jerry' quickly found a quiet seat in the corner and began to talk whilst I waited in line patiently for our food to be ready.

A Sunny Day Downtown (EastSide) part I

Beautiful day to walk around downtown today, met up with few buddies

Chinatown, W.Pender / East Hastings

Morgan and Steve and decided to go on an adventure.

Since they were here from the states and have already been to the classical 'tourist attractions',

I've decided to show them around the back alley adventures of Van.

After quite a while of stumbling around Chinatown for awhile looking for the direction to Granville Island, I was beginning to doubt my sense of directions.


Suddenly out of nowhere, my eyes came across a homeless person who reminded of 'Jesus' as portrayed by Mel Gibson in 'Passion of the Christ' ; the beard and hair at least.

Spontaneity, randomness, an urge, whichever you prefer to describe me being compelled to speak with this person.


I walked up and said to him " Hey man, how's it going, do you know how we could get to McDonalds from here?",

"Yeah, it's down this way on your right," he replied. "You hungry?" I asked, "Hey why don't you come along, I'll get you something to eat in exchange for your life story."

After a few minutes of walking we decided to settle at an A&W, due to closer location and the soreness of my feet.