Hearted Youtube comments on Erik K Swanson (@ErikKSwanson) channel.

  1. I was concerned that this video could endanger Carlos at first, it's a relief that you waited so many years after filming this to protect him.
    10000
  2. People need to understand he doesn't want a job, even if his living conditions are bad he enjoys being free. There is nothing free of having to wake up to go to work in order to pay bills.
    6500
  3. Yeesh, as soon as he revealed his location, I thought, "Walter's home is no longer his " That was very thoughtful of you to keep his privacy until after his passing. RIP Walter.
    4800
  4. With all the people flipping out about homeless encampments in San Francisco, they should pay attention to the policies that create homelessness.
    4200
  5. Quite a unique guy, quite a character. I respect him for his ingenuity. It's great that you captured his story on video before he passed. Rest in peace Walter.
    3900
  6. Very cool you waited to respect his privacy
    2300
  7. As a ex hobo some times the hardest part about the living on the street is finding a place to sleep let alone live. Mush respect to Erik for keeping it a secret and Walter for doing what many people would think impossible. I bow my head to you sir.
    1500
  8. I’m 24 and homeless in Charlotte NC, this inspired me to keep going. It’s hard, especially because it’s cold. I currently sleep in a tent behind my job. I’m trying to save up for my own car so I can sleep in there. Honestly at times I don’t see a end to this and it’s hard on my mental health because I have no support. I just hope it gets better
    1500
  9. Walter was very proud of his home. Rest in peace Walt
    1300
  10. Rest in Peace Walter, he lived life on his own terms. Thank you for giving him the respect he deserved and in documenting this moment in his life.
    1300
  11. I watch quite a few programs about homelessness. The one constant amongst them all? Is how evil they say the homeless shelters are. How f**n sad is that? My heart to Carlos, his friends and his future.
    1300
  12. I just met Carlos today! I live in a shelter here in the Bronx. I didn't ask if he's also in the shelter but I couldn't believe it was him, he was very sweet
    1200
  13. I was a television cameraman for about 15 years and I absolutely LOVE how you let Walter talk and didn't interrupt him. Fantastic job getting Walters "Story" on video. Job well done, good sir.
    1200
  14. As someone else has said, thank you for not releasing this footage when it could have cost Carlos his home and maybe even life. What a wonderful home he had, it's a shame that everyone in the world can't just enjoy what little bit they have and be happy with it.
    1000
  15. I literally cried when you gave him the printer cable. He seems like such a warm soul, someone I could've been friends with in another time. Blown away.
    963
  16. He and his clothes actually look really clean. Than makes me happy that he is able to have a shelter like that. Homeless people do not receive the respect and sympathy I feel they absolutely deserve. I used to be a homeless junkie and let me tell you, surviving that in Wisconsin, during the winter is something ONLY God could have gotten me through. Today, I just started my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin Stout with a 3.65 GPA. I won 3 scholarships and I'm a mentor for freshman students. But that was only because the right people were there to help me just enough for me to get to where I am now. Something most homeless people just don't have whatsoever. It needs to change.
    883
  17. I was homeless for a few years, wandering around California, staying in places for a few months here and there, and I was lucky enough to be taken under the wing of a couple people like Walter. You can make true connections with real, good, intelligent people who just did the best they could with what they had and aren’t out of their minds on drugs or something. I met some amazing people.
    839
  18. Mental freedom is a priceless gift.
    689
  19. I spent 5 years on the streets in areas of Arkansas. I found it easier to stay high than it was to find food most days. It's crazy that people were more likely to share drugs with me than food. I eventually got sober in a jail cell, I got free, and I met a woman who motivated me and loves me, and she changed my life. I'll love her and i owe the rest of my life to her.
    680
  20. RIP to this man, you can tell how smart, and genuine he truly was. Great guy.
    602
  21. Damn bro what a nice guy, sucks to hear they got cleared out. Didn’t seem like they were bothering anyone at all. Good on you for not releasing the footage initially too. I hope Carlos is doing well, wouldn’t doubt he’s figured something out
    585
  22. I lived in Richardson Bay on a 130ft tugboat named “Justine”. We were tied up outside the breakwater at Sausalito Yacht Harbor. There were lots of us living on baits in the harbors and lots of anchor outs. It was an amazing community. We were there in the 90’s. My boyfriend was a mechanic and captain and we also fished salmon and crab. It was such an interesting life! They were already trying to get the anchor outs off the bay and not liking that people lived on boats in the harbor. My heart goes out to them. They just want to be left alone.
    563
  23. When you think of homeless people, you think of drug or alcohol addicts whom have just given up on life. People like Walter show the ingenious of human adaptation when it comes to getting by in this crazy world. God Bless Walter, and I pray he has a much better, happier home now.
    511
  24. He said, "I like my haircut," and "Right now is better than the past." That is the kind of energy I want around me in 2024.
    493
  25. The way Eric interacts with these people he’s doing videos about is different from others. He talks to them like they’re human. He doesn’t look down on them or talk down to them in the slightest. The way he went in that wee hole and did his very best to help with Carlos’ computer problem really warmed my heart. He was patient and kind, and showed total respect
    487
  26. My father, Ale Ekstrom, lived anchored out in Richardson Bay for over 50 years. The local SF PBS did a short documentary on him, and dubbed him "Grandfather of the Anchor Outs". The Marin Independent Journal did a full page obituary on him in the summer of 2015 when he passed. Many of those in this fabulously done mini documentary knew my father. He'd be rolling in his grave. Good thing we spread his ashes in Richardson Bay instead.
    479
  27. Your production and film quality is really good for over 10 years ago, I didn't realize until I read the comments. I admire you for respecting Carlos and others by not releasing this video until now. Thank you
    476
  28. I was on the streets for a couple years,and I like videos documenting the struggles of the homeless community.they're not all bad people,and this documentary shows that!thanks for giving Walter a chance to tell his story!
    454
  29. Thank you for doing this & promoting his current gofundme. It's not up to us to judge how homeless people live their lives or how they got there & I appreciate your compassionate approach to dealing with the homeless. Whatever Carlos spends his money on, I hope it makes him happy, he deserves to be happy- we all do.
    450
  30. This is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen, thank YouTube algorithm!!! I was riveted the whole time, and devastated to learn Carlos and others had been kicked out!! AGAIN to those of you who may have missed the clarification 😅 this video was taken years ago but only recently published, YEARS AFTER Carlos has been gone. This video and it’s popularity is not the reason for his unfortunate removal. Also, shame on those in the comments assuming Carlos was using drugs when he clearly stated he didn’t like the shelters because of drugs and fighting. Also also, y’all “not with my tax dollars” people really grind my gears with your lack of empathy and understanding. You could never be as creative and resourceful as this man. 🤧
    450
  31. Walter had a HOME, so he was not homeless, just houseless. He had what he needed, and he wasn’t in major debt like everyone in America struggling. Most couldn’t survive like Walter
    445
  32. Very impressive...!! So sad to read he passed away quite some time ago, this unique person...R.I.P. Walter!
    424
  33. Excellent. As a person who has never backed down from the corruption and violence of these illegal attacks over the 50 years I have been involved, it makes my heart and mind feel good to see such a profoundly well-constructed document that reveals the true ugly nature of this ghastly situation. Thank you , Erik.
    412
  34. We need more people like Mr. Swanson, putting out videos with MEANING!!
    388
  35. Needed this today man, I’m so sick of the vitriol towards poor and houseless people. He’s just a guy, like everyone.
    383
  36. Thank you so much for this video, it's a thing of beauty. Thanks also for holding off sharing it till after Walter had passed to protect his privacy, that shows both intelligence and compassion. RIP Walter.
    369
  37. I have a lot of respect for this guy. Some people probably look down on him, but if society ever collapsed, this is the kind of guy that would survive. Hats off to you my brother 😮
    367
  38. He lived just like people did in the late 1800's and early 1900's did. Small cramped areas that didn't have much room for excess comfort. He was very handy and I wish him the best to the life after life. RIP Walter
    365
  39. I'm a shipwright and I worked on snob yachts for around 17 years. I will testify before God that snob yacht owners are, by FAR, the greatest threat to local ecosystems. The amount of toxic materials they pump into the environment is MILES above anything a humble boat owner does. I am absolutely disgusted with myself for bettering the financial situation of environmental criminals. I was super enthused to do top level woodwork until I discovered the price.
    364
  40. Im glad this much information of him and about him was released after he lived his life the way he wanted. Much respect to the channel of keeping his location a secret all this time. He will be dearly missed by everyone touched by this story. He was able to live his life the way he wanted and honestly in the end thats all we can ever hope for. Rest in Peace Walter. You’ve earned it.
    342
  41. It's a shame that people can be so mean and throw the guys stuff out and vandalize when he's just minding his own business. I also think recycling by these homeless people is a good way to clean the trash up.
    311
  42. As soon as I heard "I paid off my debt" I began respecting this group.
    295
  43. I clicked on the go fund me to see if it was doing well and saw the thank you video Carlos made! I'm glad he's still holding strong. Blessings to you both
    288
  44. Definitely a heart warming story….. Carlos was so interesting,smart & polite. I saw his update & felt so happy for him. As a journalist you were & are so respectful ….. there was something so pure about this story & Carlos❣️health & peace❣️
    277
  45. Sad state of affairs. Our government is our worst enemy.
    269
  46.  @cherylbulleid7091  did you not read the comment above yours? way to go Cheryl.
    262
  47. I lived aboard on the hook for years. I birthed a baby on board. What people on land don't understand is being a sailor is a commitment, a passion, and a gentle way of living on this planet. 5 gallons of fuel a week, 10 gallons of water for bathing, 5 gallons of propane lasting 4 months. You have only what is necessary, generate little trash, and pay taxes out of your paycheck like everyone else. It was the best time of my life and I miss it still.
    261
  48. That's outstanding what you did Erik for other's who are less fortunate. Much respect to you and yours. It seems odd... however you should be running that city. I mean that!!
    260
  49. they cant charge rent for boat anchored away from the marina. thats why they want em gone. any human not locked into paying rent is sub human according to our society.
    260
  50. This is so good journalism and telling the stories of people who is not usually listened!! Amazing. Would be great to reach same quality in our reportages
    251