Almost everyone in America has heard of Skid Row, at some point or another. Everyone understands that it is a slum, which is home to many homeless individuals. Lost Angels: Skid Row Is My Home is a documentary, which explores the area and the inhabitants. Despite what one would initially conceive, these homeless individuals are not all from poor, drug riddled backgrounds. Many of them eventually fall into that trap, but some are more successful than one could imagine.

This is the case with Danny Harris. The Olympian Silver Medalist isn’t one that people would associate with Skid Row, but there he is wasting away in the slums. Unfortunately, the once successful athlete found his way to drugs and eventually wound up on Skid Row. Of course, Danny has somewhat more of a happy story, since he eventually overcomes his struggles and moves on. According to a recent update, Harris returns to Iowa State and became an assistant coach for the school’s track team. In 2012, he graduated from college.

And then, we have the veteran, Albert “Bam Bam” Olsen. This guy is the type of person you would expect to end up on Skid Row. He is somewhat of an eccentric. He seems very knowledge, despite being in a terrible predicament and clear a drug abuser. According to IMDB, Bam Bam was supposedly a part of the 2009 movie, The Soloist. During the documentary, Bam Bam finally gets an apartment and leaves the streets. His whereabouts now are unknown, as I have been unable to find anything about him. One can only hope for the best.

Linda Harris is likely the saddest case of all. He life has obviously been plagued by her neurofibromitosis, which has resulted in tumors forming about her face and body. Although Linda owns an apartment, she still returns to Skid Row and interacts with the residents. According to a 2014 update, Linda, who is a cancer survivor, continues her actions. She insists she likes the location, because the people there do not judge her. Linda has apparently done some good work and helped to get the filthy water fountains of Gladys Park replaced and helped to build tables, which are now used for board games and dominoes.

With Kevin Cohen and LeeAnne Leven, you have the first “couple” of Skid Row. The pair seem to have an awkward, but loving relationship. Cohen loves horses, while LeeAnne is totally obsessed with cats. The pair get along and Cohen seems to protect LeeAnne. In the film, Kevin Cohen seemed like a smart guy. Unfortunately, I have been able to find an update about Kevin “KK” Cohen. Sadly, he was shot and killed on April 12, 2009. He was killed alongside Tommie Hayes. Three individuals, Richard Luna, Lamont Ward and Shanana Flores were charged in connection.

I have been unable to find anything regarding LeeAnne. Perhaps, she is still out there feeding cats?

Lastly, the documentary also speaks with Terri “Detroit” Hughes. Terri was led to homelessness, due to her bipolar disorder. Surprisingly, Terri is now a member of social media, including Twitter and Facebook. She seems to be doing well, which is great.

Of course, most Skid Row stories do not end so well. Nothing has changed, since the documentary was released and it is likely that it won’t be for quite some time. Unfortunately, people would rather ignore these types of areas in America. Areas like this cannot exist in the grand United States, after all.

 

As far as the documentary goes, it is worth a watch. The first half is really good, not overly dramatically and doesn’t play the blame game. Sadly, the film turns into a pity party and begins placing the blame on everything under the moon soon after. The police, fire department and ambulances are ridiculed for their behavior. At this point, the documentary takes a slant and attempts to push its agenda onto the viewer. Cut it off at this point and you’ll enjoy it!

Overall, a 7 out of 10 is deserved.