National Association of Realtors
Thanks to the National Association of Realtors for inviting me to speak at their 2009 Leadership Summit on Tuesday. Realtor Magazine has posted a blog entry about my keynote speech. Among the issues I discussed was white-collar homelessness, a phenomenon that is undoubtedly increasing as a result of the current economic downturn. Those in the real estate industry see the imbalances in our economy on a day-to-day basis: as realtors struggle to liquidate excess housing stocks at depressed prices, homelessness increases while perfectly habitable homes sit empty and foreclosed properties fall into disrepair and drag down property values in their communities. I don’t claim to know the solution, but I know one thing: the current situation reflects the fact that markets had gotten out of sync with real human needs, which are the reason market economies exist at all. Market forces will inevitably work things out with time, but there will continue to be a lot of pain in the interim. Hopefully folks will remember to keep their heads screwed on straight during the next speculative bubble, but unfortunately history suggests that most economic lessons learned in downturns are rapidly forgotten when things start humming again.
24 Comments
Hi Chris,
this year in Milan wh had homeless cup. The Homeless World Cup is an international football tournament, where teams made up entirely of people who are homeless compete. The event is held annually and, as of 2008, is in its sixth year. The Homeless World Cup 2009 is due to be held in Milan, Italy in September 2009.
What do you think about?
Hello Chris,
I am disappointed I could not attend this event and hear you speak.
The economic down turn is effecting thousands upon thousands of real estate agents, forcing many out of the business and many are struggling to provide for their families. I know it has effected the life style I was accustomed to living. I can definitely say I don’t take for granted the simple things in life like I did before!
I hope to be able to attend one of your speaking events in the future!
Chris,
You have done a tremendous thing by sharing your personal story. For those of us who are struggling and trying to make the best of things, it is a reminder that we can overcome by the power of our testimony. Thank you!
Regards from China Chris.
Watched The Pursuit of Happyness movie last night and was deeply touched by your perseverance, tenacity and love to your little boy.
Set a clear goal and go for it! Never let anything or anybody stop you from pursuing it. Also, kids can be the source of courage and inspirations for parents. Never ever create any excuses for not taking good care of them. That would be the take away for me, a working Mummy in Shanghai.
Go for it! Nobody can stop me from being Chris Gardner…
Michelle
Hi Chris,
I recently read the book, and am in awe of your accomplishment, and your openness about so many things that have happened in your life.
Forever inspired by so many things you say, and your motto Baby Steps Count too.
Do you have plans to come to the UK anytime?
Regards,
Jason Economides
Aloha Chris,
Watched your movie The Pursuit of Happyness. Only if your homeless with children one can understand the emotional tribulations and heartache. And how a parent must dig deep inside our hearts to nurture and love our children. Our minds are only “how to survive” for just that day. I know I will not have a “riches” story. But I do know that my children are happy at the moment even though we are in a transitional housing. My pursuit of Happyness. To rekindle my relationship with GOD. Have my own house. And to be more involved in homeless and domestic groups/organizations. Chris thank you for sharing your life on being homeless. It’s still sad though how people look at you when you’re homeless. Some choose to be homeless, for most of us including me it just happened. The only accomplishment I’ve done and proud of is even though I’ve been a single parent of 7 children. I haven’t taken advantage of living off the system. I’ve worked hard to support my family. Being homeless right now is the first for us. It’s been about little over a year. I’m just thankful right now that we have shelter and food for the next 16 months. Continue success in your mission
“Pursuit of Happyness”
Chris,
While I made such a fool of myself when I ran into you today at POPEYE’S CHICKEN. I was embarrassed. I forgot to ask you for your advice on reaching my 17 year old son who struggles in high school. Your life story inspired made me go back to school where I am a student at Roosevelt University.I also work full time. Everytime I get fed up and tired, I refer back to your book. I blame myself everyday for not being able to assist my son more and provide him with the knowledge he so desperately needs to become a successful african american man like yourself. It was truly an honor to meet you. I am encouraging my son to read your book in hopes that he will develop a blueprint for himself. My ultimate fear is that he will be dependent upon others and not obtain his american dream.
There is nothing better than to go to your blog in the morning with a cup of coffee
Whatever you say, but I do not agree with your point of view about this issue
Hi Chris;
You’re one motivational guy! I smiled when I read that your finger is permanently crooked as a result of you making 200 calls a day. I know that feeling! I also know that perseverence is really the disquise that success uses most of the time. GREAT Book!
Hi Chris,
I’d like to echo Jason Economides’s question above, do you have any plans to come to the UK?
Chris we met over the summer in Las Vegas, and I was truly inspired to make great things in my life come true. As they will benefit my young son, I’m also a single Dad. I have a book idea I’d like to bounce off you. It would be a dream come true to hear from you.
I am looking forward to meeting Mr.Gardner soon. I’m inspired by his hardwork, although I’m young I understand what the struggle is like. My brand new music project is surrounded by your book. It would be an honor to meet you.
Hello Mr.Gardner
You life story has inspired me and most of my family. Thanks yo you and Mr. Smith, I have a diffferent aspect on life and how to deal with it. Thank you so much.
hi…im really happy for you…its unbelievable how you became a very successful person…i guess it wasnt easy for you to go through so much with your child. in a way i admire you becasue you kept on trying and made your wish come true. its amazing that when you set goals for yourself, you keep on trying until you make them happen. i will always keep that in mind because i one day wish to be someone in life in order to make my parents and friends proud of me.
hey chris i just wanted to say that i love your movie its very inspiring it has made me bcome a better person.
I have to agree with your assessment of white collar homelessness. The typical homeless person isn’t a person battling drug or alcohol abuse, now its a family where both parents are unable to get employment. The trend is still continuing this year and will probably go on into 2011 or even 2012.
GRACIAS SR CHRIS GARDNER, POR BRINDARNOS PARTE DE SU VIDA, QUE ES TOTALMENTE EJEMPLAR, DE VERDAD NO SE COMO PUDE ESTAR TANTO TIEMPO SIN HABER VISTO LA MEJOR PELÍCULA DE MI VIDA.
NUEVAMENTE GRACIAS
It is sad to see so many empty homes, and so many people without them.
Yes, I was homeless at one time and I can tell you that I was not a drug user, or anything of the sort. some of these homeless people are just struggling to survive and got dealt a bad hand in life.
What a waste… all those empty houses.
Only Português!
Gostaria de dizer que este homem CHRIS GARDNER, para mim foi um VENCEDOR, um Pai Herói, um Inteligente Homem, e que sua história é tão LINDA, que eu já assistí diversas vezes de tanto que gostei. E a participação de WILL SMITH (ator que amo) foi tão intensa que parecia ser o próprio CHRIS GARDNER. Gostaria de parabenizar CHRIS GARDNER pelo sofrimento que teve e que nem isso o deixou desanimar e nem lutar pelos seus ideais. Este homem CHRIS GARDNER merece o melhor prêmio que um ser humano possa receber. Um beijo bem forte do Brasil. Márcia Regina Goulart
So we meet again!
Hello Chris. The first time I met you an old friend of mine suggested I see the movie from which your inspirational story was inspired. I totally cried as your son and you used your imagination to play with dragons in the bart/subway station restroom. I cried each time you negotiated with childcare to watch your son for free…because as a single mother who once over came homelessness I totally get it. I think I whaled when told your son don’t let anyone ever tell you you can’t do something, not even me…So much of that movie hit very close to home for me. That was the first time I met you on the big screen and exactly two years from the date I was officially homeless and sought a place for myself and my daughter at a homeless shelter.
I eventually over came that strife, ended up with a not so fabulous job, but it paid the bills nicely…while I pressed on to find my passion in life of helping others like me, not knowing what to call it then. But it took loosing my well paying job and watching my once well built self esteem plumit again, hitting an all two familiar brick wall…when I reached out to my best friend (Thanks Tom) and said, I wish there was one person who has been in exactly my shoes who is an example of being able to succeed to dispite all this, so I have something to hold onto…to believe in. I had forgotten about you…but in a few clicks he sent me your link. And so we meet again.
Ironically, I have been faced most recently with trying to meet my daughters needs who has some learning disabilities which directly affected the needs of my employer. We have something in common…besides homelessness; the juggling act of single parents who are devoted to their children’s success and also keeping a roof over their heads, while staying together at all costs. We are passionate about helping others. And it has been in my own brokenness that I finally defined what my purpose on this planet is: to help others find their passions and become a life coach.
Little did I know you now are a Motivational Speaker. I have yet to meet you in real life, but I hope some day our paths will cross and I will have the honor of meeting you face to face. I can’t wait to read your latest book and just wanted to tell you thank you for being an example to myself and others that success is possible, no matter where you start.
Excelente….. Hace tiempo que no utilizó él ingles.
Las oportunidades se buscan con trabajo y empeño…
Eso sí, me encanto todo, el poder hacer todo. En la Vida. Luchando
Luis Carlos Soto García