Original subtitles

[music]

[lion roaring]

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[lion roaring]

[music]

[music]

[heavy breathing]

[music]

[music]

[heavy breathing]

[music]

[heavy breathing]

Joe Devin: All bow down, yeah.

Ira Northrup III: That's disgusting.

Joe: Yeah, he's the man, isn't he?

He knows what he's talking about, don't you?

Come on.

Greg Knox: Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's going on here?

Ira: Joe is what's going on here, Greg.

Are you two going to use those things,

or just stand there looking lost?

Joe: Hallelujah.

What are you waiting for, Porko? Fire away.

Greg: Hold on, hold on.

Ira: Oh come on, he's disturbing the peace.

Joe: You blockhead. You mother--

Greg: Joseph. Let me talk to him.

Wait a minute, let me talk to him.

Joe, you've got to calm down and back off

before this thing gets out of hand.

Joe: Yeah, well, these flunkies need

a lesson in manners.

Greg: I've got to take you in now, don't you know that, Joe?

Joe: Yeah, I know.

Greg: The question is, do I let them use those things on you,

or are you going to come with me as usual?

Joe: I'll go with you, but I ain't going to like it.

Greg: You never do.

Ira: How long, Greg, before you can't get here in time?

How long before you see what the rest of us see?

Greg: See what, Ira?

Ira: That he is not worth the time nor the effort.

That he's what's decaying this city.

He's robbing it away.

I've had just about enough of your inability to maintain the

peace around here.

All these people wanted was to enjoy a nice walk around our

fine town, and that fool comes and destroys it.

Greg: Have a nice day, Ira.

Ira: Oh, I will be placing a call to your superior.

And believe me when I tell you that I will put an end to your

short and so far very unproductive career

in law enforcement.

[music]

Tony Bruno: Hate these calls.

Samantha Clay: Seems to be getting worse every time.

Tony: I don't know how much longer he's going to last.

Samantha: Yeah.

[music]

[music]

[music]

female: One Adam one.

Greg: One Adam one, go ahead.

female: [inaudible]

Greg: En route to detox with one onboard.

female: Can I get a name of your person?

Greg: Mr. Devin.

female: Okay, I'll get someone started to take the transport.

If you could respond.

Greg: Copy that.

En route from Highway 58 and Washington.

female: Fourteen-sixty.

Joe: Whoa, slow down. I'm going to get sick back here.

Greg: Just be quiet back there, Joe.

Joe: You're the one who put me back here.

Greg: No, Joe, you put yourself back there.

[Joe mocking]

Joe: Oh goodie, Golden Peaks, the crappiest part of town.

All those people wasting the government's money, huh?

Greg: Enough, Joe.

Joe: It's true, ain't it?

Can't even mow their lawns.

Greg: That's enough.

[music]

[music]

male: Yes, I do. He saw you there last night.

Greg: Hey Russ, what's going on?

Russ McKay: Hey, Officer Knox, they're at it again.

female: You know what? Well, I'd rather be--

Russ: Right behind the trailer. Greg: One Adam one.

radio: Go ahead.

Greg: Where is that other unit? male: And how could you do that?

female: You're such an idiot. He ain't the only one neither.

male: What?

Greg: That's enough sir, that's enough.

Put your hand on your head. Put your hand on your head.

female: Oh, who's the big man now, huh?

[music]

Greg: Do you have any weapons on you?

Anything I need to know about?

male: Screw you.

Greg: I'll take that as a yes.

female: I hope they beat you real bad in prison, you pig.

Greg: Okay, let's go have a seat, tough guy.

Tony: Busy day.

Greg: Yeah, unfortunately.

Tony: Transport?

Want us to take one of these two?

Greg: I'll take Joe.

Tony: Sure.

Samantha: Sir, I'm going to get you up,

you're going to come with me.

Get on up.

We're going to go this way, watch your step on the curb.

Watch your step. Right this way.

Well, we did not end up with Joe today.

Tony: Fine with this one.

male: I hate guys like that. He's a jerk.

Tony: Hey, that's enough.

Samantha: Get in the car. Watch your head.

Hey, what is the deal with Knox?

Tony: Thinks he can save the guy.

Samantha: It's kind of a good thing he's trying though, right?

Tony: Come on, let's get Ike Turner to his new room.

[music]

Samantha: Hey, Knox.

Greg: Yeah?

Samantha: I have some more cases and files for you.

How's he doing?

Greg: I don't know.

It's like we go out there doing our best to make things better,

and some days it's hard to tell if we're making a difference.

I mean, all the policies, the communications services this

city has to offer, it seems like that we communicate less

and we talk less than we ever did before.

Take Main Street.

All the improvements, the renovations to all the roads,

the buildings, for what?

I know it's all great, don't get me wrong.

I just wish there was a way to renovate

some of the people in this town.

Like I said, it's just hard to tell if we're making

any difference, that's all.

Samantha: Maybe people just don't want anything different.

Greg: Yeah, maybe.

We could use some help down here.

[music]

June Andrews: Pastor, you do some pretty good work.

Ben Cooper: Thanks, June.

I think it's coming along pretty nice.

June: Yes, yes, it is.

So, tell me again how much I owe you for all of this.

Ben: June, why don't we just call this helping out?

I don't want--

June: I will not have any of that nonsense, young man.

You have worked hard, and you should get paid for it.

From what I can see, you have more than earned it.

Ben: Well, thank you.

June: Come on.

One, two, three, four, and five.

Now, when you finish with the rest of the yard work, you come

back and see me, and I will have a tall glass of my ice cold,

fresh-squeezed lemonade just for you.

Ben: Yes, ma'am.

June: Wonderful work, simply wonderful.

[music]

Ben: Here, let me give you a hand with that.

Russ: Whew, thanks.

Ben: Ben Cooper.

Russ: Russ McKay. I'm the manager around here.

Ben: Oh, okay.

I'm the new pastor at Golden Hills Life Church.

Russ: Oh, so you've been doing some work on June's place?

Ben: Yeah, I've been helping her out a little bit.

Russ: Looks like you do great work.

Ben: Thanks.

Russ: Hey, how much is she paying you?

Ben: Let's just say she makes a mean glass of lemonade.

Russ: I've had that lemonade.

Ben: Hey, it was good to meet you, Russ.

Russ: You too, Ben. Ben: Yeah, well see you.

Russ: Thank you.

[music]

[music]

* He's such a lonely man, keeping it quiet. *

* And whenever he takes a fall, *

* somebody takes his hand. *

female: All right, thank you. female: Thanks so much.

female: Have a good night.

female: You too. female: Joe.

[music]

female: Sorry Joe, you're short.

Joe: How short am I? female: Well, it's $10.19.

Joe: What'd I give you? female: $10.18.

Joe: Really?

Can't we just call it close enough?

male: Come on, you bum, you're holding up the line.

female: Sorry.

[music]

* Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. **

male: Oh, sorry, I'm sorry.

male: Are you trying to steal our food?

Joe: It was an accident, all right?

female: It was just an accident, okay?

male: Hey, I wouldn't want you to spill your booze.

female: I'm sorry, have a good night.

Joe: You too.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Joe: Ha, drink up, little brother.

Johnny: No, you know I don't like this stuff.

Joe: Yeah, well, dad says this stuff will make a man

out of us, so down the hatch.

Johnny: Come on, Joe.

Joe: Here, give it to me. Think of it like this.

Every time you or I take a drink of it,

it's like we're doing it together, right?

Come on.

[music]

Johnny: It burns.

Joe: Here's to us. You, me, and this tree.

[music]

[music]

[music]

male: I am so sick of you. Joe: I'm sick of you.

male: You need to get out of here.

Joe: I ain't going nowhere.

male: You know what?

I'm calling the cops, and this time, they're going to keep you.

Joe: Since you're a moron, let me help you out

with the number, 9-1-1.

Ben: Hey, hey, Ben Cooper.

I'm the pastor at Golden Hills Life Church.

I'm new.

male: Good for you, move.

Ben: Whoa, whoa, whoa, what do you think

is going to happen here?

male: I'm going to teach this drunk a lesson--

Joe: What are you waiting for, you cockroach?

Ben: Okay, look, look, look, If I can get him to leave,

you don't have to punch his teeth in.

male: Go for it.

Ben: Hey buddy, Ben Cooper.

Joe: Joe.

Ben: Hey Joe, good to meet you.

Joe: Eh, you a preacher?

Ben: Oh yeah, among other things.

Joe: You going to tell me I need Jesus?

Ben: Do you?

Joe: I need to be left alone, you idiot.

Ben: Okay, okay. All right look, look.

He said if you let him be, he would let you be.

Joe: Hey, I didn't start it, man.

Ben: Okay, whoa, whoa, whoa. Okay, all right.

You need to end it by walking away.

Joe: Fine, I don't want to be here anyway, Ginger.

Ben: There you go. Peace at last, right?

male: Not really. He will be back.

He always is. Good try, though.

[music]

Ben: Welcome home, Ben.

Ira's Grandfather: So you see, son, even though

it's a small dot on the map, it's our dot.

It belongs to us.

We have to be responsible for what happens here.

We've been given so much in terms of wealth and resources.

And as part of that, we've taken up a charge to aid our city

in becoming its best.

Does that make sense?

That's why my grandfather founded the Golden Traders

Society with those businesses and folks.

We want to continue to work to better our society

and the surrounding community.

When you grow up and take over the companies,

and the store, and all our land,

the responsibilities will then come to you.

[music]

Ira: Yes, mayor, I agree, it sounds like

a great idea in theory.

Who wouldn't want to try to improve that area?

My only concern is what it might cost our fine people, and how it

might force further sacrifices to our well-established

tradition and golden charm.

Sure, sure.

But how many other Golden community mainstays will suffer

if you follow through on this?

Think about it, man.

If you invest our hard-earned dollars on a run-down mobile

home park that's stacking up health and safety violations,

and filled with helpless charity cases, next thing you know,

others just like them will want a handout as well.

It might be better to simply move on and restore

some dignity to the area.

mayor: Well, I'm not so sure that's a solution.

We pride ourselves on--

Ira: Well, you have my thoughts on the situation,

Mr. Mayor.

And if you do decide to follow through on this, just keep in

mind the considerable pull that myself and the GTS have.

I would really hate to be in opposition to you.

Well, good, that's great.

I'm glad you'll be speaking further

to the council about this.

Fine, that's great.

Well, thank you for your time then.

We'll talk later.

Uh-huh. Okay, goodbye.

Well?

Warren Prescott: Let's just hope they change their mind.

Ira: The mayor and his council, despite their growing

courage and their ever-stiffening backbone, most

likely won't risk losing our support over the issue.

Warren: I hope not.

Ben: It's true, we're all given free will to make our own

choices, but what better way to show our devotion

and faith in him than to use that free will

to choose to follow his direction?

I grew up here, graduated from the high school,

went to the stores here.

I spent years of my youth roaming the streets.

And, from time to time, I may have gotten into

a little bit of trouble.

But my returning home after years in Portland was not a

choice Marie and I made using some rational thought process.

We were led so strongly to this very place at this very time.

We just chose to obey God's calling.

To say that I know what that calling is going to be,

that'd be a lie.

And you know, since we're in church, I won't do that.

There's a burden on my heart.

There's something I just can't explain away.

I know there's a purpose for us being called.

Maybe it's a place, maybe it's even a person.

[doors opening]

Joe: Oh, amen, preacher man.

Amen.

Is this your family? Where's your wife?

Front row, congratulations. Hey, preacher.

Ben: Joe.

Joe: Hey, keep your hands off of me.

Ben: Okay, okay, okay, calm down.

Babe, maybe we can get him some coffee.

Joe: I don't want no coffee.

I brought my own drink, thank you very much.

Ben: Joe, come on, let's have a seat.

Joe: Hey, I'm leaving, all right?

You people are all the same.

You talk, and you talk, and you talk, but you don't do nothing.

I'm not your little project, all right?

I don't need you, and I don't need your God.

Ben: Joe.

Joe: Amen, amen, amen, amen. Hallelujah, amen, amen.

Joe: Amen, amen.

Good evening, officers.

What can I do you for?

Tony: Joe, we got another complaint.

Joe: Really, for what?

Samantha: Public intoxication, danger to yourself or others.

You can take a pick, Joe.

Joe: Can't you just wait until I'm done?

Tony: No, give me the bottle.

Joe: Nope.

Tony: Come on, you can't even stand up straight.

Joe: The heck I can't.

Whoa.

Tony: Joe, come on.

Joe: I stepped in a hole, all right?

Tony: There's no hole.

Joe: There's a hole there.

A divot, whatever you want to call it, all right?

Just give me another test. Come on, I'm not drunk.

Come on, bro, give me one more test.

Come on, I can pass. Give me another test.

Give me another test.

Tony: Fine, stick out your fingers, touch your nose.

Joe: Not a problem.

I can't seem to find my nose.

But these--

Tony: Enough, turn around. Joe: Get your hands off me.

Tony: Joe, you're coming with me.

Joe: Just go get Knox. Tony: I don't need Knox.

Joe: Go get Knox.

Tony: I don't need Knox. Joe, get off of me.

Samantha: Stop resisting or I will tase you, Joe.

Joe: Don't tase me, don't tase me, don't tase me.

Tony: Get down, Joe.

You get ready to tase him if he's going to continue to--

Samantha: I don't think he's going to resist again.

We got him.

Are you good?

Tony: Yeah, I'm good.

I'm just tired of this.

Samantha: Yeah, that's understandable.

What next?

Tony: You search him. I'll call it in.

Samantha: You okay, Joe?

Tony: Two Adam one, we got one in custody.

Samantha: I'm going to sit you up.

Joe: I need to get my hat. Samantha: I'll get your hat.

Tony: Come on, Joe. Samantha: One, two.

[music]

[music]

[telephone ringing]

female: West Coast Treatment Center.

Greg: Yeah, this is Officer Knox.

Can I talk to the on-site manager please?

female: Of course. One moment, please.

Greg: Okay, thank you.

Dr. Allen: Officer Knox, it's Dr. Allen.

Greg: Hi, Dr. Allen.

Listen, I was hoping I could get some more information

on Joe's condition.

Dr. Allen: Well, Greg, we've been doing this a long time.

You know I can't give you any specifics.

Greg: Well, what can you tell me?

Doctor?

Dr. Allen: Okay, Greg, I can tell you that his blood work

is very concerning.

People that drink that much go into liver failure.

Frankly, I'm surprised he's still alive.

Listen, Greg. I know you care about him.

If he doesn't stop drinking now, he'll be dead soon, really soon.

Greg: Okay, thank you, doctor.

Dr. Allen: Okay, Greg.

[music]

[audience chattering]

Ira: Attention, everyone. May I have your attention?

Attention, everyone, why don't we proceed and come to order?

Thank you.

Well, I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight to the

Connected Neighbors meeting sponsored

by the Golden Traders Society.

We do have a variety of items slated for this evening,

but I'd like to address an issue right off the top.

I've just finished some research on the subject.

Of course, I'm speaking of the growing marginal population.

Let me just start by saying this.

The Golden Traders Society has a long tradition of community

improvement and dedication to economic, societal,

and humanitarian enrichment.

As many of you know, my great-grandfather founded

the GTS, and it has served this growing community

for many years.

But I fear that we are losing our rich identity.

Phil Cole: Yeah, that's right.

Ira: The findings I have in my hand indicate that the

downtown businesses and the real estate market could suffer

drastically because of this group's presence in our downtown

street, which of course increases the police presence

due to fighting and disturbances of the public peace.

These marginal areas could drive down the real estate market.

And now, I know you're probably thinking of course Ira

is concerned about property values, but I'll tell you

this is not insider news, folks.

Those people could and most likely will drag land prices

down after we have worked so hard to raise them.

Now, just think about all the work done downtown alone.

Now, I don't want you to think I'm the only one that's

concerned about this, so I have asked some other well-respected

community members to speak tonight.

Okay, Phil, won't you go ahead and stand up and address them?

Phil, by the way, if you don't know him,

runs one of the tour bus routes that goes around town.

Phil: Thank you, Ira. My name's Phil Cole.

Like Ira said, I run the tours in town.

After some serious complaints and coming to the realization

that I can't avoid them anymore, I finally had to change my

routes, avoiding parts of Main Street

and the surrounding parks.

They have become too much of an eyesore,

and I can't stand showing that to visitors.

I mean, that's not who we are.

Truth is, I'm not sure how it's going to affect my business,

but it's something that had to be done.

It's a sacrifice I had to make.

After all, that representation of Golden just won't work.

We have to protect our history, and we have to try

and get back to the things that made us great.

Ira: Well, we understand why you did that, Phil.

I think we're all sorry that you had to make such a sacrifice.

Is there anything we can do to assist you in this time?

Phil: Yeah, get rid of them.

Ira: Okay, well, thank you for sharing that with us, Phil.

Let's see, Ed Mose has a statement for us.

Ed, go ahead.

Ed Mose: Hello y'all. Like Ira said, I'm Ed Mose.

I own the shoe and leather repair shop down on Main Street.

Well, it was last week one night when I was closing up shop.

I headed out back to empty the trash at the bin, and one

of them asked me for some change.

I must say, in all my years, and I've been here for a few, in all

my years, I've never had to deal with a beggar at my back door.

And I don't think I should have to neither.

We need to clean this town up.

male: I agree. female: Absolutely.

Ed: Isn't that your job, Office Knox, to clean up this

town, to rid it of all the bad elements?

Ira: I'm sure, Ed, that Greg is doing all he can.

But let's be honest, we need to take some actions

ourselves as well.

Warren: Yes, absolutely.

Phil: It's time to do something about this town.

[music]

Ben: Marie, I'm telling you, it was disturbing.

They were totally tearing into each other.

I can't believe people will even talk like--I've got to go, babe,

I've got to help somebody.

[music]

Ben: Hey, Joe? Joe.

Oh, please don't be dead.

Joe: Don't go, Johnny, don't go.

Please, Johnny.

female: Golden 911.

Ben: Yeah, I need an ambulance or something.

female: Okay, sir, where are you?

Ben: I'm in the park over off Main.

female: What's your name? Ben: It's Ben Cooper.

female: Okay Ben, what's the emergency there?

Ben: I'm with a guy that's passed out in the park.

female: Do you know who he is?

Ben: Kind of. I think his name's Joe.

female: Joe, do you know his last name?

Ben: No, I don't know his last name.

He's drunk and passed out in the park.

He needs some help.

Hello?

female: Yes sir, someone's on their way.

Ben: Okay, thank you. female: Thank you.

[music]

Greg: Hello, I'm Officer Knox.

How's he doing?

Ben: I don't know, I saw him slump over,

so I checked his pulse and called 911.

Is an ambulance coming?

Greg: No, he'll be all right.

We've just got to get him in to dry out.

Ben: Do you know this guy? Greg: Yeah, it's Joe Devin.

Ben: Wait, like Joey and Johnny Devin?

Greg: Yeah. Do you know him?

Ben: I knew of him, them.

They were older than me and always in trouble.

I don't--I didn't put it together.

Greg: I'm here, Joe. Joe: No, I need help.

Greg: I got you. I know you do.

Joe: No, I need help.

Greg: Okay, Joe. Joe: Please.

Greg: Okay, Joe, I'm going to give you help.

Thanks.

Ben: Ben Cooper.

Greg: Thank you, Ben. I'll see you around, I guess.

Ben: Yeah, okay. What happens now?

Greg: Well, like I said, I take him to dry out.

Ben: Okay, can I go with you?

Greg: No.

Why would you want to do that?

Ben: I just want to make sure he's okay.

Greg: Listen, Ben, you seem like a nice guy.

Don't take me wrong, but who are you?

Ben: Oh, I'm the new pastor at Golden Hills Life Church.

Greg: Ah, so this is some kind of community service thing then?

Ben: No.

Greg: Listen, I can't take you with me.

To do a ride-along, you have to fill out all sorts of paperwork.

Ben: Yeah, ride-along, let's do that.

Greg: Meet me at the station then?

Ben: Okay, how long?

Greg: Are you sure you want to do this?

Ben: Yeah.

Greg: Give me 30 minutes then.

Ben: Okay, I'll see you there.

female: I'd probably faint.

Marie Cooper: No, that's not true, you wouldn't faint.

female: I might.

Marie: No.

Wait, speaking of.

Hey honey, you okay?

You're not calling me from jail, are you?

Ben? Ben, what'd you do?

Ben: Nothing, nothing.

The--do you remember that guy, Joe, that came

to the church that day?

Marie: Yeah, kind of hard to forget.

Ben: True.

Well, he was passed out in the park earlier when

we were talking, and he wasn't doing well.

And then--and I had to call 911. And so, I did.

And then the officer that came out, his name was Greg Knox, and

I just feel like I need to spend some more time with him is all.

So, I'm at the police station, and I'm going on a ride-along.

Marie: You know, you never cease to amaze me.

All right, just be careful, Ben, please.

I cannot wait to hear about this when you get home.

Ben: You know I love you.

Marie: I love you too. Bye.

He's just calling to tell me that they had to call 911 for

this guy in the park, and now he's at the police station, and

he's going on a ride-along to talk to the officer more.

female: What?

Marie: Yeah, that's my Ben.

female: Unbelievable.

Greg: I got to be honest, I'm surprised you still came.

Ben: Why is that?

Greg: Well, Ben, we get a lot of pastors, a lot of religious

types who come through here that say they want to make a

difference, when really all they want to do is

prop themselves up, and maybe for a better position.

They like the prestige of being a do-gooder.

Is that what you are, Ben, a do-gooder?

Ben: No, I just want to know what's happening

to my community.

Greg: All right then. You're going to see it.

You're going to see it all.

[music]

Ben: What happened to him?

Greg: Joe?

Ben: Yeah.

Greg: That, pastor, is a long story.

Ben: We've got an entire ride-along, right?

Greg: You knew his brother Johnny.

Ben: Yeah, I knew of him.

Greg: Well, the two of them, like they were joined

at the hip.

They were inseparable.

They came from a really rough home, a really bad situation.

And they figured why stick around there

when they could leave?

So, they did.

They got jobs, they worked hard, but Joe was especially bothered

and haunted by what their folks had put them through.

The way he would escape was into the bottle, and ended up

taking Johnny with him.

Joe would get drunk, pick fights,

do all sorts of crazy things.

And Johnny was right there by his side.

Then the accident happened and--

Ben: What accident?

Greg: I was the responding officer.

When I arrived, I saw Johnny and Joe

just standing there helpless.

They had been drinking, and Johnny never saw her.

He hit a pedestrian.

The young girl was walking home.

She had died before I got there.

Johnny ended up doing some time.

And when he got out of prison, he got a last chance.

Worked with Joe on the lawn crew.

He stayed clean, you know, for a pretty long time.

But something triggered him.

Johnny was out back on the job, a job that he and Joe

had been working on.

And it was a summer day, it was an especially hot day.

Like I said, something set him off.

Who knows?

Took the gas caps off and started huffing up,

inhaling the fumes.

Joe finished up and went looking for Johnny.

He went around back, and that's when he found

his brother's body.

Ben: That's rough.

Greg: You know, Joe, he might have been a bit

of a troublemaker, but man, he loved his brother.

The day that Johnny died, Joe just lost it.

He was gone.

I've been trying to keep him out of major trouble ever since.

Ben: So, you've been on the force awhile now, huh?

Greg: Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, I've--I've been around awhile.

I've seen a lot of things.

Ben: I bet you have.

female: One Adam One.

This is one Baker one, over.

Greg: Here we go.

One Adam one, go ahead.

female: Unit 411, Golden Peaks number 21.

Two males physically fighting.

Greg: Not surprising. Copy that, en route.

Just remember you wanted to see this.

[music]

[siren wailing]

Greg: You stay out of the way. Break it up.

Hey, break it up.

Break it up!

Wait.

Samantha: Stay down.

Greg: Move, move.

So, that's what you call staying out of the way?

Russ: Pastor, that was amazing.

I've never seen anything like that, especially from a pastor.

Greg: Where were you off to there, twinkle toes, church?

Meet your pastor.

Russ: It's a good thing you guys showed up when you did.

I was afraid I was going to have to get involved.

Greg: Really, Russ?

I find it hard to believe that you would step on a spider,

let alone use that.

Russ: Well now, it depends on the spider.

I mean, have you seen those guys with the fangs and the legs?

Nasty business.

Man.

I kind of liked it when you guys just showed up once a month.

Now, you're showing up once a week.

Greg: I hear you.

Tony: Two Adam one, we have two in custody.

One code four.

male: Did you get him, huh?

Tony: Stop. Samantha: Get up.

Tony: Let's go. Samantha: Play nice.

Greg: I'm going to take the runner in.

Tony: We'll clean up things here.

Greg: Thanks.

[music]

[music]

Greg: Well, Ben, you picked a heck of a night

for a ride-along.

Now, you get to see the inside of a jail.

The adrenaline will wear off soon.

Ben: Oh, yeah.

Greg: By the way, that was a heck of a body slam

you put on him.

Dumb, but it's still a heck of a move.

Ben: Yeah, well, I don't think my wife would approve.

Greg: Well, I can't speak for your wife, but thank you.

Sure you want to keep going?

Ben: Yeah, I need to see this.

Greg: All right, but no more of that John Wayne stuff,

all right?

[music]

Greg: Here you go.

This always seems to help me adjust to the long nights,

the realization that it's eight in the morning.

Ben: Thanks.

Greg: You bet.

I don't know, Ben.

Finally come to the decision that the best I can be

in this community is a--is a voice.

You know, try to help out where I can, aid others when I come

in contact with them.

Ben: And Greg, I don't know how to say this, but there's

something seriously missing from this community.

Greg: Yeah, neighbors.

Ben: Wait, what did you just say?

Greg: I said neighbors.

Ben: Wait, what do you mean by that?

Greg: Ben, seems like people have gotten selfish, you know?

It's all become about me and mine.

People used to be neighborly.

They used to help each other out when they could, you know?

They were good neighbors.

Ben: That's it. Yeah.

Greg: Did I say something to amuse you?

Ben: No, no. It's so simple, it's sad really.

Greg: I'm sorry?

Ben: Thank you, thank you. I've got to go.

Okay, I got to go, but-- I got to go,

but I'll catch you later, okay?

Greg: What the heck was that?

Joe: Still got it.

Here we are again.

You never left me, even when everyone else did.

You were always there for me.

I loved being your brother, the way you looked up to me.

But I let you down.

I don't know what to do anymore.

There ain't nobody here to talk to me like you did.

[music]

I messed up.

It should have been me locked up, it should have

been me in this thing.

[music]

You were the better one.

You were so smart, and that smile.

[music]

[music]

I'm going to miss you so much.

I guess this is it.

[music]

[music]

Well, let us drink, huh?

[music]

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Joe: Goodbye, little brother.

Greg: Hey Joe, how you holding up?

Joe: I've been worse.

Greg: Yeah, I think I was there.

Joe: So, what the heck's going on?

How much longer do I got to be here?

I hate being here this long, you know?

Greg: Joe, I need to--I need to talk to you about something.

Joe: Okay.

Greg: Do you remember asking me for help?

Joe: Things are a little fuzzy, but--

Greg: Joe, this is it.

Joe: What, holding me a day or two more?

Greg: No, no. I found a program.

Would go into effect the next time you are picked up drunk,

and it wouldn't let you be released when you're sober.

Instead, you had to go before a judge.

Joe: A judge for what?

Greg: It's a statute, statute that says if there's enough

evidence, a judge can order a person into a treatment program

against their consent.

It's either go into a program or go before a judge.

Joe: If I wouldn't go to jail for it, I'd beat you so bad

right now, you son of a-- how could you do this to me?

Greg: Joseph, please.

Do you remember asking me for help?

Joe: Yeah.

Greg: This is it. I put this affidavit together.

It has all our interactions.

It has a report of all your contacts

with the other officers, with businesses.

There's enough here to force you into a program.

Joe, I don't want to see you end up in prison

like your brother Johnny.

I don't want to see you end up dead.

I'm not doing this as Officer Knox.

Don't you get it, Joe?

I'm doing this as your friend.

Go ahead, go before a judge.

Have him strip all of your choices,

or you can choose to go into a program.

It's up to you.

Joe: Did you know he liked to paint?

Greg: No, I didn't know that.

Joe: He was really good too.

Greg: I bet.

Joe: Well, how long do I got to be in the program?

I mean, how long would it last?

Greg: About a year.

But Joe, there's a chance for off campus living

in a group home.

There will be work options. There will be regular meetings.

There will be counseling, Joe.

[music]

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Joe: I'll do it. I'll enter the program.

Greg: That's good. I'm proud of you, Joe.

I'm real proud of you.

I'll be back.

[music]

Ben: Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,

the Pharisees got together.

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him

with this question, "Teacher, which is

the greatest commandment in the law?"

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself."

All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.

We as a church know and strive to meet the first commandment.

We love him wholeheartedly.

But I've got to be honest, we're not very good at the second one.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what type of

pastor I should be, and what this congregation

should look like.

I've been carrying around a burden, just this sense that

something more was needed by me, and quite frankly by all of us.

You see, I don't want to pastor just this church.

I want to be a pastor to this community, to step outside

the church walls, and go beyond programs

and outreach ministries.

I want this church to look like our community, but with one

major difference, that we become great at the second

commandment, the second greatest commandment,

to love our neighbors as ourselves.

It's time.

It's time that our actions speak louder than our words.

It is time we become the golden rule.

[music]

Warren: Ira. Are you okay?

Ira: Yes, fine, thank you. Please continue, Warren.

Warren: Okay.

It's like I was saying, what the mayor and the council is

suggesting is to provide the park with funds to upgrade

the living standards.

You know, roofing, heating, A/C, plumbing, basic stuff.

The mayor wants to try and avoid shutting the park down

and putting more people on the streets.

The park has some pretty serious violations.

I checked, and the city recently sent a letter

with some deadlines.

What do you think?

Ira: I think to spend a single dime on a property

like that would be a waste.

Not to mention it's fast becoming the first choice

of the very element that we're seeking to get rid of.

If that property were mine, I would level it and turn it

into something useful.

Unfortunately, we can't exactly say that, now can we?

What we need to do is find a way to get rid of that park.

Until then, we need to buy some time.

Maybe we can suggest to the council to allow us to do some

research and to come up with some other options

to improve that area.

Warren: Okay, I like that. What are the options?

Ira: I'll come up with something and let everybody know

when I have it.

Now, I should get back to preparing

for our meeting tonight.

Warren: All right. I'll see you later.

Ira: Thanks, Warren.

[music]

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Ben: Hey, Russ. Russ: Pastor.

Ben: How's it going?

Russ: Back for more punishment, huh?

Ben: Oh, yeah. There's a lot to be done.

I just, you know, figured I'd lend a hand.

Russ: Yeah.

Hey, how much are you charging these days?

Sorry.

Ben: No, it's okay.

Russ, something you want to talk about?

Russ: Oh, well, you got a minute?

Ben: Sure thing.

Russ: Okay.

[music]

female: Hello, Mr. Northrop. How are you today?

Ira: Fine, thank you.

female: Right this way.

Make yourself comfortable.

Can I get you any coffee?

Ira: No, thank you.

female: All right, I'll let Mr. Johnson know you're here.

[music]

Ira: What'd you find?

Don Johnson: Well, some pretty interesting stuff.

Did you know that this park is actually

one of the oldest parts of Golden?

The estimated value of the land

right around a million dollars as is.

It's owned by a private party out of state.

It used to be a place for travelers in the early 1900s,

the site for some rallies.

And a former mayor once lived at the park, actually.

Ira: I see.

Don: I don't know what else you might want from me on this,

but the property is not for sale.

Ira: I know it's not for sale yet.

What I'm looking to do is separate the park from the land.

Don: I don't know if I follow.

Ira: I want to get rid of the park, Don.

I'm tired of driving by it.

I'm tired of the rundown sight of it.

It's time for it to go away permanently.

Don: I don't know what you want from me.

I can't do anything illegal.

Ira: I don't want to do anything illegal either, Don.

It's time we move in, provide a solution, and do the right

thing, despite the park owner or the tenants--

Don: We?

Ira: Yes, Don, we, the Golden Traders Society.

We're going to swoop in and save the day,

and turn a historical mistake into a monument of good.

Look, we could expand the school, we could build some

much-needed housing.

We could even open a park dedicated to our rich history.

That is, if we make the bold move.

Don: I don't know, it just seems a little conniving to me.

Ira: I don't know if you have what it takes to be my agent

anymore or not, Don.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to consider finding someone else

to manage all my properties.

Ben: So, what are the things that have to be done?

[music]

[music]

Russ: It's a pretty long list.

Ben, without that funding from the city, my owners don't stand

a chance here.

I mean, we're talking minimum wage,

elderly folk, family--families.

I don't--I don't know how we're going to do this.

Ben: Russ, what can I do to help?

Russ: Well, I was hoping you might want to do

some of the work.

I've seen the way you care for June and--I don't know,

but something inside me told me to ask.

You know, you got a lot on your plate.

You got your church, and you got a table to put food on.

I mean, it's--you know what?

Ben: Russ, look, I'll tell you what.

Let's just start by looking at some of this stuff.

Russ: Okay. Thank you, Ben.

Ben: Hey, we're neighbors.

Marie: Hey, hon. How you doing?

Ben, what's on your mind?

Ben: Russ over at Golden Peaks, he asked

if he could talk with me.

And I thought maybe he had some questions

about church or something.

And he shows me this list from the city.

It's a letter saying that the tenants over there are facing

some serious violations.

And then he's got this whole list

of fixes that need to be done.

He asked if I'd be willing to help, you know,

fix the trailers and stuff.

And so, he showed me around.

And I mean, there are some serious

issues with some of them.

And like roofs and rotted decks, and paint, and windows,

and plumbing, heat, yardwork.

Just that's just what we could see.

I mean, I can't imagine, if we looked hard enough,

what we'd find.

It's just a--it's a long list.

Marie: Well, that's a lot of consistent work.

I mean, you can do all that, right?

Ben: Yeah.

Marie: But what's wrong?

I thought that would be a good thing.

Ben: Marie, I don't think I'm supposed to charge.

Marie: Wait, what? Why wouldn't you charge?

Ben: It feels like the right place to start being a neighbor.

Marie: Honey, that's a lot of work.

Who's going to pay for that?

You've got labor, you have materials.

I mean, where--how do you start something like that?

Ben: I don't know.

Marie: Okay, I want to see it.

Ben: What?

Marie: No, I want to see it.

I want to go over there right now, and I want to see it.

Ben: Okay.

Marie: Okay?

Ben: Okay.

[music]

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Marie: We can't charge them.

But we are doing this.

This is right.

This is--this is right.

And we can make a difference here, now.

Now what?

Ben: I don't know.

I mean, it's not like they make a playbook for this.

Marie: Well, we need one.

Ben: What we need is an army.

Ira: All right, let's keep this moving.

Next up, we have a new speaker, Ben Cooper.

All right, Ben, go ahead.

Ben: Well, some of you might know me or remember me

from a younger age, but I'm Ben Cooper.

I'm the pastor at Golden Hills Life Church.

Now, I'm not here tonight as a pastor, but more like

a neighbor, on behalf of a neighbor, Russ McKay,

the manager at Golden Peaks.

That's the mobile home park over on 3rd.

He just received a laundry list of fixes that need to be done

on the trailers there.

And I was talking with him, and one of his major concerns is

that, you know, since the park is made up mainly of low-income,

affording these fixes is a huge stretch.

So, I thought I'd come and ask for some help.

Now, I can do some of the work, but it'd sure be great to, you

know, have some extra hands, or maybe some donations

until financial relief comes from the city

and the neighborhood grant program.

I'm thinking, you know, going over there every Saturday,

starting this Saturday, and we'll just work on whatever

projects we have the funds for.

I'm thinking we'll start with the roofs--

Ira: Excuse me, Ben.

I apologize for interrupting, but that park

is pretty far gone, is it not?

Ben: Well, what do you mean by far gone, sir?

Ira: Well, I'm very familiar with the situation over there.

I have done some research on my own.

And honestly, son, it might be better for you to let this one

go and try for another area.

Ben: Excuse me, sir, I hope I'm not being rude, but you

know, there are elderly folks, and families, and people just

trying to get by there.

If we don't step in and help them, they can end up on the

streets or worse.

I can't imagine anybody would want that.

Ira: Look, Pastor Ben, there are several organizations

already in place to aid those who seek it.

Ben: What programs are you referring to, sir?

Ira: Well, Reverend Rick here has a food pantry

out of his church.

And Franklin, his nonprofit works with other service

providers and organizations to bring project

and volunteers together.

Maybe you could seek their advice on maybe where would be

a better place for you to get involved.

Ben: Sir--

Ira: Ira, you can call me Ira.

Ben: All right, Ira.

I've been to those sites, and I've made some phone calls.

And all I've learned is that I need an appointment, or their

services are not easy to access.

I'm not looking to start a nonprofit or some organization.

I just want to help my neighbors fix up their homes.

Ira: Well, Ben, I'm just telling you that you will not

find assistance here.

Ben: Look, I know you all have had some concerns with

the marginals of the city, but I thought if I brought a way to

keep people from becoming homeless, or a way to help out,

you might step up.

But this reaction?

I didn't see this coming.

Can you tell me why you're so quick to dismiss this?

Ira: Because, young man--

Ben: It's Ben. You can call me Ben.

Ira: Because, Ben, this group of individuals has managed to

decay our cities by infesting our neighborhoods

and draining our resources.

Now, the GTS and other concerned citizens of this fine community

are committed to the betterment of the city, not the

encouragement of further rot.

And as such, it is our responsibility to lead us away

from further damage.

Ben: What damage are you talking about?

Ira: What damage?

The damage done when those people walk the streets,

beg for money, yelling at patrons, drunk.

What about when reckless behavior

costs someone their life?

I will not tolerate this cancerous spread any further.

And those people are this city's cancer.

They are public enemy number one.

Ben: Public enemy number one? Can you hear yourself right now?

There could be rapists and murderers and child molesters

out there, and you're concerned with a few people trying to find

a warm place to stay and some food to eat?

You want an enemy to fight? How about poverty, not the poor.

Ira: Will that be all?

Ben: No!

That's all I have to say here today.

I'll be at the park at 8 a.m.

on Saturday if anybody would like to help.

Thank you for your time.

[music]

Greg: Hey Ben, Ben, wait.

You okay?

Ben: Greg, I cannot believe that just happened.

There's no way they're that ignorant.

Greg: Listen, I--

Art Wallace: Hey. Greg: Hey, Art.

Art: Hey.

I just wanted to say, Ben, I agree with you 100%.

I want to help out if I can.

You know, I own Smith's Hardware right down the street.

I'd love to take a look at that list and see

how we can help out.

You know, I also know some guys that can swing

a hammer pretty good.

So, what do you say come by tomorrow, take a look at that

list, and we'll put something together for Saturday?

Ben: Absolutely. Yeah, thanks bro.

Art: All right.

Joe: I think we both know that girl was checking me out,

all right?

Johnny: Okay, bro, whatever gives you the confidence

to sleep at night.

Joe: Okay, yeah. Give me a drink then, all right?

Johnny: Whatever.

You know, maybe she's into short guys.

Joe: Yeah?

Johnny: All right, let's go, give me the keys.

Joe: Here you go, take them. They're right there, come on.

Well, take them. Come on.

Johnny: You're not driving.

Joe: You want the keys?

Johnny: Look at yourself, you're not driving.

Joe: The heck I ain't.

Johnny: Yeah, you're in great shape to drive.

Let me have a drink then.

Joe: That's the spirit. Hey man.

Johnny: Too slow, bro.

Joe: Not cool.

You know, I'm older, and I should be driving.

Johnny: Yeah, well, I'm taller.

Get in the truck.

Joe: All right.

John Peter Devin, give me those keys right now, young man.

Johnny: Shut up.

Joe: Pretty good driving, it's just like a taxi service.

You should take a drink.

Where'd the lights go?

[music]

Joe: Hey, it's Joe.

Hey, uh, look, I really need to get out of here.

Any chance you could help me out with that?

Actually, that sounds really good.

No, really, that'd be--that'd be great.

No, I get it, I get it, I do.

I'll just be ready whenever, okay?

Thank you.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Ben: We just keep getting bigger and bigger, don't we?

Russ: Pretty soon, we're going to need

a name for this band.

Ben: Yeah. Hey, Art.

Art: Hey, man; looks like Steve brought a new guy.

Steve: Steve. Ben: Good to see you, buddy.

Hey, Ben Cooper, good to meet you.

male: Good to meet you.

Ben: Hey, Sarah.

Russ: Okay, so you know how you're always talking about

being a good neighbor?

Ben: Yeah.

Russ: What about The Neighborhood Project?

Greg: How about the Neighborhood Rehab Project?

Ben: Joe, it's good to see you, brother.

I've heard you're real handy with fixing stuff too.

Glad to have the help.

Joe: I'm really glad to be here.

Ben: Great.

All right, we're wasting daylight.

Let's get to work.

[music]

[music]

Russ: Hey, Pastor Ben.

Ben: Hey.

Russ: Hey, I want to show you something.

Ben: Oh, Russ.

Russ: No.

So, you said something the other day that gave me an idea.

You said God uses us like instruments.

Well, I'm a tool.

Ben: I'm a tool. I like it.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Elise Brown: Art, we just don't know what to do.

[music]

[music]

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Ira: So, what happened?

Franklin Mitchel: Didn't get the petition signed.

Ira: Why not?

Franklin: Because they've already donated to the project.

Ben: And Mike's crew, can you guys raise your hands?

Great, all right, you're going to be over at the Burgess' place

working on her front porch area.

It's on the north side of town, but we're going to have trucks

running back and forth with supplies if you need anything.

Any questions? Great, here we go, on three.

One, two, three--

crowd: I'm a tool.

Joe: Ben?

Ben: Yeah?

Joe: You sure you want me to do this?

Ben: Joe, you're ready.

I mean, you can handle the work, right?

Joe: Oh, the work ain't the problem.

It's--it's the team.

Ben: What do you mean?

Joe: I don't know how to lead nobody.

Ben: Joe, leadership isn't telling people what to do.

It's just inspiring them to do what they already do well.

You've been here every Saturday for the past 2 months.

And I've heard about your service

at the program group home.

You know, that's one of the reasons I was glad they let you

work release with us.

Joe, you're not that guy anymore.

It's time to go be the better guy.

[music]

Joe: Dan?

Dan: Hey, Joe, so glad you're here.

We don't even know where to start.

Joe: Well, I was--I was thinking that we'd start with

those weeds down there, and then we'll just work our way

back if that sounds--

male: Yeah.

Joe: All right.

male: Let's do it. Lead on, show us how.

Ben: Oh, hey Greg.

I didn't think you were going to be able to stop by today.

Greg: Ben, I came to bring you this.

Ben: What's this?

Greg: It's an official letter from the city, says they have to

investigate some complaints and the petition that's been going

around some of the neighborhoods.

Ben, they may have to shut you down.

Ben: They have to investigate our permits.

Greg, you know we got all the right stuff.

Can they really do this?

Greg: They already did.

Ben: I thought the city was onboard

with what we're doing here.

Greg: They were.

They--the city loves this project.

You know that, Ben.

But they still have to investigate these complaints,

and they've got to give that petition its due process.

Ben, it's not about the city. It's about--

Ben: Ira and the GTS.

Greg: Yeah.

Ben: All right, what can we do?

Greg: At this point, not much.

They'd have to stop that complaint, and they'd have

to cease with that petition.

We both know that that's not going to happen.

What are you going to do?

Ben: I'm going to Art's place to get some paint.

I'm going to paint that fence right there.

Greg: Then?

Ben: I'm going to go home and pray about this with my wife.

[music]

[music]

Dan Hopkins: Can I join you?

Ben: Sure.

Dan: What's got you in here?

Ben: I don't know, I just--I can't seem to wrap my mind

around, you know, why people are the way they are.

Dan: Wow, that's--that's a pretty deep thought.

Ben: Sorry.

I've been working with this ministry delivering bread,

and been going to this apartment complex for months.

And finally seeing some signs that things are turning around.

Dan: That's great.

Ben: Well, today the apartment manager comes to me,

and just tears into me.

Dan: For what?

Ben: For bringing the bread every week.

He said--he said it was trespassing, and next time

he's going to call the cops.

Dan: So, what's got you in here?

Ben: I don't know, I guess I just thought that maybe

he'd give me an answer in here.

Dan: You know, Ben, I learned a truth a long time ago that,

despite all our efforts to try and love others, and try to do

the right thing, the reality is everyone's been given

the right to choose.

Unfortunately, some choose not to see.

Ben: But what does that even mean, though?

Dan: It means that even though you're doing great things

with the bread, and those people down there are starting to make

changes, even though you're making a difference,

he's chosen not to see it.

Ben: But I mean, why?

Dan: Could be anything.

But I've found that most times, it's they just can't

get past their own hurt.

Ben: So, I mean, I need to find out what his hurt is

and help him there?

Dan: And that, Ben, is the second biggest truth

I've learned.

Sometimes, they don't want your help.

Ben: How am I supposed to know the difference?

Dan: You don't.

You just keep on loving them, and keep on working

until they either tell you to stop or they let you in.

[music]

[music]

Ed: Hey, what are you doing under there?

I fix shoes, I don't bake bread. Get out of there, you bum.

Tony: Hey, back up.

Sir, I need you to come out from behind there.

Joe: Bruno, Bruno, let me talk to him.

Samantha: Joe.

Joe: Just give me a minute, all right?

Hey, how you doing? It's Joe.

Look, man, you're going to want to come out of there, okay?

Look, man, I've been where you're at, you know that.

I know what it's like to be hungry.

Yeah, I used to wait out back of a diner just hoping

for some scraps, you know?

It's tough, man, ain't it?

Walking around, thinking that everybody hates you.

Yeah, and sooner or later, you start thinking,

"Well, maybe they're right.

Maybe I ain't worth nothing."

But these guys, they ain't like that.

Had to deal with me, what, at least once a week, huh?

They're just doing their job.

You know, protecting people, keeping the peace.

And I was just making it worse for myself.

And so are you, all right?

Look, man, you need to come out here, okay?

And not because they're going to make you.

Believe me, that's gonna suck.

But because it ain't too late to change things.

It ain't too late to turn things around and make it better.

Look at me.

God knows if I can do it, anybody can.

So, why don't you just come on out?

All right there, buddy?

There you go.

Tony: Thanks, Joe.

Joe: I'm just glad it's not me this time, huh?

Tony: You did good, real good.

Joe: Thanks.

Tony: Have you got this?

Samantha: Yeah, I'm good.

Tony: Joe. Hey, where you heading?

Joe: Off to the group home.

Tony: That's great. Hey, tell you what.

Wait a second, I'll have Officer Clay take the transport unit.

I'll give you a ride. No, Joe, in the front seat.

Greg: Hey, Ben.

Ben: Hey, Greg.

Greg: They have some pretty good coffee here, don't they?

Ben: They do.

Greg: Hey Julie, how are you?

Julie: Officer Knox, how are you?

Greg: I'm great, thanks.

Julie: What can I get you this fine morning?

Greg: How about another cup?

Julie: Okay. See anything good out there?

Greg: How about some pancakes?

Julie: Sounds good. Pancakes and a cup of coffee.

Would you like a warm up?

Ben: Yes, ma'am.

Julie: Sounds good.

Greg: Thanks. So, what's up?

Ben: Well, I know what I'm gonna do.

Greg: About the letter?

Ben: Yep.

Greg: What's that?

Ben: I'm going to the next connected neighbors meeting,

confront the problem there.

Greg: Whoa, that's--that's pretty bold.

Ben: I've talked to Marie and Russ about it.

I talked with Joe.

I've prayed about it a lot.

These people are ready for this.

Greg, there's a real sense of community for the first time

in a long time around here.

We just have one last obstacle to overcome.

Greg: The Golden Traders Society.

Ben: The Golden Traders Society.

Julie: Here's your coffee, Officer Knox.

Greg: Thank you.

Julie: Ready for a refill?

Ben: Sure.

Julie: Is there anything else I can get you?

Greg: That's good, thanks.

Ben, I'm with you. What do we need to do?

Ben: Thanks. Here's what I'm thinking.

Ira: Warren.

Warren: More reports for the meeting tonight?

Ira: Yes, I have some information on Golden Peaks,

why?

Warren: Well, I think you're gonna need it.

Ira: Why?

Warren: Because I think the whole town's in there,

Ira, including Ben Cooper and--

Ira: Well?

Warren: And Joe Devin. Yeah, good luck.

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Ira: All right, folks, let's get this meeting started.

Well, looks like a full house tonight.

And I can only imagine it has something to do with the first

name on the docket, so Pastor Ben, the floor is yours.

Ben: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,

eight, nine, ten, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen,

eighteen, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six,

twenty-seven, twenty-eight, thirty-three, thirty-four,

thirty-five, thirty-six, thirty-seven,

thirty-eight, forty-one, forty-two.

Those aren't just numbers anymore.

Those are addresses of homes at Golden Peaks Mobile Home Park.

You know, you've all heard the saying that the difference

between a house and a home is love.

I've got a deeper understanding for that now

more than ever before.

When I sat down with Russ, the manager of the park, I didn't

know this community was capable of such love, that individuals

could set aside their status or position in society to love

a 20 by 90 trailer into a cherished home.

Only a group of people willing to put others first could start

a movement that's poured out of Golden Peaks and carried

to other parks and locations around the city,

other buildings turned into homes.

The transformation of buildings has been impressive, but not as

big as the transformation of us as people.

For one day, there's no rich, no poor, just people.

For one day, we choose to put others first.

We choose to live the golden rule.

Now, I know that there are some of you who are hesitant

to explore a new way of doing things.

That fear of losing the past has crippled you

from moving forward.

I'm here to show you today that Golden does have a rich past,

but it doesn't have to disappear in its future.

I've asked a few folks to come today to share

their story with us.

Ira: Pastor Ben, we are on a tight schedule.

There's not room for story time.

Warren: Let him-- let him go, Ira.

Ben: Thank you, Warren.

I'd like to have Russ share a few words,

and then a couple homeowners from the park.

Russ?

Russ: Hello. Hi, hi.

Like Ben said, my name's Russ McKay.

I'm the manager over at Golden Peaks.

Been going on 20 years now.

When Ben asked me to share, I got to be honest,

I was thinking, "No way."

I mean, the thought of speaking in public, I mean--well, then I

thought about what all Ben has done and all the volunteers,

and there was no way I could stay silent.

So, here I am. I won't be long, I promise.

I was at the point of hopelessness when I went

and asked Ben for help.

You see, I usually do all the maintenance myself

around the park.

And, well, with the trailers getting older,

and Russ getting older, and the cost of living

and renovations going up, well, that put

the tenants and me in quite a pickle.

And then I got this letter from the city with a list,

a long list of violations that needed to be repaired.

And it was a long list that could lead to the closing of the

park if we didn't address them.

Well, I asked the city for some help, and they said they'd do

their best, but you know, these things take time.

So meantime, I'm still responsible

with all these violations.

And it's a tough load.

Fast forward to today, and we've got ten things

left on the list to do.

And just found out this morning that we have

an approval to extend the deadline.

You know, this all happened because people like Ben and

all these folks around the room caring about their neighbors.

I've always said being poor isn't a matter of the wallet.

It's a matter of the heart. Thank you very much.

Ben: Okay, up next, I'd like to invite the Browns.

David Brown: Hi, I'm David. And this is my wife, Elise.

We don't have much to say except thank you.

Thank you for all the people who came to our house and not only

worked on our home, but took the time to get to know us.

Elise: It all started when David lost his job.

Art Wallace, he was doing our plumbing at the time,

and one day, I just--I broke down.

I told him our situation, and he just listened.

David: And then, one Monday morning, I got a call from him

saying that a shop was looking to hire someone for the back.

And I was so happy. And that's it.

I'm just glad that we live in a place

where neighbors help neighbors.

Thank you.

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Ben: Lastly, I'd like to give the floor to Greg Knox,

a man who served this community for over 25 years.

Greg?

Greg: Thanks, buddy.

Thank you, Ben.

You know, I thought a lot, thought a lot about what

I wanted to say today, what I should say today.

But in all honesty, I could only--I could only think of one

story, one story that sums up what this is all about, what

this neighborhood rehab project is all about.

It's a story about a man, a man who lost everything

and everyone that he loved or he cared about.

A man who lived on the streets, or in some kind of rundown

housing, all his life.

A man, because of the pain and the circumstances in his life,

he turned to drinking a bottle of vodka a day.

And through all of that, he fought back.

He fought back and battled his alcoholism.

He even became a mentor to others.

And he was such an influence at the rehab clinic,

they named an award after him, a mentoring award.

It's called the Devin Award.

You know, I know--I know Joe normally, he wouldn't want me

up here talking about him.

And he sure wouldn't want to be up here having the talk.

But when I asked him if it would be all right, he said to me,

"If it causes others to get onboard, if it helps just one

person to change," then he was all for it.

Ben, I know you wanted me to talk about my service,

my time on the force.

I just think this might be a good time to hear

from Joe if that's okay with you.

Joe, come on up.

Joe: Uh, one of the things they teach you

in alcohol counseling is the power of forgiveness.

I'm here to apologize.

Whatever I drank, it's like all the pain and the hurt went away,

but all that left was the anger.

So, I want to apologize to all the people who tried to help me,

but I wouldn't listen.

I want to apologize to all the people I hurt, all the people me

and Johnny hurt.

I want to apologize to the whole city for having to

put up with me all the time.

Ira, sir, I want to apologize to you.

When Johnny died, I lost the last member of my family,

and the only one that cared for me.

I filled the hole in my broken heart with booze and disdain

for everyone else because if they were hateable,

well, that made us equal.

Sir, I'm the reason he was driving that night.

I'm the reason he took his eye off the road in that one moment.

I wish I could go back and change things.

Maybe he'd still be here.

I wish I didn't have to live with the memory of that night,

but I do, and so do you.

So do you.

Ira, I am so sorry.

I'm sorry you were robbed of that innocent little girl

because of me.

You have every right to be angry at me.

But what me and Johnny did, as wrong as it was,

doesn't mean that these people should have to suffer

just because they're poor or homeless.

Please don't take your anger at me out on them.

Thank you.

Ben: There's recently been some serious complaints filed

with the city, and even a petition started about

what we're trying to do.

My hope tonight is to plead with whoever filed those complaints

or signed that petition to reconsider.

The deadline to cease is tomorrow, which happens to

be a Saturday.

And if I or anyone else show up, we could be facing some serious

consequences.

I hope that the words of the people who spoke tonight have

opened your eyes and allowed you to see that the spirit of great

organizations like the Golden Traders Society, which sought

true community, live on in the neighborhood rehab project.

I appreciate you letting us crash your meeting tonight.

If anybody would like to help, I'll be at the Golden Peaks

Mobile Home Park

8 a.m. sharp, tool belt in hand.

Thank you.

[crowd applauding]

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[sobbing]

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Greg: Ben, Marie, it is crazy.

I got back to the office today, I had to have at least 20

voicemails from officers who wanted to come help out.

And I've got more coming on the way.

This is amazing, absolutely amazing.

Ben: Thanks, Joe. Joe: Thank you.

Marie: Thank you, Joe. Thanks.

Ben: Guys, it just means so much to us

that y'all are here today.

I really appreciate you showing up.

[music]

Ben: Morning, Ira.

Ira: Ben, Greg, Joe.

Joe, last night, you opened up a wound

I've spent years trying to close.

I hated you every minute of every day from that night on.

You and your brother took my granddaughter from me.

I allowed my anger toward you and your brother to spill over

onto anybody that was close to being like you in any way.

I still remember that morning I dropped her off at school.

I think about it all the time.

Do you know what she was staying late to do?

Help serve dinner to some elderly folk.

I became bitter, and I started to stand for all the things that

my father worked so hard to fight against.

I'm afraid my father would not be very happy with me so far.

Joe, I'm sorry.

I allowed my anger to turn into prejudice.

But I do want to live up to my father

and my granddaughter's example, I do.

So, Pastor Ben, on behalf of the Golden Traders Society and

myself, as of right now, all the complaints have been dropped.

I do have one question.

Ben: What's that?

Ira: Can I borrow a hammer?

[crowd applauding]

Ben: Everybody, how do we do it?

On three, one, two three.

crowd: I'm a tool.

[music]

Ben: Joe, it's not about you or anybody else

doing it the way I do.

You know, it doesn't matter what your thing is, whether

it's fixing houses with the neighborhood rehab project,

or running a food bank out of your house.

All that matters is being a good neighbor.

Joe: I want to do more, that's for sure.

I just feel like I have so much to give, you know?

Ben: Good, we got a lot to do.

Joe: Let's get the work done.

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