I think it’s amazing what Mark has done to bless this family

I wish they could get a new mobile home with bedrooms for each of them and a nice big clean living room.

Mark is an angel. He’s so patient and caring for this family. Wow. That would be hard to handle. God bless you Mark.

Ray is just the spark of hope this world needs. He’s adorable. I can’t believe just the amount of real pure LOVE that Betty has in her. She certainly is the example of DEVOTION AND SELFLESSNESS. Caring for her family the way she does.

Mark has been a blessing to this family. I am so happy to see them doing better. All I see is love and kindness in this family. God bless Mark to continue being able to help this family.

I fell in love with the Whittakers the very first time that I watched Soft White Underbelly cover their story!! God Bless The Whittakers!!!!

I love Ray..he is so childlike and so happy to show everything they have...he is proud of his home and his family. He seems to be very happy and content as well as he whole family.

Guys I don't think Kenneth is taking advantage of the his family, please don't allow speculation to cause you to second guess your giving to a family that desperately needs our help.I pray that God would continue to bless them through these videos and our giving!

You can tell that Ray loves Mark! He lights up every time Mark comes around. God bless Ray, and I do hope he gets help for that painful knee.

This is the forgotten folks of America. These are the people that are forgotten and avoided. I admire Mark 1000% for helping these people.

Would I be wrong in questioning the fact that since the original Whittaker family was introduced, that other family members have suddenly appeared upon the scene as additional Whittaker family member who were not present in the initial interview? Funny how a little money to help a family brings others to the surface. I hope someone like Mark or an assigned responsible party is in charge of the spending to see it is not frivolously spent. I just hate to see anyone taken advantage... especially when these kind folks are so unsuspecting and loving. Thanks to Mark for allowing this family much deserved happiness for once.

We could learn so much from them like loyalty, family, responsibility, love, and so much more. I like how the verbal can speak for the nonverbal. They have so little but yet have so much. May God Bless them.

The family from the beginning to now, they all seem happier and have plenty of food in the house . Plus they are better dressed . Mark has obviously made a huge improvement on the house and the Whittaker's themselves as well.

It’s amazing to me that they understand exactly what Ray is saying.

I'm so happy Ray's leg is better. I felt so bad for him when he was clearly in pain in an earlier episode.

I understand Kenneth being there, he is less disabled than the rest of his family and I’m sure he has struggled as well. They need to stick together

My family is a lot like the Whitaker's, as far as back in the boondocks. I think Kenneth is proud of what he has. Please don't be so cynical, not everyone is a crook. My mom had six sisters and six brothers the youngest daughter never married took care of my grandparents and three of her brothers until her death. Family is family.

you've changed their lives so much Mark... you are one of the good guys! what a combination... you're very smart and you have a soft heart. 🤩

Please dont STOP HELPING THIS FAMILY !

Ray has the perfect name as He is a Ray Of Sunshine ,

There are so many families and people who need this type of help!

Mark has helped this family tremendously Thank God for people like Mark 👍 happy to see this family has come along way Ray is my favorite Got to Love him I personally think he's smart understands everything said to him ❤ house looks alot better Betty is a good women takes care of her brother sister nephew holds the family together she looks happy that the house is fixed up proud of her kitchen

This is such a sweet family ,I love the video of when they went to Walmart, love Betty's smile

I feel Mark deserves so much credit for all he's done for the Whitakers. He's been so Wonderful !!! I love how he talks to them , He's got a great personality. He Seems like a very likeable guy. God Bless his Heart !!!! And Happy Holidays to everyone, The Whitakers , Mark & to the man doing this video. WATCHING on 12/15/22 Seen these already but watching this one tonight 😊❤🙏✌

I enjoy when they go to Walmart they are so happy Mark is a great guy .God is good

I definitely don’t think Kenny should get any of the money. And I could see him hinting that he ran out of money to fix his house. But I think it’s good for them to have Kenny there, he’s a lot younger than any of them so in case of any kind of emergency at least he right next door. I can tell he helps a lot. Like at the fair he was the one that was looking after Ray the whole time

THE MAIN THING IS NOW IS NOT TO LET THIS FAMILY GET TOOK ADVANTAGE OF. THEY ARE HUMAN AN THEY HAVE RIGHTS AND LOVE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE AN A LAUGH.

Mark has been a godsend to this family

Thank you Mark for the good things you have done for the Whittier’s.❤❤❤❤❤

If Ray could verbally speak he would tell it all on what's really going on !!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

Kenneth was in Walmart saying he rarely sees his family yet as soon as he knew they were getting all that money here he is living in the new “house” next door while they stay in the old run down trailer . He must have mentioned “runnin outta money” 15 times to Mark - hint, hint .. that’s upsetting. He is only there for the new money and I think it’s horrible. I wish Mark would’ve called him out on it too. I love the rest of them they’re sweet and deserve all the help they’ve gotten BUT Kenneth is a whole other story. Larry comes in at a close second fixing up the place across the road and telling Mark he hopes he fixes his truck .. him and Kenneth have gotten pretty selfish & presumptuous imo. I’m sure Mark sees all this but what can ya do 🤷🏼‍♀️

I love the work Mark is doing, bless him 🙏 Love seeing updates on the Whittaker's, Ray is my favourite & Betty has given up so much for her siblings, you can see the love in this family ❤

In a mid 2023 video, Mark was VERY clear that Kenneth had not profited, manipulated or stolen any of the money.

As noted in the video, Kenneth says that he likes to keep his place CLEAN(and the others have mice and trash everywhere). You can't blame Kenneth for wanting to have a clean place to sleep...without dogs running free, etc.

I agree with Sheila, fixing the shack costs more money in the long run,then buying new one with warranties and more privacy. Mark needs to setup boundaries, so more people, whether extended family, cannot attach themselves, as this could hurt them. If people see abuse, they will stop donating. I would like to see speech pathologist and other necessary doctors taking a look at them.

That smile on Lorraine’s face was beautiful!

You do have to realize that the entire family is special needs. It appears that he has come in to take care of the family, Yes, he came in to take care of them but it is my belief that he has now become their caregiver. There is nothing wrong with him coming in, making sure they get to the doctor, cooking for them and helping them keep their home clean. I do believe that as things progress, the other two homes will get better. Often times special needs people do not want a "change" as in new home. So the best you can do for them is improve where they are comfortable.

The family shows respect and love for each other. Thank you.

We don’t need to give them cash we need to buy things for them that Kenneth Cant take

REGARDLESS OF WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT KENNETH THE MONIES HAVE UNITED THIS FAMILY AGAIN AND THAT'S PRICELESS.

I absolutely love the people they are happy and they take care of each other and that’s what I care about

It's so nice to have Americans actually benefit by donations by Americans and others. I understand that there is people in needy countries but this proves that Americans are worthy of being taken care of with America's money also needs to have more of this done than just this great person that discovered them and is helping them

Their mental heath is a lot better. And you can see them trusting more to outsiders.

They deserve this and Mark has done a excellent job on helping them. Family members can be ruthless

It's good to see the family is doing better! It's truly hard families like this to be able to venture out into society. People don't understand these kind of situations. It's hard for them to get a job because of the mental health. They deserve to be recognized by the good of people. So they can be inspired to do and be better going forward. Give them something to be proud of. The need hope, so they can and will do better going forward in their lives. Sometimes the Simplist action will change a person's life 💯. Love and caring goes a long way in people's lives ❤️!!

I love this family and think it's so nice of Mark to treat them like regular human beings, they do trust him and it shows. I'd actually like to have them as neighbors. Even with their disabilities they are very loving towards each other. I'm not so sure about the guy who built his place next door though, seems like he wasn't there helping before they got some funds?? Thank you Mark

I had the EXACT suspicions about Kenny taking the family's money as well, even before it was mentioned by the narrator. I also noticed watching a video when Kenny said that he doesn't come around much, yet he has a nice home next door and a nice truck. Another Red Flag that alerted me was that Kenny told Mark repeatedly that he's out of money and needs money to finish his home. And when Mark took the family shopping at Walmart, Kenny amazingly and coincidentally showed up at Walmart as well. Kenny said he had a job I believe to convince Mark that he bought his home and truck on his own. But I honestly believe that Kenny is taking the majority of the family's money. I don't think Kenny is making payments on the truck as he said. Hey Mark, don't allow Kenny to take a single dime please! Officer Tommy Norman doesn't allow thousands of dollars to be sent to the All-Star Crew. He takes them to the Family General Store and lets them buy in smaller amounts.

It seems that the parents of this clan were indeed first cousins, but to complicate it further, and something I have yet to run across elsewhere in 25 years of research, they were first cousins born to IDENTICAL TWINS. Twin boys, one had a girl and one had a boy and those kiddos made this family. The parents were father John E Whittaker born to one twin brother and Gracie I Whittaker born to the other twin brother. Originating in Virginia, they moved a short distance over some years to reach nearby Odd, WVA

At about 4:24 Kenneth says "yeah, I got it on payment. 405 a month." He also tried to say this a minute or so earlier but was interrupted by Mark wanting to see what Ray was pointing out on the truck, which was the damage from the deer accident. (Ray is so sweet btw) I never even thought about any of this money stuff before watching this video. This is how my family would do things, we'd take care of eachother. We also mostly all had homes on the same road that dead ended... not in these type of "circumstances" though. Just a big close family. Poor but happy. I think the Whitakers all look much healthier and in better living conditions now and maybe other family members are coming back home, maybe they needed help just as much, we just didn't see them on camera. The family is doing better and I think that's the main point. It's sad to me that no one remembers the families that lived in the same area that went through genocide and the few survivors endured forced removal on foot to a POW camp aka "reservation" that are living in similar conditions as the Whitakers - Right Now. (Trail of Tears, of which there have been many such forced removals). Perspective is everything and there are endless perspectives. ✌🏽 Peace

It's probably a good thing that Kenny is around. I'm sure Betty appreciates him being next door.

That's a shell/she'd that Kenneth has been turning into a home. Building it himself. It's not a trailer. He said he's making payments on it. He is the other caretaker and helps out.

It looks like Kenneth is feeding them well since no one else in the house does any cooking.

I understand why Kenneth has raised some suspicion, and maybe it's true that the money attracted him, but it seems like he really wants to help out and he definitely loves his family. I also wanted to share my experience with a similar family I grew up near in northern Florida. They lived in a similar environment and the community got together and helped clean and fix their home. It was so much work and effort and turned out amazing. But a few months later the house was right back to where it was before. That's how they lived for so long and were use to. So it's not an easy thing to do. Especially when they lived like that for so long or don't know how to be clean, or are to disabled to keep up with the chores. Like Mark says in the vid, "people never change". So it's something that takes a lot of time. They do look much better and seem to be very happy. Mark came out with a few more vids recently. An interview with Jason and Mark takes them for haircuts.

Yes and Keneth serves a purpose too. He cooks for them and probabley does alot more that your unaware of

Just goes to show how 1 person can make such a difference in people's lives.We all need to remember this when we see others in need.

There funds need to be monitored and not taken advantage of. They deserve so much more than they have. They are beautiful souls ❤️ Just like all Gods children they deserve to be living healthy and in healthy environment with nothing but love given to them.

Besides money, this family needs guidance. They need to be shown good hygiene and wear clean clothes, how to keep the house somewhat clean, how to cook and eat three meals a day (even if they’re frozen microwave meals), and have some recreation outside of the house.

Stop nitpicking. Mark does a great story without you pulling things to pieces. Who cares if Kenny came home. At least he is closer to his family now. They would probably love that. I couldn't see them moving out of their original house anyway. That's the only home they've known.

i enjoyed your commentary on the Whittakers, they look healthier, and house has improvements. bless them all

I love Marks work!!! And I’m obsessed with the Whitakers! And I also really think Kenneth is shady!!!! I hope someone trustworthy is looking after their money! Thank you this video!!!

I had watched this episode when it came out. I was so impressed with Mark and how kind he was to these people. I have seen several other episodes since.

Kenneth has always been around. He was working as a cut man for logging company. He sold his place and moved home. He is now 66 and lives there. He helps with Timmy and Ray. He is probably the only one that does not take advantage of the situation. BJ and her kids take take take!! I feel you sir are making this to stir up accusations for clicks and views. If I am wrong, then I apologize. Just sad that people do this. This family has some of the most kind hearted people. That is rare in the day and age! I Love the Whittaker Family!!!

I've been following this story for a long time it was so nice to see an update & there so so happy

One thing Mark might consider is getting a crew of house cleaners (similar to those who clean out hoarder houses) and a team to clean up the outside yard, too. They may not be competent to understand that it should be cleaned, or know how, etc. It would be nice to see their house all cleaned. PS. The physical and ID are all genetic. I love how all the dogs unconditionally love them. They wiggle and waggle and just don't know any differently.

It really burned my ass after I saw the four-wheeler. Kenneth bought that for himself. Did you see anyone else get anything for themselves. Nope. They got stuff that benefited all of them(example: roof..siding) Then it was so obvious Kenneth was hinting around that he was running out of money. It was so embarrassing. Then he pops up at Walmart saying he's there to buy a phone. Really!?! Give me a break. Ugh!!! The next time around they need to pay for a cleaning service to give that house a good spring cleaning or buy another home. Kenneth shouldn't be able to get his hands on any of the funds unless it's okayed by Mark.

Gracie Irene’s parents were also first cousins. Their mothers were sisters, Eliza Jane Perkins (mother of John Isom Whittaker) and Mary Elizabeth Perkins (mother of Adaline Riggs).

KENNETH PROBABLY HAD A HARD TIME SURVIVING FOR HIS SELF. I WOULDN'T WORRY THEY HAVE HELP COMING TO THEM. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE THERE ALL TOGETHER. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WANT IF YOU HAVE NEVER REALLY HAD ANYTHING. I GOT USE TO WEARING OTHER PEOPLE'S DIRT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK TO WEAR MY OWN DIRT AND HOW IT FEELS TO WASH IT OFF. WELL IT FEELS PRETTY DANM GOOD 👍

The entire house needs torn down not just fixed up, someone needs to be appointed to over see the funds so they are not taken advantage of again

I’m from Arkansas and I had family “up in the hills”. Some of them were very much like this one. Not as badly inbred as this one but I never went up there alone. They were much cleaner and mentally able to take care of themselves. We would take turns going up at least twice a month and brought whatever they needed! I remember one cousin couldn’t talk well but was so proud of his chickens and his mule. That’s where I first learned to ride lol. I loved them all and miss them very much. My point is this was how mountain families lived and after 5or so generations it went sideways.they’re slowly dying out soon they’ll all be gone. An era will be over!

Thanks to Mark of Soft White Underbelly for filming this and helping them. ❣️‼️

I absolutely respect the people who provide the hands on support and help. My ex husbands family all lived in a rural area of Oregon. They did not have as many of the physical problems, or the deep poverty of the Whittaker’s, however I gained insight into the effects of poverty. His mother suffered so many tragedies and loss. Before she died in 2021, she had lost two husbands, two of her four children, and two of her eight grandchildren. Her two remaining children caused her nothing but grief. As did most of her grandchildren. But, she did not complain. I personally do not do a great job providing hands of support for people like the Whittakers. But, what Mark is doing is so wonderful.

I do not care what kind of vehicle Kenneth has or what kind of dwelling. It’s not that they are reaping millions of dollars from Mark. They may believe the amount of money donated to them is huge, but it’s not. I believe the family is not about greed and accumulation of status symbols. What would happen to the disabled members if Betty weren’t around? I hope Kenneth and Larry will step up to help them survive. It may be true that others are jealous of the money and attention paid to the Whittakers whilst equally distressed families are left out of the largess. There are a few conundrums concerning the situation that have not appeared yet. For the present, they look much healthier and happier.

It's better their brother helps out than a stranger takes advantage.

I tend to agree with you 100% when it comes to Kenneth. The money should have been use on the main house. It seems they have enough space to make it so they all have their own bedrooms.

I wish nothing but good for the Whitakers, I don’t think anyone is taking advantage! I think they’re just good down home country people! I am Ultramega, and I help out as much as I can with the Whittakers! Bless them, and I wish them all the best!

I wish Mark could have someone take over their family finances. They need a new house with more room. They need someone to come in to clean their house on a regular basis.

I don't see a problem with Ken locking his house. He takes pride in it and keeps it clean and I suspect if it was left open then Ray would come in and out and take cakes and maybe a jacket lol ..... Larry is definitely the rock and takes care of everyone, including other siblings down the road but until you know the true story I think you need to stop making insinuations about Ken. The family needs someone around who is capable of driving and doing other tasks.

Sould'nt they use some of that money to clean that place up that's a big fire hazard

I love what mark does for them he does care about them

God bless this family.

Im just very happy the whits are taking care of! its wonderful feeling to be able to visit the whits on here.i would love to visit them like you guys have but i know it would be to much, so i sit here watching these whits survive,"the smiles" well taking care of! and there happiness is great,the start of you guys a while back proof this, i recorded these guys.and the change in there life is beautiful and amazing at best.

Thank you for helping Betty and her family.

God bless people like you, helping and caring for their family.

I love RAY!!! My mamaw and papaw were from Kentucky and moved to Peach Creek holler West Virginia where my Papaw Was a coal miner and they also had 15 children but none of them were mentally disabled all the children grew up and moved away my mamaw and papaw were very hard-working godly people that kept their home together and all their children fed to the best that they could. they struggled but they survived . And the really cool part My.mamaw also used to babysit Loretta Lynn when they lived in Kentucky I sure do miss them and i miss my daddy!! rest in peace buddy Gallagher

The money has helped but still hard to imagine living in those conditions. That home needs to be thoroughly cleaned for them for sanity reasons. It's filthy. I wonder if Mark talked to Kenneth about being there to help more and maybe helped move him next door so another higher functioning adult would be there helping Betty.

God bless you Mark for helping them and bringing them to us. God bless you abundantly. And those who are complaining about the money, they are all helping each other. It should go to each one of them if they are in need. I don't believe any of them are taking advantage of one another.

Would be nice if someone could help them clean and organize the house.

Love the Whitakers! I pray they be blessed! I see what a BIG difference for them.

I bet Timmy would LOVE coloring books with colored pencils!! OMG.. He would love that!! 💞❤️

I know someone could supply them with a mobile home with 4 bedrooms that are more private and has more room. In this day and age this is HORRENDOUS. Come on some of you wealthy people and make their lives really comfortable. Mark, you certainly have some connections. Please.

Give um a break mate , it’s nice to see one of them looking after what he got !

You make me smile Ray and I'm glad your happier 😊 x

Ray does talk. You just have to pay real close attention. I have heard him say "chicken" as they looked into the freezer, and Mark had asked him what was his favorite. He was out in the road and held his hands up to his face and said "Oh God". He is also trying to point out that they have a new electrical box. This was installed (you can tell) for the new little house. The new little house (Kenny's house) is running power off the main house. I have watched Rays face. When people are talking about him he knows what they are saying but can not totally respond. I think one on one, someone could get a lot of communication from him.

this vid adds nothing to mark's original. not sure why this channel exists.

Betty sleeps on the sofa ,Ray sleeps on a bed in the living room when you walk in the house and did I hear that Timmy and Lorraine share a bed in the bedroom in the back of the house ? Maybe I’m not hearing correctly, because in prior videos I can see they , well at least Betty understands that certain things like that are not right , so it’s kind of hard to understand what is exactly being said, I really am just so interested in this family, I really like them and am so glad that Mark is there for them ❤they do honestly look so much better as time goes on ☃️

I love the way you are very open-minded to people's lifestyles you're an awesome person

Thank you so much for this video, I totally concur about Larry! I think he's a great guy that really loves his family and it looks to me like his little house across the roads falling in! Some of that money should be to help him also since he is there to help the family and it's what you say one of them and is there all the time! I hope that Mark or others will keep an eye on the money and make sure that it goes Strictly To those ones and not the rest of the family. Mark is a wonderful guy and he has done so much and hope he continues to help them I love watching the happiness in their faces! Great Haircuts and they loved that! Again thanks for the video

Thank you for these Whittakers videos

I don’t have an issue with any of it. They probable have more than they ever had their whole life and as much as they got, it’s still nothing. They look happy now. God Bless them all.

He probability got divorced and have no other place to live so he had to come back there.