Thursday, April 12, 2007

Could “tent cities” help homeless in DFW?

By Larry James of Urban Daily

During my recent visit to Seattle, Washington, I had the opportunity to tour one of the “tent cities” that works with local churches to provide temporary shelter for the city’s homeless population. I say “temporary” because the tent city campgrounds move every three months to a new church property where the community of tents is reassembled.

The campground I visited was staged in the parking lot of a local Catholic Church. The migrant community had been there for almost three months and were beginning to think about the moving process.

In talking to the residents, I learned several of the fundamentals of why these living arrangements were so attractive to the homeless, even in a city like Seattle that remains cold at night well into the summer months.

The campgrounds are managed by the residents. The homeless who live in the tents establish and enforce the rules of the community. The living arrangement is all about being a helpful and supportive community of peers.

No one is allowed to loiter within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of the encampment, unless at a bus stop or walking through the surrounding neighborhood to a job or an interview.

People can basically come and go as they please like in any other normal housing situation. There are no enforced exit hours early in the morning, nor are there curfews at night.

People have a place to stow their belongings during the day without fear that someone will steal them or throw them in the trash. There are plenty of bathroom facilities.

The level of independent living possible here allows people to gain the “traction” needed to land jobs and save some money for a more permanent housing arrangement.

No one here prefers remaining outside--a common myth held by the non-homeless. What they do seek is the freedom and independence of the environment. No one here wants to be hemmed in by the rules of others who don’t really understand what they are facing. No one wants to be forced to receive religious instruction.

Respect abounds in this setting. Everyone is taken seriously, everyone pitches in and everyone is valued.

I was amazed at the entire process.

I was impressed with the church that extended simple hospitality to those who pitched their tents outside. I found hope in the place as I visited with the residents.

Returning to Dallas, I wondered if such a plan would work here. I have my doubts, and that is a shame. I can think of a dozen churches right off the top of my head that would be great candidates for this sort of shared living arrangement. It seems clear to me that the churches involved here have found a way to “preach the gospel” without using a word!

Pegasus News content partner - Larry James Urban Daily

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Comments

twisteddog Anonymous

Where do the tweakers live?

1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

ch0 Anonymous

Nice idea. The half who are mentally ill need to be recycled, though.

1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )