Tent City has moved on. The pastor at the local church that invited them to our neighborhood, the Rev. Lawrence Minder, has the final word:
"They live here because this community is safer than being alone on the streets. Unlike a shelter, where they must leave early each morning and take their belongings with them, the tent gives them a place to leave their belongings. Couples can stay together in Tent City 4 while shelters often split them up in separate living quarters. There is no curfew and they can work without co-workers casting a derogatory glance because they have to find a new place to sleep every night."
"During my time in the tent city, I've lived with the elderly, the young, religious zealots, atheists, New Age believers and Catholics. I've mingled with recovering addicts, people who have never taken drugs and those who tried it but 'didn't inhale.' I've lived with the employed, the unemployed, the unemployable and those who cannot read or write well enough to fill out an application."
"I've met residents with college education, talked and played cards with artists, musicians, transients, families, singles, newlyweds, parents, divorced people, widows, widowers and those who will never marry. I've had dinner with the physically challenged, the mentally ill, veterans of war, peace activists and even other clergy."
"I will never again make the mistake of stereotyping the homeless."
For my part, they were very good neighbors while they were here. They kept the streets clean, were very polite, and understood and listened to concerns of the people who actually took the time to go and talk with them. They were respectful people who were simply trying to get back on their feet.
