Camp Take Notice founder waits to be arrested as cleanup efforts wrap up
Camp Take Notice resident Jermaine C. pulls a cart full of chairs to help move things out of the camp before their eviction last week.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Caleb Poirier - who founded Camp Take Notice in 2009 - said he and other supporters have been staying at the tent city overnight since Thursday with the intention of being arrested by Michigan State Police on trespassing charges.
Residents of Camp Take Notice - which is located on a Michigan Department of Transportation parcel of land in Scio Township just west of Ann Arbor city limits - were ordered to vacate the property or face trespassing charges in May, with a move-out date of June 22.
“The choices that they have made needs to be evaluated by a larger group of people,” said Poirier.
Poirier said he has been joined every night by 8-10 people - most of whom are Washtenaw County church leaders - at the Scio Township site as most of the 65 residents of the camp moved out and cleaned up.
Poirier is a board member for the Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity (MISSION), the non-profit that supports Camp Take Notice, but said this is “not an action that is representative of the non-profit.”
Camp Take Notice founder Caleb Poirier, shown as he was arrested in 2009 when the camp was forced to move from its original location. (AnnArbor.com file photo)
Caleb arrested
Other than the protestors, MDOT has been pleased with the move out of the site.
“MISSION has been working really hard to work on getting anything out of there,” said MDOT spokesperson Jeff Cranson. “They’re really being good partners in the cleanup efforts.”
MDOT regional manager Mark Sweeney, explained why MDOT can't allow the camp on its property in a video released by MDOT on Monday.
“This is just not something that the department can allow for a lot of different reasons. Safety, because of the proximity to the freeway. Sanitation, because there is no running water," Sweeney said. "Quite simply, it is a liability for the state.”
MDOT extended its deadline for move-out through the weekend for the camp residents who have been working to clear the area.
"Cleaning the site is an important way for us to show MDOT that we appreciate their support for our community. We are very grateful," said camp resident Jackie Starkey in a press release put out by MISSION.
Starkey is currently one of 33 former camp residents waiting to be placed in housing subsidized by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority specifically for camp residents.
Poirier pointed out that none of the 33 former camp members waiting for subsidies have been housed yet, which Julie Steiner, executive director of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance confirmed.
“Now it’s just a matter of getting landlords and finding units,” Steiner said. “Most of the folks we’re working with have bad credit and eviction history…Most of the landlords we’re working with, they have students they can rent to and charge whatever they want and have parents cosign.”
Steiner said she hopes having the guaranteed rent from the MSHDA subsidy program will get landlords involved.
“These are issues we deal with every day…Hopefully having it paid for makes that a little easier,” Steiner said. “Nobody is housed yet. There are several steps that have to happen, so that’s not surprising.”
Steiner said roughly 18 people per night have been taking advantage of the Delonis Center’s increased capacity since the closing of the camp. She also noted that some veterans that were staying at the camp are now in line to receive Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers.
Poirier said he has had no trouble getting to and from the camp yet, but acknowledged that might change as MDOT finished installing its eight-foot fence around the camp on Monday.
"I might have a different answer for you tomorrow," he said.
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Jack Rocks!
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
The answer to all of this is very simple really. If you're reading this look at your self and say "I will not allow anyone to tell me what to do". That's both the solution and downfall of our A2 transcients or "undesirables". Look at it this way, add food, add water, add land, add a human brain / (over) someone who just refuses to act responsibly and earn a clean living (as human's have lets see now for 10,000 yrs in a row now) = one person who "thinks" they're getting away with "something". Homeless Duuuuuudes - there are jobs everywhere you know they're out there, construction, dishes, tons of restraunt help needed here m'man. TONS. When you wake up tomorrow - take a shower in the huron river if you can't get a place to take a shower, wash your hair. Next - put on THE BEST CLOTHES you can find - anywhere or borrow from someone. Go down town Ann Arbor and go into each place on Main Street, Liberty, State, and South U. You "Ask for a application" - that all you say ok? Can I have a "application to work" works too. Take that application out side and immediately fill that out. DON"T GIVE UP. That's the rules - been there ohhh since gee 10,000 + years now. YOU CAN DO IT! We all believe in you and know you're a good person inside. Stop the cycle of "I'm no good - boo hooo" and the "I hate the world cause .." YOU HAVE to look with in and get your act together instead of not "not growing up" acting like "wow look at all this publicity" and its' all be cause of ME (and being happy about it - having non profits dishing out to you) C'mon - yeah bring it. I will help you solve your own socio pathic "I hate you too" bs. YOU are responsible for your own tomorrows.... that's the deal and quit being "you". Start tomorrow morning.
Enso
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
Nonviolent civic disobedience... it has a long and successful history in this country. It's one of the things that made this country great.
genetracy
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
The homeless fight for the right to be, well homeless. Sounds like a righteous cause to me.
Francis Huxley
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
This should be a no brainer. CTN has been providing services costing taxpayers $0 for years, and in doing so, encouraging community participation and responsibility in the campers, engendering self sufficiency and self esteem. What will the Big state do? Well, for $100,000's they will house "some" of the campers for a short time. They will hand them out a little something,something, and will therefore enable them to go back to destructive lifestyles. CTN is a paragon of conservative, grass roots self sufficiency, costing the taxpayer nothing unless he/she wants to get involved and lend a hand. Oh my, that of course is exactly what a good Liberal doesn't want to do. Everyone knows one achieves a peak experience of moral superiority by mouthing all the right politically correct phrases, and then pointing to the all powerful government as the causal agent to effect paradise, "viola".....Snyder, stop treading on CTN!!!, and let the good folk who actually "DO" things, themselves(gasp!) to the betterment of society, continue on serving their calling.
Deb Anderson
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
I'd rather spend my tax dollars providing a safe and sanitary haven for these individuals. As a conservative I feel it's everyone's duty to keep these people safe and not invisible from society. Governor Snyder and every liberal and every socialist I know would opt for decent living quarters for these people, this isn't a political line in the sand, it's all of us pulling together to figure out a viable solution and a healthful option that includes safe drinking water, sanitation, and helping all of them to survive among us with compassion and a purpose in life.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
This one single topic has shown so much anger and hatred and insensitivity and lock-brained, propaganda-fed animosity that it makes a great example of the current U.S. political environment. Why do we have to have one side ignoring the real deep-rooted problems brought about by the teapartyist movement and the left, and the pushing of simple (and simple-minded) solutions by both sides.? How about some thinking. It's not illegal, it's clean, and it's free. If this country is going to survive with any of its former gleam, we all have to stop seeing things as solvable by easy solutions (the government pays it all, or just get a job), and try to see other folks views as real and try to understand them. We also need to try to find real solutions to these complex problems. Most importantly, we need to stop thinking (so to speak) that there are only two sides to an issue, and realize that there are as many sides (or should be, anyhow) on an issue as their are people. So please: stop being simple and taking propaganda as truth.
APWBD123
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
It is illegal. If I decide to lead 30 people onto your back yard and to camp there for a year, I doubt you would be accomondating. There is a simple solution- utilize the housing and social programs already offered and use them as a means to improve oneself and ones community. This is a very simple issue. Utilize the resources that are available. If one chooses not to thats fine, but just be willing to move if/when asked to leave.
Cici
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Oops! Conspiracy
Cici
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
To Homeland Consiracy: No you have it wrong! People who live in glass houses should dress in the basement!
Genboy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
What a bunch of cruel, heartless comments. So many people with such little empathy, insight, and ability to imagine what it's like for someone else who's disadvantaged. This world is hard, and some people end up off track and unable to recover. They're not evil, and they don't live to abuse the system. Do you disparage the veterans from Camp Take notice as well? I'm sure they deserve none of your sympathy either.
APWBD123
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
This has nothing to do with empathy or insight. They are not evil and many do not live to abuse the system. Whats upsetting is that the state and county are wasting their resources to evict people who are not willing to accept other housing options. The state (like any person) has the right to kick someone out of their yard just like you or I have. The problem is that some people are going to do what they wish to do no matter what options are offered. Thats whats upsetting.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
I too have worked my curse off to get where I am. Nothing comes easy unless your born with a silver spoon. I agree that some of these people do not want to conform to society and work for a living, but not all. Some of them do have disabilities, mental issues, or are just temporarily down on their luck. These people do not deserve our scorn and do need our help to become functioning members of the community. Lets not lump them all into the lazy moocher category. Lets help the people who truly need it and give the boot to the others.
Michael K.
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Most of us are among the best off and wealthiest people that have ever lived in the history of the planet. If you look at book's like "The Right Stuff", the pilots always had to "blame the victim" when someone crashed and died. They always blamed the pilot that crashed - even if it was a pure mechanical failure - because it was the only way to cope with their own fear that it could happen to them. These folks weren't asking for anything except a place where they would be left alone. They are still constituants of the politicians in Lansing, and in Washtenaw County. They have paid their taxes in the past, even if tehy rented, and they have a right to the use of services they helped pay for. I have been homeless before. I worked and put myself through college while living in a tent for three years. After I got a degree, I helped found a company that we grew to 600+ employees. I certainly paid back in taxes many times over anything I ever received when I was younger. We help people when they are down so that they can come back and be productive members of society, to the best of their ability. This is analogous to someone who has the flu. We can either let them die of dehydration and fever when they are too weak to get out of bed for a few days, or we can tend to them, help them recover, and they will have another 20, 40, or 60 years of productive life. We help people manage the hard times in their lives, because we are at risk for the same thing. They are probably using much less in resources than someone who builds a suburban home and requires new roads, sewer lines, police, fire services, and water. The actual cost to taxpayers for urban sprawl is about $1.00 for every $.70 we get back in taxes. It is easy to stereotype and demonize those who are struggling. It is a legacy of Calvinism, that equates financial failure with moral failure, and of Social Darwinism.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
I agree with you for the most part Michael. But 60+ people camping on interstate median with no sanitation near a preschool and residential neighborhood is not acceptable. We have a multi-million dollar homeless shelter for people from Washtenaw county who are not drug-abusers. If they are not from our community we should not be housing them.
Davidian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
I've driven tow trucks, worked as a repo man, worked in a junkyard that was infested by rats and other vermin. I've had people spit in my face, punch me in the face, and pull guns on me on the job. I put myself through school and made something out of my life. After 20 years in the workforce, I bought a nice house on a little bit of land. The American Dream is alive and well if you are willing to start at the bottom and do what other people will not. After all I've endured, after all we've endured, it's simply offensive that there are able-bodied people sitting around in the summer time with their hands out waiting for someone to drop some coin or a housing voucher or some free land into it. As long as they do this, I wish them nothing but misery. The second they step up to the plate, I will support them.
Michigan Man
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:32 a.m.
D - Hard work does pay off! Hope you advance to the 1% status!
Audion Man
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Bully for you Davidian. Thing is, for every heart-warming story about living "the dream" (and forgive me, but as anonymous Internet poster, who is it to say that you are not making it all up...) I can give you lots of stories of people working hard and still sliding down the ladder. And, have you ever considered that for those much younger than yourself that things are even worse than when you struggled to achieve your dreams? It is so easy to sit back and decree that people aren't working hard enough... Instead of blaming the people who are making it more and more difficult to succeed, you blame the people who haven't. Sorta misplaced if you ask me. But, then, you've got yours- screw everyone else, right? Which, upon reflection, is sort of the *true* American Way.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Davidian your story is very common. I also started out at the bottom cleaning toilets at a truck stop, living in a 30 y/o trailer (mobile home) for 10 years, never owned a new car. Years of hard work paid off for me, I'm also now a home owner an living the dream. The problem is it's years of hard work before you see results and these people want it all right now.
Raggety Andy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
This is land is my land, this land is your land... this land was made for you and me.
Modern_Atheist
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
wasn't america founded on freedom anyways? All these jerks saying "IT'S MY COUNTRY" don't stop to think how us whites stole it from the native americans. Anyone who wants to live here should be able to do so. Everyone deserves freedom.
Modern_Atheist
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
this land belongs to MDOT not all the people saying it's "THEIR BACKYARD!!!". Most of these people claiming it's in their backyard are at least 5 miles away. Oh let's start a prayer circle, that will certainly end homelessness... can't wait for jesus to magically make houses pop out of nowhere!!!
cinnabar7071
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
Along with the land come responsibilities. If these were working tax payers who just couldn't afford rent in A2, I'd say leave them alone. But these people are takers, and nothing more. I still can't believe one of A2 liberal elites hasn't offered up some of their land for them to occupy. Personally I think the Arb would be perfect, the rich liberals could set up feeders in their yards to keep them with there diet.
xmo
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
Just a POLITICAL GAME, don't solve the problem! Why don't the Church leaders house these people among their flock? Why don't Ann Arbor residents open up their houses to these people? What about the YMCA, United Way, Salvation Army? "joined every night by 8-10 people - most of whom are Washtenaw County church leaders" I'm tired of this liberal garbage!
Modern_Atheist
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
just because i think people deserve help doesn't make me a liberal... you're too quick to judge.
a2roots
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
@ffej440...The wait list is for others waiting on the vouchers. The people at the site were being given a pass on waiting for vouchers to become available circumventing the process. They received them if they qualified. The voucher is portable and can be used any where as long as the landlord agrees. I would bet there are plenty rental units that are available to rent in conjunction with the subsidy. Again what was Poirier's reason????
ffej440
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
@ a2roots- This story tries to explain without coming out and saying it. Last I checked the waiting list in this area for sec 8 was 10 months. A voucher that nobody takes is worthless. As stated in the article very few properties will take sec 8 rent and not mentioned is the effect of "Blight cleanup" on low cost housing in the area. I hope this clears up the misunderstanding- a voucher is not a place to live.
buildergirl
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
Actually several churches in the area have set up shelters for homeless. One of the baptist churches spend thousands of dollars setting up an inhouse program. It was shut down because of drug use/dealing/alcohol and safety issues for the volunteers. Not all homeless fall into this category but there are enough of them in the lot to ruin it for everyone.
a2roots
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
Somethings wrong...I agree with xmo. Still want to know why Poirier did not want or did not qualify for the Section 8 subsidy that was handed out.
zumbamami
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
I can appreciate the romance in giving what is not being used (in this case, seemingly unused land) to so many people who clearly need a place to live. BUT...we have to consider the condition of the area from being occupied by people that may not know how to handle the sanitation needs of one person, let alone 30 or more. Would you want to be near an area where 30 or more people eliminate and leave trash? It would nice if someone were to donate their land, and be sure that the sanitation needs are taught to the folks and met. Any takers on donating their land?????
danny moore
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.
The garden section at Wal Marts, nice clean and lovely back to nature.
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Try living on a minimum wage job. Try it when you have a mental illness, or addiction problems. A lot of uncaring, damning words written about some of our most vulnerable people. Very little said about the corporate machine that put them there. About the greed and fear that put them there.
Modern_Atheist
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 10:01 a.m.
addiction is addiction, most people have no control over it. My doctor got me addicted to xanax and I was lucky enough to realize it was hurting me and even luckier that I was able to stop taking it. People need help, not hate.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
Robert, I'm with you. the minimum wage is a joke. The corporate machine is evil and doesn't care whether its employees are able to pay their bills or not.
Raggety Andy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Right on Robert. For such a Christian nation sure lacks the compassion that Christ preached.
4 Fingers
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
And THERE it is....blame someone else for your mistakes/misfortunes and expect them to pay for them. Hey at least minimum wage is a start. Try staying at said job long enough and you may get a raise or learn a skill or two and move up and on.
a2roots
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
Whatever happened to people being responsible for their actions. Corporate America has nothing to do with the plight of these people. Get out and move on.
Jack Gladney
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Please vote Reagan out of office. America does not need four more years of tent cities.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
Jack.....Reagan has not only been out of office for some time now, he's also dead. Hello!
beuwolf
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Robin of Loxley's next venture will be attempting to restore the rightful king of England whilst encamped in Sherwood Forest.
Deb Anderson
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:10 p.m.
CTN is an unfortunate symptom of a poor economy and also what has happened as a result in cutting back on mental health resources. But CTN does not have running water or proper sanitation and it is not a benign little campground or a peaceful Utopian village. These homeless campers are highly vulnerable to their own demons, substance abuse habits (didn't someone die there a few weeks ago due to a heroin OD?), and a real possibility of a serious disease outbreak as well; typhus still exists in this day and age and what a perfect place CTN is for this to happen! We need to protect these people by providing a safe environment, provide job skills, and to provide mental health resources and substance abuse rehabilitation. No one is doing these people a favor by allowing them to squat wherever they roam and in fact, supporting CTN is simply a way of keeping these individuals and their problems even more invisible than they already are. We as a society need to be there for them, it's not up to anyone to judge or criticize any of these people. If we can't reach out a hand and help, then we are the pathetic ones -- not them.
Ron
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
Even though I am against them getting the help of free rent I can't help to think of something else about any of them once they get a place to live rent free for a year. How are they going to pay for their utilities if they have no job? DHS will not help you with that if you have no income. And I am sure the rest of the agencies around the county will end up not helping them because the agencies do not have the funds. If they won't be able to pay for utilities, the landlords will have no choice but to kick them out. Mad mad circle going to happen. I still say that MSHDA should have used those funds for the wait list they have for people that DO have an income and are trying to get back on their feet. Makes me want to look into talking to the federal government HUD department and see how much money they have given to the state of Michigan for the wait list and how much the state is using for CTN instead of the wait list it was meant for
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
Dogs used to get the most hate on annarbor.com, it seems that this hate is now directed towards the homeless. Personally, I'm REALLY happy they were all give 1 years rent. That will cost MUCH more than just a few more years at CTN would, and they'll probably be a lot cozier!
Jimmy McNulty
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:39 a.m.
So this guy Caleb Poirier is going to WASTE everyone's time, including and especially the State Police for what?
Odile Haber
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
The thing is Caleb is willing to be arrested to his beliefs. What are most of us willing to do for our sisters and brothers that are without a home to sleep in at night? Ann Arbor is a well organized town, why can't a solution be found that is humane. Giving a blanket and telling someone to go sleep in a park is not a long term solution. Our economy is no longer sustainable and many will be out on the street. Collective solutions such as Camp Take Notice attempting to provide will be the way to survival in the future. Blaming does not help, creative solutions are needed.
APWBD123
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
The problem is solutions are in place. I have never seen a homeless person turned away or "just given a blanket." If a shelter or a community group does not have the resources to help that person they direct them to another that does. The state/county/city all provide various means of assistance. whether temporary housing, job training, food and nutritional assistance etc. The problem is, many of these individuals choose to be homeless. Thats fine, but if thats the case, I think that they can respect others rights as to who lives and enters their property.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
We already built a giant homeless center downtown. Should we just keep building more and more, attracting more and more homeless? We can not keep the entire states homeless population in our city.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Playing KOA in the woods is not a "solution."
Michigan Man
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Odile - The far left political machine in Ann Arbor has been totally inept relative to this issue. The far left political claims that they are benevolent, as measured by their solutions/results for the campers is pure Bogus you know what!
Jeffersonian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.
The problem with the needy is counter intuitive. When needs are met more needs arise. I am amazed at the amount of effort people put in living the way they want when often just working hard at a regular job could be easier.
4 Fingers
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
Our economy is no longer sustainable? Have you even looked at the help wanted ads? No,what we have is lazy people looking for handouts that don't put back in, i.e. taxes. Ya know I'd be willing to help someone that looked like they were helping themselves rather than someone that wants you to beg to help them.
FormerMichRes
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
I wonder about the limo liberal protesters in AA. If the CTN encampment was in their neighborhood like say at the ARB, I wonder how the protest would go? How about at the "churches"? Oh, the doors are locked except on Sunday morning. Of course, Mr. Poirier is going to protest. The reason for the existence of his non-profit corp, MISSION, is basically gone. Probably a pretty good, well paying gig while it lasted.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
With all the thefts that have been going on they have to to keep them locked. I know ours never used to lock the doors until a few things went missing. It doesn't mean the homeless people did it.
MoonmanDon
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
Wow, the police really have their priorities straight in this country. What a joke.
APWBD123
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
Do they have a choice? No
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Yeah, darn those police, always enforcing the laws. Oh, wait, that's what they're required to do.
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
I just find it funny that it was okay for them to be there until it became publicized. Now all of a sudden it is not okay.
InsideTheHall
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 9:43 a.m.
Caleb is brushing up on his Presidential skills for a future White House bid. Anything is possible in America!
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
He certainly has more qualifications than our current president.
Brad
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
No, if he ran for president then the crazy people would be blathering about his birth certificate.
ronald
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 9:10 a.m.
why can't we give them 10 acres to use and leave them alone. they aren't bothering anyone
ThisAintKyle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
Well, the trick would be to buy 10 acres, start an non-profit 'conservation' organization, and donate the land to them. You couldn't develop it then, but this would minimize the tax burden on the property. Then, charge a small rental fee on the 'sites' at the camp - say $50/month cash - times 60 residents is $3000/month - that should cover the taxes as well as make sure that a few of the twp. administrators get nice cash donations for their re-election campaigns, just so they know you're serious about them not noticing the camp, and presto - new camp.
BernieP
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Even if clear title were given, taxes must be paid. In Washtenaw County, that requires cold hard cash.
zumbamami
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
You have to consider the sanitation issues of allowing people to camp on an area without adequate means to deal with their waste. Would they know how to handle the sanitation needs? Would they keep the area clean? Imagine the odor from an area filled with solid and liquid waste.
Jeffersonian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:38 a.m.
I think you can buy ten acres in Somalia pretty cheap.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:01 a.m.
Good idea. Go buy 10 acres and give it to them.
tommy_t
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:12 a.m.
Will the fence be topped with razor wire also?
MARK
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Yes and a moat filled with ill-tempered sea bass
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 10:57 a.m.
No need. The act of climbing a fence would be too like much like work!
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:08 a.m.
If no one knows yet, today I found out that these people have started moving into Scio Township in a wooded area that backs an open lot. It is next to Nicholson's Motorsport and Classic Cup Cafe on Jackson Rd. Our neighbor is on the West side of where they are settling. We are two doors down from this. Tomorrow night there will be a Scio township meeting at 7pm. I don't know everyones opinion on this, however, I know my neighbors and I all agree they can not stay there. The swim club is right across the street on Park Rd. Tons of kids walk there daily in the summer. It is not safe for them, for residence, and not for the homeless. I now have to worry about our property, my kids' safety, and our property values. This needs to stop! They need a permanent residence and need to be active members of society.
Here
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
With regard to Scio Township and the comment about Spaulding Clark, it is important to note that CTN was located on MDOT property. As such, although located within the boundaries of the township, the camp was on land not administered by, or under to control of, the township. Until MDOT decided to take action there was little any of the local authorities could do about the camp.
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Oh,and please read the comment from Stephen. It clearly shows that people want to help, but when you give it , it is only taken advantage of.
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
Intrepidisme, I understand where you are coming from, however, the location is not good for anyone. There are no sidewalks on Park Rd, two cars side by side can barely fit down that part of the road. Maybe instead of our county trying to hide the fact we have an influx of homeless, they should publicize it so people are more aware of how serious it is. There are many shelters in this county they can go to. However, I understand there are certain criteria they have to meat: no drugs, no alcohol, etc. So the ones in this camp (not saying all of them) are the ones that refuse to comply. Why would i want them living that close to me? Some will do anything to get their fix. We know of someone that is a Washtenaw County Sherif, and there has been multiple incidents there that were never publicized. And so you know, I do not live in fear and I am not scared of them, I have the general concern for the safety of our community (including them) and what I have WORKED so hard to obtain. They are human beings just like the rest of us. However, we have made better decisions and have different priorities. There is help for them, they just have to want it.
4 Fingers
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.
So, it's ok if there are unregistered sex offenders there and convicted felons,eh. The win win solution as you put it is the state aid we are all paying for to help these people. Having a bunch of squatters in tents isn't. Richelle, good luck tonight at the meeting. From what I've heard, Spaulding Clark, the supervisor could care less. I live near the old camp and my neighbor went to talk to him about it and all he could say was "they're not bothering anyone". Start a petition. It worked for us.
Intrepidisme
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
Have any of the homeless in the camp hurt anyone? Or are you basing your perception of an assumed judgment. Your post is riddled with fear, which you most likely live from even when the homeless are not the issue. Instead of protecting yourself, why not have compassion and help these people and your people find a win win solution. Where are homeless people suppose to go? They are condemned for having help from the state or any other aid and they are condemned for living on vacant land. It just amazes me the lack of compassion from my fellow citizens. Everyone is so "problem focused" instead of "solution focused". AND you don't have to worry about anything, worry is a choice blocking you.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:56 a.m.
I feel for you and I am sure you have the support of my neighbors near the previous CTN. Unfortunately this will continue being a problem as long as washtenaw county does nothing about the massive influx of homeless people. It needs to stop, these people need to move to shelters in their own communities and stop relying on ours for handouts.
egcthree
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:16 a.m.
What this story doesn't tell you is that Caleb has a place to stay. He founded and did stay at the camp but hasn't been a camp resident for quite some time. He started all this from his time in Seattle were apparently several of these camps are tolerated. I would wager most of these campers that are not staying at Delonis are spread through out Bluff's park, which has always had a handful of tents buried in the trees of the trails.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
So nice that all of our public parks are infested with bums from all over michigan.
Stephen
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:13 a.m.
We had a transition shelter @ our church,for 90 days & out... Very few people stayed only 90 days, the thought of free food, clothing,shelter was attractive. For some people if you try to give them a hand up, they expect hand outs. After a year of allowing people stay (some were still there from day 1) the center closed. We tried with everything we could to help, but, because we couldn't help everyone. As for the camp in Ann Arbor, some of those have been there from day 1 too, now they are crying for more free lodging ? And jail cost the taxpayers money, get a job, get on State Aid, rooming house, hostel --- something.
Richard
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:40 a.m.
Many don't want the vouchers. They want to have the right to live on state land.
martini man
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:39 a.m.
So much I'd like to say, but SOOO much of it would get censored .... so I won't say it . But consider it said just the same.
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:38 a.m.
congratulations, you contributed absolutely nothing to this article.
snapshot
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:38 a.m.
How many state employees "break the law" and go unpunished because of "who they are". Michigan public entities are infested with corruption. State liability only applies to "non state employees and officials" who call the shots. Maybe public employees and officials should do some self policing.
shepard145
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
That don't want much, just MORE.
L'chaim
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.
Poirier made a real difference when he organized the homeless camp. He united homeless people into a group. Now, the state is dividing them again, breaking their power and taking the "home" they created on public land away. He, and the other "mostly church leaders" make a noble, symbolic gesture in getting arrested; but the other victims aren't standing up to fight with their leaders. Not to blame them for doing what they feel is necessary, but they're trading their powerful alliance and encampment for the promise of a temporary fix. They are being swept away, and the causes of homelessness are being left unaddressed, ignored. Noble gestures won't solve the problem. The homeless people in Washtenaw County had unity and the potential of further, more radical political action and demands when they had camp take notice. But if they won't fight for it, by occupying the land and refusing to disband, then their cause won't move forward. If not us, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? The sight of that fence along Wagner Road is truly sickening!
ThisAintKyle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
Thanks for that L'chaim - nice words.
L'chaim
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
I agree that churches should use their resources to house and feed the homeless --especially since they don't pay any taxes; so should do-good residents who have the room on their property or in their actual homes, but that's obviously a band-aid, it won't end homelessness. The point is to identify and fight the causes of homelessness. CTN members began to do just that, and the way they did it went beyond the limited means and vision of the established agencies (like the Michigan State Housing Development Authority) which clearly can only manage, not eliminate, the problem. The replies here, and many of the comments, ignore the problem, blame and vilify the victims of homelessness.
Jeffersonian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
If not us? How about you and them.
Jeffersonian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
Church basements are warm. They could garden and shovel snow for gratitude.
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 5:14 a.m.
Why don't you let them move in your back yard? If you are so for this it shouldn't be an issue right?
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:52 a.m.
Get over yourself. If it was in your neighborhood you would be singing a different tune.
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.
"He united homeless people into a group." A group can be made up of almost anything! Just being a group means they garnered more sympathy and handouts. Nothing more. Even their "leader" can not stand on his own. "they're trading their powerful alliance and encampment for the promise of a temporary fix" Obviously it wasn't powerful enough! "But if they won't fight for it, by occupying the land and refusing to disband, then their cause won't move forward." Are you sleeping with them tonight? I think not. Talk Talk Talk. Nothing more.
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/tent-city?page=0,1 Poirier said that homelessness, like death and taxes, will always exist, but he hopes that CTN can serve as a temporary solution while people get back on their feet. When might HE start to stand on his own two feet?
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Maybe its time for Mr Poirer to go BACK to Seattle where he helped organize the homeless before coming back to Ann Arbor to do us such a great service! http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-08-20/news/welcome-to-nickelsville-population-unknown/ Poirier describes himself and the other Nickelsville organizers as "high-functioning" homeless because of their ability to see beyond the basic needs of daily survival. I would call it something short of "high-functioning" to live in a tent and defecate on the ground.
Modern_Atheist
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 10:03 a.m.
actually the grounds belong to MDOT, you're not paying for that. Sadly, we're paying for that ridiculous fence though!
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
I have defended their presence there. Up to the point where they were told by the authorities they had to leave. And then all the foot dragging and whining showed some of them for what they are. And now the "leader" wants to "make a statement" by getting arrested. Too much. Who am I? I am one of the people paying for their vouchers, the fence, the police they are tying up, the property they squatted on. And as you say"you sicken me."You are doing the judging!
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:36 a.m.
they have nowhere else to "defecate: ... who are you to judge someone? What's so wrong with living in a tent ? People like you sicken me.
Intrepidisme
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.
I cannot comprehend your words because the feeling of hate you have colored them with is so overwhelming.
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Starkey is currently one of 33 former camp residents waiting to be placed in housing subsidized by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority specifically for camp residents. How do the other homeless in Ann Arbor feel about being discriminated against like this? Poirer has had his 15 minutes enough is enough!
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
For anyone that could use a few free items there are chairs and such abandoned just over the guard rail. Help yourself.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
and carts down the street. Oh yeah and don't forget the garbage!
jcj
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
Will Mr Poirer also refuse the voucher from the State. If not then he should have NO RESPECT!
Intrepidisme
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:10 a.m.
We all deserve respect even if you do not agree with another persons choice.
4 Fingers
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
"I might have a different answer for you tomorrow," he said. Yeah, he should. That fence should be done tomorrow. As a nearby homeowner, that is one beautiful fence. So maybe some of those church leaders can let them stay on their property.....any takers?
DeeDee
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
Good idea! Here are some churches in Lodi and Scio Twps with very large acreages: Knox Baptist, St. Nicholas, church on west side of Wagner just between Scio and Liberty (or maybe it is Waters and Scio) , Shekinah Church on N. side of Scio Church between Wagner and Zeeb, etc. etc. Plenty of room for a camp on those properties. Step up church leaders.
Ricardo Queso
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
So valuable tax payer paid police resources were wasted on this ne'er do well. Yes, better they spend their time policing a hobo junction than a dangerous entrance ramp on US-23.
jns131
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
I don't remember the police coming in to remove anyone. Did they? I do remember this article mentioning the MSP would clear out anyone who was still there, but it sounds like everyone did. Did they?
Will Warner
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
The captain going down with the ship. Very classy, Mr. Poirier. You have my respect.
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:33 a.m.
it's nice to see someone hold strong with a cause they believe in
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
I asked the governor's office last week whether the governor had a hand in making the decision to shut down Camp Take Notice. This is what his spokesperson said: "The governor had no direct involvement on this issue. The administration does support MDOT and MSHDA and the detailed, compassionate steps they've been taking to ensure collaboration and that the camp's occupants have access to safe and sanitary alternatives and long-term housing solutions."
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
Boy, Ryan, isn't that about the typical mealy-mouthed politician's response? Teflon, teflon, teflon.
BernieP
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
TMI == Too Much Ink
a2roots
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
So lets see, we arrest him and he gets free meals and shelter at taxpayer cost. Leave him in the woods and he is a public nuisance who honest to goodness property owners do not deserve to have him and his group nearby. How about a bus ticket to a warmer climate. I will gladly donate to get this guy out of here and any of his groupies. Sure would like to know why he did not want or did not qualify for the MSHDA Section 8 subsidy???
Madhatter
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
I made the bus ticket suggestion in earlier posts. It's actually a cost effective method of solving this issue, and other governments have done it. Instead of paying thousands of dollars in housing vouchers, we can all pool together like $10 or $20 each and buy tickets for anyone that wants to get on a bus or train to go see a relative for friend that they can stay with. It would reunite them with someone that cares and can help, and significantly reduces the need for taxpayer support.
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
homeless people have groupies?
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
The 8 foot fence is over kill & a huge cost to all of us
jns131
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
In a year? The weeds and ivy will cover this area over and we will forget that there ever was a camp.
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:29 a.m.
Tear gas would have been more cost effective but it would have been a public relations disaster.
Davidian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
Anyone following this story will agree that Caleb is obviously a well-read individual and he's clearly not physically disabled. My question is obvious: why was he compelled to start CTN? If you say it's because he can't find a job, what about race, education, and privelege, all of which he supposedly and apparently enjoys? Is he an activist, or merely acting like a petulant child who isn't getting his way? Is he mentally ill? Clearly he has a profound sense of "activism." Personally I think most activists are loons but they can hold jobs. Any way you slice it, all of the arguments supporting their behavior fall apart under the critical thinking test. Sure - some of these folks have it bad. But Caleb? How can you feel sorry for this guy? Only the most profoundly ill and disabled should get a free ride. Having an addiction or a lack of motivation doesn't count in my book. The real victims - the people I feel sorry for - are the naive people that this guy and his ilk have duped.
Richard
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:34 a.m.
As written before in Annarbor.com, Caleb is a young man with mental health issues. He has leadership qualities that draw the downtrodden to him like the Pied Piper. He is, so far pretty benign compared to the likes of David Koresh, Jim Jones, and Warren Jeffs. AnnArbor.com if you wish to delete this post, please remember you were the first to report on Caleb's mental health history.
gstratt
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
I hope Caleb and the rest of the people from Camp Take Notice get a hot meal, a bed and the opportunity to put in a hard day's work wherever they go. There's a lot of us out there who could use that, and these guys are no different.
Blair West
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
*these
Blair West
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
Wow, you people sound so ignorant! If a sober veteran is camping NO WHERE NEAR YOUR HOUSE what is your beef? I've know Caleb for years and he is one of the kindest and most righteous men I've ever met. Are you willing to open your backyard to thee people? I know I would.
APWBD123
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
My beef is that just as you as a property owner have the right to control who enters and lives on your property, so does the state. I personally do not wish to see the state be sued for entertaining a hazard on its property. There are plenty of other options for individuals who do not want to live in subsidized housing, (like your backyard). This person could be a veteran, a lawyer, a doctor, an alcoholic, or a sober person; thats beside the point. The point is that if the state says time to move, then just move.
Brad
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
Yeah, you know you "would", but I'm pretty sure you haven't and won't.
Modern_Atheist
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
people around here seem to consider their backyard to be a whole 5 mile radius surrounding their houses. "NOT IN MY BACKYARD" ... no, it's not in your backyard... it's 10 miles away.
Richelle
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:53 a.m.
I just got a notice on my mail box today stating that they are moving into a vacant lot in a partially wooded area two doors down from me. I am not happy about it at all. I do think they should have a place to go, however, in a populated residential and business area is not it. I worry now for my kids safety, my property, the value of my property, etc. Im not saying they all would do this, but for a fix, some will do anything. All the neighbors surrounding have discussed the problems with this. We will all be present at the Scio Township meeting tomorrow night voicing our concerns.
Jack Campbell
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
Funny thing its RIGHT NEAR MY HOUSE! No sanitation, in a freeway median a block from a preschool.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
Blair, please post your address so the CTN people will know where they'll be welcome to set up camp next.
Davidian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.
Then someone with such excellent interpersonal skills should easily be able to get a solid job and contribute just like everyone else.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
I have meet with Caleb more than once & found him to be a very kind & big - hearted person. Very soft spoken.
Davidian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
Then put your money where your mouth is open your back yard and let them live there. Oh, that's right, it's intolerable.
Madhatter
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
As I have written before, arrest anyone that refuses to cooperate with the law. Society and the community cannot function without laws. A message needs to be sent that if you break the law, you go to jail. I don't care if it's church members protesting, if you break the law you go to jail. Period. Also, a patrol car should be placed near the camp to discourage repeat violaters and vandalism of the new fence. If anyone attempts to break into the fenced in area they should be immediately arrested. Anyone acting disorderly and violating the peace of others should also be arrested. Society and the community will not tollerate law breakers. Society and the community will not enable people that don't want to follow the rules. You break the law, you go to jail.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
madhatter....has it ever occurred to you that sometimes, just sometimes the law is wrong? has it ever occurred to you that some of us believe that if a law is unjust, that we have a right to oppose it in ways that may not sit well with some people?
Audion Man
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Madhatter sez: "As I have written before, arrest anyone that refuses to cooperate with the law. Society and the community cannot function without laws. A message needs to be sent that if you break the law, you go to jail." Will this sentiment ever be applied to bankers and the investment folks who have committed fraud and hopelessly damaged our economy? No. Of course, not. Just beat up the homeless for their petty infractions and let people who swindled us all for billions, go free, with nary a slap on the wrist. Society tolerates law breakers all of the time, Madhatter.
Madhatter
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Perhaps if we had a squad car parked there initially we wouldn't be wasting thousands of dollars on housing vouchers and an eight foot fence. Perhaps if we sent the message that we expect people, including the homeless, to follow our community laws we wouldn't be discussing this now. Perhaps if we had the courage to tell homeless people from out of town that they are not welcome to take advantage of our compassion and goodwill we wouldn't have this problem now. Parking a car there isn't just about preventing vandalism, it sends a message. It gets the message accross that we aren't going to tolerate shenanigans.
Jimmy McNulty
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
So you would like to waste all of those police resources on some (potential) squatters? Perhaps a squad car should also be parked near State and Liberty to discourage jaywalkers.
Will Warner
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 10:35 a.m.
Probably Mr. Poirier would say that he is trying to get society to face up to its homeless problem. You and I may not agree that society has "a homeless problem." Nevertheless, the claim is plausible enough to be worthy of a civil-disobedience campaign. Making one's own judgments about matters of conscience and acting on them takes courage.
Will Warner
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 10:09 a.m.
To quote you, MadHatter "A message needs to be sent that if you break the law, you go to jail. I don't care if it's church members protesting, if you break the law you go to jail. Period." You did say Period.
Madhatter
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 3:46 a.m.
Fighting because you're black and want civil rights or because you're a woman and want voting rights is a whole lot different than fighting because you want the right to trespass on the people's land because you feel entitled to camp there. The Delonis Center is readily available to serve the homeless.
Will Warner
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
Ever heard of civil-disobedience? Yes, you go to jail, and but you to it in order to draw attention to what you and others regard as high principles.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
So you have never ever broken a law...EVER! People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
So, even though the state is bending over backward to help people and organizations are doing everything possible to place them, there's still a protest going on? What are these so-called "church leaders" protesting? Highways? Too much help for those who need it? Root beer? I don't get it.
Jeffersonian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
Churchin is good theater- but you do need an audience. Maybe the church basements could house the grateful campers in exchange for chores and such... no that's too sensible. Unfortunately if it disaffects the paying customers its bad for business.
A2Frenchman
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 9:05 a.m.
they're always looking for something to protest about....
genetracy
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
It is obvious the church folk need someone to enable. It probably allows them to sleep better.
Goober
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
Oh my. Break the law and get arrested. About as effective as Occupy Wall Street. If they would resist allowing tax payer funds to be used for art, I would join their efforts.
genetracy
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
Is there any chance Poirer can be deported after he is arrested?
Davidian
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
When is the last time he filed a tax return?
Goober
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Run Poirer, run!