Homeless tent city residents near Ann Arbor will rally Thursday on Wagner Road
The commute along Wagner Road on Ann Arbor's west side should be a little more eventful than usual on Thursday afternoon.
The homeless encampment known as "Camp Take Notice" is located just west of Ann Arbor off of Wagner Road.
AnnArbor.com file photo
“The rally is a demonstration of support for the camp,” said Peggy Lynch, who is on the board of directors for Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity (MISSION) a non-profit organization that helps support the tent city.
“We want the campers to know, the community to know, but especially government officials that we support this strongly and that it is needed,” Lynch said.
Camp Take Notice is located on Michigan Department of Transportation property and has been at that location for more than two years. MDOT director of communications Jeff Cranson said there is no immediate plan to force the camp out, but that it can’t stay forever.
“MDOT is not in the process of evicting, but we are working with (the Michigan State Housing Authority Development) to try and help provide alternatives,” Cranson said.
“It’s dangerous. It’s unsafe,” Cranson said of the camp’s current location. “We know (homelessness) is an issue in the country, state and Washtenaw County and feel we’ve been patient and compassionate…We have been working very hard to find an amicable solution to a complex problem.”
Brian Durrance, who is also on MISSION’s board of directors, said there are 65 people residing in Camp Take Notice, its highest population since MISSION became involved in 2008. He said the average stay is 8-10 months.
“We want people to understand it is a unique form of group therapy. That’s why we’re so anxious to get the word out,” Durrance said.
Durrance hopes the rally can help keep Camp Take Notice in its current location, but recognizes that might not be realistic. His larger goal is rally support behind what is accomplished at Camp Take Notice
“We feel that we’re serving the community and we’d like to do that in a legitimate capacity, but we know that (MDOT) is very restricted in what they can offer,” he said.
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Atticus F.
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
Also, to all these people who are saying "get a job!"... Why don't you go down there and offer them a job? Yes, head on down there and offer them a job paying $250/week... Then offer them housing for $150/week...then offer them food for $50/week....then offer them heat for $50/week...Then offer them electricity for $50/week.... then, after they toil away 40 hrs/week making you wealthy, and are walking around naked, without clothes or medicine, you can give yourself a big 'pat on the back' for changing these peoples lives for the better...
sarden
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Why don't you let them camp in your back yard if you don't mind them freeloading? There are jobs out there and god knows enough help in terms of federal, state, local, and charity dollars to help these people out. It's like a panhandler; if you keep giving to them, they keep doing the same thing.
ffej440
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.
Well said. You can tell these people have been blessed, since they have NO clue of life on the poor side. "I saw a help wanted sign- there must be jobs"..... What dopes.
Atticus F.
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
To all the people who are screaming that they are "tax payers", guess what, I'm a tax payer to, and I probably pay a higher rate than most people who are complaining....And I believe these people should have every right to be there. I suppose you folks would much rather "pay taxes" to house these people in jail for simply existing, than to allow them to set up a tent... Sounds like it's less a 'money issue', and more of a 'I dont like they way these people live their life' issue.
tim
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
If something bad happens in the camp MDOT is liable. It is illegal to go camping on state land that is not a designated camp site so why is it that MDOT ( other state land ) allows people to camp willy nilly where ever they want to? I'm sure with all the support that housing could be found for these people.
KINGofSKA
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
From what I've heard, most of the people here are stable (mental/physical), so if they really want a job, or a future, why not join the military and have them pay for your schooling? Just a suggestion. One of my main concerns (not just for them, but motorists as well), it's not a safe path to walk. Yes, they're there now, and they're going to continually walk the dangerous path day in and day out, but my problem is sometimes maybe they're not paying attention or what, but I've almost hit one or two of them because they're walking IN the road with no bright colors or anything for their safety.
Atticus F.
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
My best guess is that most are ineligible for military service.
martini man
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Gorsh...the censors deleted my original comment ..those liberals just hate it when you get a little pithy ..unless of course you are getting pithy against conservatives, then it's "allowed" . Does the Huffn Pull Post own AnnArbor.com as well ?
Michigan Man
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
MM - Many of my posts are also deleted by the language police - keep your chin up and continue to express your feelings.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
Is it allowed to say "pith?"
russellr
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.
Most of these people choose this lifestyle, we know someone that lived there by choice. Why should they work when the Democrats hand them a check every month. All he had to do was get his girlfriend pregnant and now all of us taxpayers pay for there rent, food stamps, and whatever else they need. Stop enabeling these people!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are jobs to be had I could take you to 10 places that are hiring, no one will go to work for minimum wage it is beneath them. Just set back and let us workers pay for them, it makes me sick.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : midnight
I want to know where I can go to get a mind-clearing all-goes-in-a-straight-line brain transplant so that I can think like this. Do you think a person without a home, and therefor without a home address, can just "go out and get a job?" Not likely. Employer: "What's you address?" You: "My what?" etc. etc. etc. Life is seldom more simple than it is for those who refuse to see it's complexities.
ffej440
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
Just because youve seen help wanted signs, it does not mean jobs are available.Many places like Meijer have the sign up always even when there is no work. Its clear you have never been in this position since you have no clue how hard it is to get government aid. People who spew about matters that they know nothing of, make ME sick!
ranger007
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
I know every town has homeless people,some chose that road some have no choice but it seems to be a bit ridiculous in ann arbor. I recently was driving down liberty by the old borders and counted 11 different homeless people sitting from Maynard to state st panhandling ..I thought they were in line for something Nope just begging. That plays a huge part of why I and probably others don't patronize businesses downtown.
MgoBlueMomma
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
What they are doing is illegal. Its called Trespassing. They need to spend less time rallying and GET A JOB. Become productive parts of scoiety like the rest of us.
Fat Bill
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
This camp formed slowly, mostly by people who kept "under the radar". A rally by definition will cause people to take notice, more than just the unlucky folks who live nearby. If this rally causes any real disruption, they might succeed in getting pushed out of there...They need to rethink their position.
81wolverine
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
Although I have a lot of sympathy for the people living in this camp, MDOT should not be allowing them to stay. This process should not have to take this long. I don't know how you can call it "eviction" when they've been illegally trespassing on the property all along. That location is unsafe for a variety of reasons - not just for the homeless people but for others driving on Wagner Rd. who have to avoid the pedestrians walking on the narrow shoulder. Also, it's a minor miracle no one has accidently ended up on the highway below and been hit.
nattiejames
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
Would it not be possible to allot just a small bit of unused county land in a slightly safer spot and equip it with a bit of basic plumbing as some small token of a compassionate community? I'm not suggesting this is about "deserve," I'm suggesting it might be about a gesture of compassionate goodwill that would cost but little. Considering the complexity of factors that contribute to homelessness, it seems particularly abhorrent to read the glib rhetoric of the "pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstrap" crowd.
CPLtownie
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
How about the Mayors backyard?
4 Fingers
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
I like west park, anyone else?
Ricebrnr
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Out of curiosity, could someone knowledgeable, please provide estimates for this little costing suggestion?
Commoncents
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Let me guess, it's everyone else's fault.
Frank Lee
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
It's well known that many of the area homeless have traveled here from elsewhere. It's even been reported by annarbor.com before. They know that the services offered to them in our area are much better than elsewhere. The more services, compassion, and acceptance offered will only increase the problem. You could house and employ everyone in the camp today, and before long the camp would be full again. What kind of logic would call for support of this perpetual situation? I think deterrents would be a better direction. Take notice, you don't disable a situation by enabling it.
Patience
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
For the most part, I think most of the responses are uneducated, selfish, and unnecessary. As the first and the last comments (as of 10:38 am) state, the campers at Camp Take Notice deserve compassion and the community's help. I am not a religious person, but I do believe everyone deserves kindness. Perhaps some of the responders should stop by and visit the camp - they have an open door policy. I've been there, looked around, found out what was needed, and intend to support them. They have a structured community, with rules and an enforcing committee. In regards to some other comments: How do the nearby neighbors feel? I am one, and I felt awful driving by daily and not stopping to help. I do not feel threatened, nor believe property values or safeties are compromised. The danger of the road's width? Everyone in Ann Arbor should be concerned with pedestrian and bike traffic on roads that do not have a 'legal' bike lane. For two-way traffic, this should be 8 feet wide. (Since bikes travel with traffic and walkers against, this always results in two--way traffic) Not only are the petitioners and campers at risk, but anyone who walks, runs, and bikes this road. Motorists need to be aware, slow down, and share the road.
CPLtownie
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.
But Ann Arbor is in the Top 10 in Educated, Smart, Arty, Creative, College Graduated, yada yada yada...
arborlib
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
What about the bridge traffic over 14 that is affected by the walkers who use no reflective gear or flashlights while they're walking at night? Or when they stop to unload supplies on the bridge, putting up a cone for traffic to go around them? It's come to the point where I hate driving over the bridge at night because I am constantly worried I'm going to hit someone walking over it.
4 Fingers
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
I have a feeling this was sparked by a visit from MDOT yesterday. Any news on that, Pete?
a2xarob
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
I have very mixed feelings about this. I believe that it is our responsibility to help those who need it, to provide services to help them find jobs, housing, medical care, food. But would I want anybody tenting in an area with no bathrooms next to my house? No! I definitely sympathize with their neighbors who are disturbed by this. I like the suggestion of finding a legitimate campground, if tenting is preferred or needed by this community. There would be toilets, showers, fireplaces, campsites, etc. It seems like a small commitment of resources would be needed to keep it going. Maybe a morning and afternoon shuttle bus to get them to town for jobs and errands?
nattiejames
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
If one were to equate Christianity with the golden rule (I think I read somewhere that that was the point of the whole enterprise), then this seems to me to be a decidedly Christian response to the issue. If, of course, Christianity means something other than that, then perhaps my conclusion is falsely drawn.
pseudo
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
"MDOT director of communications Jeff Cranson said there is no immediate plan to force the camp out, but that it can't stay forever." That wording sure sounds like there are plans to remove the camp. Did the reporter ask or challenge this statement? Are there plans for next month? July? End of Summer? How long does the camp have? It might be nice to let them plan for the move. Of course that also limits their ability to find a replacement spot.
arborlib
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
I can't wait to see how this affects my commute home as I drive on Wagner. It doesn't sound very safe, either seeing as how there is little to no space to line the road there - not that they seem to care about that anyway, when they are walking on the street at night with no flashlights or reflective gear. Or climbing down an overpass to get to their camp. Or getting supplies from a car that is parked on a two-lane bridge.
4 Fingers
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
I agree. I live by there, and almost took some guys car door off when he opened it on the overpass halfway in the road. Heck, I've seen them set up pylons and route traffic in to the opposite lane while they unload supplies.
foobar417
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Whether or not you agree with the placement and support of Camp Take Notice by various governmental and non-profit groups, the people who live there deserve our sympathy and support. Life is difficult for everyone. We're all just humans trying to survive. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." -Matthew 7:1-2 "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.'" -Matthew 25:41-45
shepard145
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
So we have virtually entire cities living off taxpayers for decades in homes with cable, cell phones and cars - but these people are special?? This is a GIMMICK - these people just want attention - and the bottom line is that Michigan taxpayers can no longer afford to pay for your no-work, do nothing "lifesytles". In the words of your hero, George Soros, MOVE ON.
bunnyabbot
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
As a tax payer I find it disgusting that this illegal squating is being condoned by MDOT, whenever "sensitive" subjects are involved government looks the other way because they have NO backbone. Lots of the people at the homeless tent city CHOOSE this living arrangement because they don't want to live at the shelter and be governed by the rules there. While they wait for a hand out of permanant housing they CHOOSE to live in a tent by the expressway. As someone that frequents the stretch of road, the people who live there and visit daily need to move their freakin cars, Wagners shoulder is NOT a parking lot, just b/c the weeds no longer grow there due to repeat cars running them down doesn't mean that is where you should park. Ditto for the people that cross willy nilly back and forth to visit the encampment, Wagner is not a pedestrian mall. Ditto for the jaywalkers at night wearing dark clothing. Thanks for the heads up about the "rally" that means I won't be going out to dinner as the drive to the restaurant would mean using Wagner, so much for me putting money into the local economy.
Tanzor
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
This "camp take notice" should not be tolerated; individuals camping there are doing so illegally. Would MDOT allow me to setup a camp along M14? Why the double standards? Ann Arbor's extremely liberal attitude regarding this camp is compounding the problem. Brian Durrance States "We feel that we're serving the community and we'd like to do that in a legitimate capacity, but we know that (MDOT) is very restricted in what they can offer," How is promoting an illegal unsanitary encampment serving the community? It's not the responsibility or function of (MDOT) to provide a temporary let alone a permanent campground for anybody. "We want people to understand it is a unique form of group therapy" I don't think individuals in need of therapy are going to find the help they need living in tents near the highway.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:26 p.m.
Tanzor...""We want people to understand it is a unique form of group therapy" I don't think individuals in need of therapy are going to find the help they need living in tents near the highway." Ever since Engler and his stooges tossed these people out on the streets, they have, as a class, been in need of the care and therapy they once got when our society really cared for people who were helpless. Please suggest here how you see a schizophrenic person getting this help and getting his life together and, as rightists tend to urge, getting off his butt and going out and getting a job. I think you could enlighten us all if you shared your suggestions on this.
J-smith
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
Amusing. Many of the same people that posted about "morality" and Christian "values" over at the gay marriage article are now slamming the least among us! Maybe a little less time in Leviticus and a little more in the Beatitudes? I distinctly remember the part of Jesus life where he condemned the poor and the lepers.
Diane
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
Well that's just ducky!
ronald
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
You know some of these people choose to be homeless. We took in my wifes nephew. Gave him a place to stay,got him a job. After 6 months he had moved out lost his job and was homeless again.What more can you do?
ffej440
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
What he needed was mental help. Nobody makes this choice of free will.
Michigan Man
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
Ronald - You did a fine job. Very nice effort for helping out. Feel good about your reaching out to help. You can take a horse to water but not make him drink, may apply here?
sarden
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
If the MISSION memebers want to help their cause, then why don't they invite them to camp out in their back yards. Come on, each member take 10 people to live in their backyards. It will then be private proprty and they can do what they wish. Also, if they want to camp, use a state park. They have sanitation and facilities meant for this. Squatters are all the same if living in a foreclosed house or the woods. How would you like to live next to this camp? For all hte bleeding heart supporters, let them camp in your backyard!
xmo
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
"MISSION became involved in 2008" I wonder if the residents of Camp Take Notice will be voting for four more years of the same this November? What these peolpe need is a good dose of Capitalism, to get them jobs and raise their self esteem.
J-smith
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
What do you know about these people? Have you walked a mile in their shoes? Maybe they will vote to continue the economic growth of the last 3 years. Manufacturing is up, home sales are up, residential construction is up, wholesale inventories and sales are up, stock market is WAY up, after tax profits for corporations are up.
Billy
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
How about annarbor.com interview the residents that live next to this "camp?" Wouldn't you guys like to hear what THEY have to say?
Suzeh
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
They already have interviewed them (last winter, I believe). It's just not linked to this story.
4 Fingers
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Agreed.
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
no.
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
the person living in the tent down the hill from e.bound 94 guard rail and bethleham cemetary won't have far to walk.
GoNavy
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
I think it's always important to differentiate between the temporary and structurally homeless. The former are individuals who are, for the most part, down on their luck and looking for a helping hand from society in their efforts to resume their lives. The latter is often characterized by mental illness, crime, drug use, and a myriad of other afflictions that manifest themselves do deny the individual successful integration into society. Perhaps AnnArbor.com could write a more detailed story regarding those in this "tent city" so that readers might be given a better impression of this particular predicament.
smokeblwr
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
Most people are working between 4-6pm on a Thursday. I'd advise them to get a job!
alarictoo
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
Actually, 4-6 PM would be considered rush hour, hence increased traffic along that road would be expected.
JDed
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
"This is a form of group therapy" Really endorsed by who? The American Psychological Association? I can make things up too.
pbehjatnia
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
I only wonder what will happen when appd or aafd can't get there fast enough. A safe and sanitary and legal site must be found.
Eep
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
Why would aapd or aafd be trying to get there at all? This camp isn't in Ann Arbor; it would be served by the sherrif's department and the Scio Township Fire Department. Ann Arbor police or fire would only respond if called to assist for mutual aid.
Simon Green
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:48 a.m.
Glad to see there's a current photo to go with this story
KINGofSKA
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
*votes up 5 more times. They want to be noticed right? Why an old photo?
Simon Green
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
...that's better.
OneAnnArborVoice
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
LOL.
Titus
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.
1. What do you mean "these people"? 2. People who live near there and tolerate the settlement now will be punished a little bit more for their tolerance. Nice job biting the hand that doesn't raise a bigger fuss. 3. Homelessness is a societal issue that's convenient to ignore. So go demonstrate in front of someone who should be helping -- like the governor of Michigan, or all your Republican congressmen who want to cut social support programs while they make the rich richer. Demonstrating along Wagner Road is admittedly more convenient, but ill-conceived and counter-productive. Bone-heded move...
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
Ska King...I don't remember ever hearing the expression "these people" being said without at least some sort of condescending sneer. Titus...Maybe they don't like hitchhiking to Lansing, especially as a group.
KINGofSKA
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
Have we finally come to generalizing a group of people as "these people" as a bad term?
craigjjs
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
If this "goes beyond partisan lines", why are you trashing liberals? I agree, however, that it goes beyond partisan lines.
Deb Anderson
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
This goes beyond partisan lines. Where is the liberal outcry to help house these people in affordable housing and out of this camp that doesn't have sanitation or running water? When was the last time you offered any of these people a job?
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
how's your home value doing over there?
Mitch
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
Some have already exceeded their stay at the shelter downtown, some refuse their service. Some take the bus to the shelter to get a warm meal as it is.
Blerg
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:27 a.m.
I wish there were proper sidewalks for the large number of pedestrians that come and go from this location. I drive down this road often, and the narrow, unpaved shoulder just isn't big enough for the number of people using it.
Ricardo Queso
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:13 a.m.
Sixty-five people with no permanent sanitation facilities, open fires and sleeping in tents that are far from fire resistant. It is time for the organizers of this protest to move these people into legitimate community services. If the average stay is 8-10 months, there are some that have now exceeded a year.
Diane
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
Why should WE have to supply them with everything? Let them work for a living like most of us do!
alex
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 10:07 a.m.
keep up the good work, these people deserve our help.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Hey JDed How about blaming the last & this administration for lack of jobs & other kinds of help. I have been to the camp to help out. A lot of the ppl there want a job but it's a long walk to India or China. Some have jobs but they are low paying jobs to low to afford housing. So you keep blaming the victim if that makes you feel better. Oh & before "the person that came from Seattle ALL the homeless camps where full of drunks, junkies, & thieves. Ha has helped clean out the problem ppl & has make it a safe place to be.
GoNavy
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
"Deserve" our help? How so? Perhaps "need" our help would be a better characterization.
JDed
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
I'll blame the person that came back from Seattle in 2008 and has lived there ever since. Its his fault he is there
Bear
Thu, May 24, 2012 : 10:47 a.m.
That's a better reply than most. Many would rather turn their backs, scowl and blame them.