Homelessness needs better understanding, self-sufficiency to end problem
Many people are asking how many people are currently being housed the the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) program which was created to offer relief to those who were turned to the streets by the
But in focusing on the few that have been housed by the MSHDA program, we are overlooking the needs of 40 residents who were disqualified and now have no place to go. We are also overlooking the needs of those who are still being turned away by the Delonis Center which is always full. The MSHDA program is attempting to house just 35 of 70 campers who were residents at the Wagner Road community at a cost of over $350,000 to the Michigan taxpayers. It costs $750 per month plus utilities to house just 1 camper per month or $11,500 per year. Is this a good use of taxpayer money? Camp Take Notice houses over 250 campers per year for less than $20,000 and this money comes directly from church donors, not taxpayers. Those who support the MSHDA program say that homelessness "ends with a house." This is simply not true. Those who are familiar with the complexities of chronic homelessness know that homelessness ends with self-sufficiency. Housing the homeless for just one year will not provide the homeless with the skills they need to be truly self-sufficient. Without teaching those skills, we are only putting homelessness behind closed doors, and at a huge cost to the American taxpayers. With tremendous effort, It has taken six weeks to house just 17 campers and in the meantime, a vibrant and self-sufficient community has been destroyed. And with the shelters full, people in need are being turned out into the streets. The members of MISSION and their church supporters are addressing a real humanitarian crisis. We urge everyone who shares our concern to contact us directly at www.tentcitymichigan.org. Brian Durrance
MISSION
Comments
Laila Hamdan
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
Thank you, Brian, for making the point that while focusing on the number of campers housed may be more uplifting, focusing on the number of unhoused campers is more realistic. It's worth noting that there are approximately 20 homeless people, mostly not affiliated with CTN and likely new to the area, that are staying outside near First United Methodist Church. This is a perfect example of Ann Arbor's need for a tent city due to full capacity of local shelters. Had CTN not been dismantled at an extremely high cost to taxpayers, these people would have a more secure place to lay their head at night.
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
You can't call yourself "self sufficient" if you're squatting illegally.
music to my ear
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
this land is your land this land is my land.etc.
seldon
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
There's a segment of the US population which isn't ever going to be self-sufficient due to severe and chronic mental health issues. When we, as a society, decided to get rid of state mental institutions, we effectively made a decision to put these people on the street, because without tight supervision they aren't capable of staying on their medication, and without their medication, they cannot function. They aren't lazy, they aren't deliberate freeloaders, they're permanently mentally ill.
music to my ear
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
and people just dont .care it is a very lonely scarrie feeling to not have the funtion of our brains. but guess what, it can happen to anyone at any time just remember. I hope you all will be able to.
Mike
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
Once again the fascism of liberals emerges with disastrous results to those they purport to help. Simple minded liberals think that by destroying the substandard housing of an encampment and entrusting the care of its residents to government autocrats is a solution. We should all now recognize that this was a mistake. The best thing liberals could do would be to gift a pair of wire cutters to the ill served residents of camp take notice. Of course they will not. Ah well, who cares. They meant well and we're only talking about hobos anyways. Right? Time to move on. Nothing to see here. Let's all get excited about re-electing Obama instead! So he can continue to fix this economy with all his hope and change! It's been a great 4 year ride so far!
mpope
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 5:32 a.m.
Mike, How is this a liberal/ conservative debate? Some of us Nobama- prolife- true marriage conservatives believe a good number of CTN residents have been very poorly served. Eviction, the fence, the current limbo are only the tail end of the failure. How many of these persons suffer undiagnosed or inappropriately treated mental illness. Enough for the PORT Team to guest panel "community or chaos." And if it's true that more than a few CTN residents are unregistered sex offenders, a case can still be made for them having been poorly served. And the public right along with them? Shouldnt we be advocating for stiffer sentences for sex crimes instead of guestimating homeless sex offenders? To posit this as another instance of the great divide between the stoic conservative/ bleeding heart liberal seems to me misguided.
ordmad
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:26 a.m.
"Fascism of liberals". Priceless.
Ricardo Queso
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
Can we go a week without hearing from these self promoters?
jcj
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
"those who were turned to the streets by the Michigan Department of Transportation" Most of these people were "in the streets" long before squatting at Camp Take Notice.
Sheri Wander
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Hmmm... this may seem off topic, but I am finding myself cringing with the talk of self sufficiency by both supporters and those with concerns and fears about Camp Take Notice. I wonder, if we look at self sufficiency as being "the state of not requiring any aid, support, or interaction, for survival" how many of us are truly self-sufficient (or think that is the ultimate goal. ) How many of us honestly don't need help and support ever? I am grateful to live in an interdependent community of family and friends (as well as kind "strangers" ) who help me with rides when my car breaks down, care for my dogs when work keeps me away too long, and so many other ways. I am grateful to be able to give support by way of childcare, a ride to work when my car is working well, or a home cooked meal when someone is ill. To me, this type of mutual support, citizenship, and general "it takes a village " attitude is far more important and ultimately useful than "self sufficiency" and this is what I see modeled by Camp Take Notice, and other tent communities I have had the chance to spend time in.
music to my ear
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
right on. Sheri we all came into this world the same way.god said in his ten commanments do unto others. maybe some people need more help than others. and when we all get to the pearly gates "wouldnt you want to say . "i did (help) it is easier for us to just sit and talk about it and that is why the subject of camp take notice goes round and round. in gods eyes we are our brothers keeper.
Mike
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
You can't create self sufficiency by giving stuff to people. Need is a powerful motivator, that is a fact. The camp take notice people were obviously getting money from somewhere in order to eat (taxpayers). If they weren't they would have moved out of there long ago and saved the expense of building a fence. we have created a class of people who will never learn or need to fend for themselves and then will have children who will be raised in that environment. They have done studies that show that people will look for jobs just before their aid runs out. The bleeding hearts claim there will be dead bodies in the streets and I have yet to see their predictions come true. In the mean time those who have lived productive lives, paid their taxes, and played by the rules are facing uncertainty as they approach retirement regarding social security while we spend away our future on paying able bodied adults to collect government assistance in various forms and sit in a camp or government subsidized housing..
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Jennifer, you complain about the broad brush, but in an earlier comment you generalized about those who disagree with you with characterizations such as,"fear," "prejudice," and "mean spirited."
Jennifer Huston
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 2:56 a.m.
Mike I never claimed (nor I believe did Sheri) that hey received NO financial assistance. I said the camp received no Tax money, no public assistance. Certainly assistance was given from private individuals and faith communities, many of whom also gained something from their association with the camp. You paint everyone at camp with a broad brush, you honestly believe, for example, that the veterans at camp "a class of people who will never learn or need to fend for themselves and then will have children who will be raised in that environment."? You are right that camp was not well suited to those with a mobility disability (steep incline w/ uneven steps etc. ) however, there are other disabilities. I understand there was a camper with a hearing disability, and several with hidden disabilities. As someone who has struggled with depression on and off during my life I can assure you this does cause problems in employment and challenges in living alone. Chronic pain from migraines, or lupus or such are also "real" disabilities that might not be readily apparent if someone chooses not to share this info. with you. As far as a "sub culture with their own rules" I think the word your looking for is self governance. Although, on the other hand, maybe it is. By that light neighborhood associations often are subcultures with their own rules as are many organizations and groups.
Mike
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
Jennifer and Sheri - so you are telling me that they received no financial assistance? How did they eat? Did they hunt on that land or receive food stamps? Disabled people would have a tough time surviving in a camping situation on an incline like that. I saw numerous photos and interviews of some of these people. They actually had a little subculture with their own rules there. And you are telling me that people who can function at that level cannot work? Do you really believe that? I'm not saying there are those with real needs but there are too many that have figured out the system and are playing it. It doesn't make sense to you that someone would rather live in a tent and get free stuff, does it? I have heard the words from people's mouths that they don't want a job because they don't want to give up the "free money". People like you are enablers, just like those who don't kick their kids out unless they get off drugs. Ever heard of tough love. I've had to do it and it saved my kids life. Do you think we can continue on this course as a nation for very long? Does the national debt not concern you? What will you and your family do if your cushy lives are destroyed by this kind of foolishness? You'll vote for Obama, the unemployment rate will go up as he raises taxes on businesses, regulates and fines them into the ground, and creates more homel;ess families. The government will continue to grow, consuming more capital that would normally be used to create jobs, give employees raises, and allow them to invest in new equipment and technologies. By the way businesses do not pay taxes, they only pass the money they collect from you in the cost of their services and products on to the government. Once the government needs more they add some new taxes and fees and you pay more for your groceries and gasoline. I'm so amazed by all of the "intelligent" people in this overeducated town. You would never run your own life this way.............
Sheri Wander
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
Yes, what Jennifer said is true re: no tax dollars to support CTN, but lots of tax dollars to dismantle it. I wouldn't say "destroy", however, the physical space may be unavailable at this time, but the community is still very much alive and actively supporting one another while looking for alternatives. I would also point out that a number of people who lived at camp were very much tax payers, some working jobs while living at camp, most having worked through much of their lives. That said there are other ways to "give back" or be a "good citizen". Camp Take Notice was home to several veterans, for example. Additionally campers and their supporters were engaged in the broader community with things like fundraisers for fire department, adopt a highway programs, cleaning up the area (folks sure saved MDOT a lot of money with the huge amount of garbage they removed from the site when they first arrived. ). There are many ways to contribute and to be a good neighbor. I witnessed a number of them at the previous CTN site and continue to witness them with the CTN community.
Jennifer Huston
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Mike, I think you have gotten some misinformation. "People were obviously getting money from somewhere in order to eat (taxpayers) " Actually, not a dime of tax payer money went to support Camp Take Notice. (Although a substantial chunk of tax payer money went to destroy it.) The camp was supported by those that lived there (some do have jobs, but for a variety of reasons may not have housing), individual supporters, churches and MISSION. You also make a pretty big assumption about "able bodied adults." Disability (physical, and mental ) comes in many forms - many of them invisible. Sadly disability can be hard to "prove" and the stigma surrounding "being disabled" stops from many people from claiming disability in order to get the services they need. Lack of compassion creates so many problems.
Sheri Wander
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
Thanks Brain, for making the important note that the issue runs far deeper than the simple numbers, and can not be solved with simplified sound-bites such as "homelessness ends with a house." Having had the recent privilege to visit and learn from tent communities in Portland and Seattle as well as Camp Take Notice I am consistently impressed and moved by this model of mutual support and self-governance. When I was invited by CTN residents and supporters to facilitate nonviolence training at the old Wagner Road site I knew it would be a good experience and a day well spent. What I didn't realize was that I would be welcomed into a community that was quick to offer support; be it with fixing my old car, an ear to listen, or problem solving when I acknowledged how close I was to finding myself homeless (The immediate response when I raised concerns was "what support do you need from us now to feel secure about housing in Sept." ) I hope some of those who have concerns about Camp Take Notice or tent communities in general will come a week from today (Sunday August 19th) at 7PM to the town hall meeting at the School of Social Work,"Camp Take Notice: Chaos or Community?"The School of Social Work is at the intersection of South University Avenue and North University Avenue. For those that arrive early there will be a dinner served at 6PM at no cost to participants.
Jennifer Huston
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
Yes, tent cities exist all over the country and they can provide an excellent piece of the safety net. How sad that so many people let their fear and prejudice stop them from taking a closer look. I hope some of the people who have posted such mean spirited comments take you up on the invitation to come to the town hall style meeting.
a2roots
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
The 40 that were disqualified certainly do have a problem. Prior reports stated some of the reasons why they were disqualified. To be ruled ineligible for Section 8 the individual has over time proven to be a tenant that no landlord should be burdened with. Why must the community continually be hammered into feeling bad for them? They are a drain on the tax payer and repeated attempts to train and educate with the right program for them would likely be more money down the drain. Many tax payer supported social programs are available. Granted some of them are more effective than others but they are out there. At some point enough is enough.
Caleb G Poirier
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
This upcoming Sunday August 19th at 7PM there will be a town hall meeting at the School of Social Work. The title of this assembly will be, "Camp Take Notice: Chaos or Community?" Regardless of your opinions pro or con, you are invited to attend this event and to speak about your thoughts regarding this community. The style of the forum will be a panel discussion with the head of the Washtenaw Housing Authority as well as the head of PORT that will be scheduled speakers. The School of Social Work is at the intersection of South University Avenue and North University Avenue. Specifically, the address is 1080 South University. On the first floor is the Education Conference Center where the forum will be held. For those that arrive early there will be a dinner served at 6PM at no cost to participants. In fact the entire event is free. If you have further questions please contact William C Birdsall, UM Assoc Professor of Social Work (Emeritus), at 734 769 9868 or birdz@umich.edu.
Davidian
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Caleb, can you explain to us why a young, talented person such as yourself has chosen to drop out of society? I would advise against the hard knocks story, because we all have one. I want to know why an abled-bodied person should receive anything out of the ordinary, i.e. compensation, handouts, even the right to camp for free on state land.
Jack Campbell
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
60+ people, some unregistered sex offenders/criminals, living with no sanitation right next to a preschool? Would you want this in your neighborhood? Thanks but no thanks Brian. There is a reason people are denied aid or don't seek it. They have drug abuse problems or are criminals. The Delonis center is full because we attract vagrants from all over the mid-west looking for hand-outs. People who are temporarily down on their luck, or those with real disabilities do need help getting back on their feet. But we do not need to provide for "drop out of society" type in the area.
Dog Guy
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Whatever happened to twenty acres and a mule? Let's go serfing now, everybody's learning how, come on serfing you'll see.
mixmaster
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
And those Southern Democrats eventually took over the Republican Party.
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
That was forty acres and a mule. A military order which temporarily gave other people's land to freed slaves. Ironically, it was revoked by the Democrats who returned the land to their rightful (?) owners.
tommy_t
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
They might have been left alone and saved some of those $ but instead we elect to get more garments in a twist.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Mr. Durrance: I only wish we could solve the homeless problem by just working numbers and budgets. Unfortunately, this is a largely human problem - and those kinds of problems are rarely so tractable. The key stat in the problem you describe is: how many of those counted homeless are actually capable of being hired and doing a reasonable job(or even interested in do so)? There's a direct link between the chronically unemployed and the chronically homeless, is worth mentioning. I never believed in human parasites until I got to know one. Such people consciously decide on a "career" of getting something (essential human needs as well as other things far beyond that) for nothing. In order to do that, the person has to discard any concern for social pressure, for scorn, or rules meant to keep them away from rewards. Overcoming the latter block requires mental work - which human parasites discount automatically. Of course, certain kinds of ideologue pounce on this issue of human parasites and (for their own purposes) try to put that label on everyone who is in need. So those with legitimate cause and need end up losing while the parasites just keep getting more creative about getting what they want. We need real leaders (which we absolutely don't have) who will provide a way to overcome this kind of problem. Waiting.... still waiting for that to happen.
Mike
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
They become a lot more interested in doing a good job when the safety net is removed...........
Itchy
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Why is this rocket science? Find them a temporary place. Get them the help they need to change their life paths. Then celebrate when they graduate into the next phase of self sufficiency. Why do we make this so tough?
Tom Todd
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
Good point,those that collect SSI legitimately and those who are faking mental/physical issues who collect it.
shepard145
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Many here think a "long term solution" means a permanent "lifestyle" designed for those who's only plan to feed off working Michigan taxpayers at a level of comfort they find acceptable. They have no intention of getting a job……ever. That's why the State is proving vouchers for year long stays in "new housing" for "Camp Lookit Me" - there is no intention of getting a job. The solution is quite the opposite – compelling those who don't have a taste for work to either find a new lifestyle or move on to a state like California. If he's serious, Albert has a naïve and likely even dangerous view of the "refuse to work class" but I wish him luck with what I expect to be a painful lesson. I hope he drops by the First Baptist Church of AA and talk to them about how well that open shelter worked out.
Enso
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
To suggest that EVERYONE that is homeless is homeless because they refuse to work is asinine. It then throws your entire comment into question.
Albert Howard
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
No one in Ann Arbor will be homeless on my watch. If I can't find you a place to stay, you will stay at my house not a tent. If you are willing and able, we will find you a job. Put your money where your mouth is. Albert Howard Mayoral candidate
Laila Hamdan
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
We would love to see you at next Sunday's (8/19) panel at the U of M School of Social Work! Dinner will be served at 6 and the discussion will begin at 7.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
Why wait until you become Mayor? I think you'll say anything to get elected if you're not already houseing the homeless.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
I'm interested in the answer to the question as well. How many homeless people are staying at your house right now? How many in Ann Arbor are still homeless? What do you recommend if someone is not willing to work?
a2roots
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
You better sharpen up on your knowledge of local zoning laws before making such a bold statement.
MIKE
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
Albert, how many are staying at your house now? How many more can you fit?
Dog Guy
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
You have my vote. Will there be ice cream?
DBH
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
The following question, Mr. Howard, is asked respectfully and sincerely. If you can't find a place for a homeless person to stay, and if they are able to work but not willing, are you saying they could stay at your house indefinitely? And you are making this offer to anyone who is homeless?
Billy
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
That's uh...pretty bold statement there guy. You stand by that statement....maybe find a couple other people to match your support....and you'll get my vote.
djm12652
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
Thank you Rev. Howard for a voice of reasoning. You have my vote!
FredMax
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
Point well taken that government cannot provide an efficient solution. On the other hand, perhaps setting up a legal campground next time would be the way to move forward.
Charles Cooley
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Allowing the camp to reestablish itself as a legal campground would be a great solution.
Jennifer Huston
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
FredMax, is legality more important than human needs, and human rights.? Had many of the civil rights workers worried about "legality" we'd still be living in a much more segregated United States . Sheri seems willing to assume good intent on your part, and that you'd like to help. I hope she's right. I tend to be more cynical and wonder if you are just being critical. I hope I am wrong.
Sheri Wander
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
FredMax, You make a good point for one possible solution. Thank you. Does this mean you are willing to help those interested in pursuing setting up a legal campground. From zoning issues to the costs of purchasing land, to the fears of those who are quick to yell "not in my back yard" the obstacles are huge. That said, there are folks looking at this. You could contact the folks at MISSION at the website Mr. Durrance notes above or come to the Town Hall meeting at the school of social work on Sunday 19 Aug. to connect with others who are looking to overcome the obstacles.