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Posted on Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 5:58 a.m.

Thanksgiving comes early for homeless in tent city

By Lisa Carolin

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As Washtenaw County residents plan their Thanksgiving meals this week, many of the county's homeless are trying to fill their stomachs one day at a time.

At Camp Take Notice, the tent city of homeless people set up near Interstate 94 off Wagner Road, volunteers are coordinating with local churches and other organizations to help make sure people have enough to eat and that they're safe.

The camp has two iron stoves in one tent and hopes to get some heaters soon. There is no running water, so no showers or bathrooms are on the property.

Volunteer Brian Dorrance says that everybody is welcome at the camp as long as they are drug and alcohol free. They also are expected to participate in nine to 12 hours of work at the camp each week.

Every Sunday, churches in the area rotate bringing dinner to the camp. Webster United Church provided an early Thanksgiving dinner this past Sunday. Following dinner at 7 p.m., residents of Camp Take Notice are asked to participate in a weekly meeting in the community tent.

Two of the camp's residents, Caleb Poirier and Tate Williams, are hybrid campers, meaning that they live at the camp and also serve on the board of MISSION, Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity, a nonprofit partnership between homeless and "homefull" county residents supporting self-governing tent communities in the state.

The current camp population is 45 people, more than double what it was last year at this time. Ten percent of them are women. For the first time, there are three pregnant couples at the camp. No one younger than 18 can stay there.

"We're hoping they will be in permanent housing before their babies are born," Durrance said of the pregnant couples. "Many people who come out here are not prepared for what it's like to live in a tent city, but it's a healthier alternative to living on the streets."

Al and Mary, both 51, (who prefer not to give their last names) are a couple who live at the camp. He is from Ann Arbor and became homeless three years ago, soon after losing his job at a local publishing company and after not being able to make ends meet at a part-time restaurant job.

Mary is a recovering alcoholic who says that she was kicked out of her sister's home in Chelsea because of her drinking.

"Being cold is hard, and the whole mental aspect of living in a tent is hard," said Mary, who spent last winter living at the Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor and hopes to move back there this winter. "I wouldn't want to be alone at this camp as a woman."

"This camp is much safer than where I was living — under a bridge by the University of Michigan Hospital," said Al. "This is a great location because it's on the bus line and you can walk to Westgate and Kroger."

Alonzo Young, 46, has been at the camp for seven months and has been studying social work at Washtenaw Community College. He takes pride in his role as an executive committee member at the camp.

"I put a lot of dedication into this place and make sure we work like a team," said Young. "Working with people like Caleb is an inspiration to me, and the people here are like a family to me."

Newcomer Tracy Williams, 34, shares Young's sentiments about the camp feeling like a home.

"I'm from all over Michigan and this is the first place I'd call home even though I'm living in a tent," said Williams, who has spent time in jail.

Mark Douglas, 54, a six-month resident of Camp Take Notice, says he became homeless when he ran into a tough economic situation and was unable to pay rent.

"People from the area are generous with their food and clothing donations," he said. Although he'd like to find housing, he said, "There's a good probability I'll be here for the winter."

Douglas says that one of the challenges of living in the camp is personality conflicts. That was one of the topics on the agenda at the Sunday meeting in an effort to have residents work out their differences. Other issues that are regularly addressed include being quiet at night, food and environmental safety, security of personal belongings and sanitation. Residents run the meeting with help from Durrance, Poirier and WIlliams.

Durrance reminds residents, "Everybody living here has an obligation to this community."

People are referred to the camp by places like the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and the University of Michigan Emergency Room, as well as the Delonis Center, which houses the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County and has reduced its housing availability due to budget cuts.

In addition to specific types of food donations and bottled water, Camp Take Notice needs blankets, sleeping bags, tents and large construction tarps. To donate, contact Peggy Lynch at 313-408-5196 or email her at margaretannlynch@yahoo.com.

Comments

Bill T.

Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 8:58 a.m.

Folks, please pay no attention to Lawrence Ofherlabia. He must have an axe to grind. I know Mary and Al and they are both GOOD people! It amazes me, though it shouldn't, how mean people can act on the web. They're full of courage behind their computers, but this poster, in person, would probably run away! LOL! Trust me, you need not worry about any of the campers who travel on the #9 bus route in Ann Arbor. You're all safe. -Bill T.

Bill T.

Mon, Jan 9, 2012 : 5:20 a.m.

To 'Let's Get Real,' you don't know what you're talking about. The person with that phone number for donations lives in Ann Arbor! I lived at this camp for 6 months and it literally saved my life! I cannot say enough good things about Caleb Poirier, Brian Durrance, Tate, and the rest of the folks on the MISSION board. They are saints. These are people who really care and have dedicated their lives to help the homeless at the camp. I spent an entire winter at the camp and yes, it was tough, but I made it with the help of so many, too many to mention. I applaud CTN and hope they continue to thrive. Fortunately, I now have housing. That is the goal. Best wishes to all at CTN. I think of you often. -Bill T.

fisherman

Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.

So, Lets Get Real wonders where the food and supplies are really going to. A fair question. I have been to the camp. I have helped to deliver food there. Our church has directly delivered blankets and sleeping bags. The campers are real people who would much rather sleep in a warm house, take a warm shower in the morning and have adequate money to eat a regular meal. These are neighbors of ours in Ann Arbor - some are students, some have been employed here for years, but now they have fallen through all the cracks in our system. They are not camping to just make some point; they are not recreational campers looking for a challenge; they have been referred here by the Delonis Center or other agency and have no other option at all - or they would take it.

Joe_Citizen

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.

I also believe these character traits to be good and true. I also make my food last, and do what is available. The problem with most homeless people, is that they are barely employable. Some have criminal records, illnesses, and mental disfunctions that greatly hinder their work abilities.High rent and low incomes are to blame here. It is easy for you to say these things, but it is pretty obvious that people who think the way you do, have never spent a minute to hear their story's, and listen to how they landed where they are. Getting a fast food job is not as accessible as one may believe, especially if you have a criminal record. Yeah, they have paid their due to society, but still with the records they have, keeps them from being employable. What are the outcomes of these tragic stories? You see it, here it is, and the next question is, "do we just sit and allow them to go hungry and freeze, because of their circumstances, and our failed society? I wouldn't, and a small donation from everyone will help keep others from certain death and suffering. I believe if we do nothing then we are just as guilty of greed and selfishness. My model is "treat others as you would like to be treated", this has merit. You don't have to be religious to be spiritual, and to me that means to help others with no wish for returning the favor. It also means to help others without them even knowing you are. God bless, and I hope everyone puts something into the hat.

jcj

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.

Lisa Can you give us more information and background on Peggy Lynch.

Lets Get Real

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

So this article, about the plight of 45 folks in Ann Arbor, asks for donations to a 313 phone number in Detroit? Here is the result of a reverse search at WhitePages.com: "(313) 408-5196 Michigan (Detroit), Detroit metro area, Wayne County" Where are these donations going, really? Those generous, affluent people in Ann Arbor can be had? We'll get donations there, give a little to the tent city, and take the rest elsewhere? Beware of opportunists. I empathize with the plight of these folks. I'm not in the top 1%. I work at multiple jobs doing anything I can to stay in my home. My car has nearly 200,000 miles. Peanut butter just nearly doubled in price; I eat the same balony sandwiches that they feed to the prisoners on some days, and I make eggs, pasta and bread go along way. But I work doing whatever; I set priorities, I clean up; I dress up; I show up; I do what I'm asked; I don't let the temptations to "escape" siphon my money; and MOST OF ALL I don't expect entitlements and handouts - I earn my keep. I agree with the Newt Gingrich model: "take a bath and get a job." Hard work is noble and builds character. Successful entrepreneurs know that the best businesses do for people what they can't, won't, or don't want to do themselves. There are lots of those jobs out there. I'll capitalize a start-up by donating a rake and a snow shovel and being their first customer since those are tasks I can't do myself at my age.

Lawrence Ofherlabia

Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.

Agree 100%, esp. some of the people quoted in the article should get a bath and work

Joe_Citizen

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 4 p.m.

I also believe these character traits to be good and true. I also make my food last, and do what is available. The problem with most homeless, is that they are barely employable. Some have criminal records, illnesses, and mental disfunctions that greatly hinder their work abilities.High rent and low incomes are to blame here. It is easy for you to say these things, but it is pretty obvious that people who think the way you do, have never spent a minute to hear their story's, and listen to how they landed where they are. Getting a fast food job is not as accessible as one may believe, especially if you have a criminal record. Yeah, they have paid their due to society, but still with the records they have, keeps them from being employable.

TFR

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.

Ditto.

David Briegel

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

Only the ornery! (to the tune of Roy Orbison!) Even on Thanksgiving you are complaining about the Evil Tiny Tim and celebrating that noble Job Creator who Doesn't, Scrooge! And I hope you have a warm bath and a job!

clownfish

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.

XMO, do you have any factual evidence to support your fantasies? Ever?

newsboy

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.

Where ever you may roam, or you call home. Happy Thanksgiving America!

janofmi

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.

XMO., what evidence do you have that the Occupy group is taking resources away from Camp Take Notice? I don't think the churches have a rotating schedule to feed the Occupy encampment. In my opinion, both groups are similar in a major way. The Occupy movement wants to draw attention to the economic plight of Americans. The Camp Take Notice group are evidence of this problem. Both groups are the 99%

xmo

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.

The difference between these poor people and the "Occupy Crowd" is that one group HAS to stay outdoors and the WANTS to stay outdoors. Its too bad that the "OCCUPY CROWD" is trying to STEAL the scare resources that are available to these people!

bhall

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.

You make no sense! Good day!

David Briegel

Thu, Nov 24, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.

I don't know how you'll manage it but, Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

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