2/24/07, My Tent City Visit

I had a visit to Tent City 4 today that was worthy than an entry to my diary. The encampment was very quiet and peaceful, as usual.

I spent an hour on the "city sidewalk" (wood planks) talking with 40 year-old Matt McKaffery (name changed for confidentiality). Matt was shaving in the outdoor sink when I saw him. He had on a clean Oakland "A's" pullover and was well groomed and intelligent. Lots of good in him but he had his struggles. Matt is from Louisiana and has been in TC for 9 months -- Woodinville, Finn Hill, and now here. He is newly immigrated to Washington. He was outspoken.

When I asked, he told me:

1) about 50% of the residents are men that recently got divorced. Many have homes used by their families. A few are professionals, like doctors and lawyers he says.

2)  many of the women in camp are "activists" promoting aid to the homeless.

3) Matt used to be lonely and finds comfort from the City. He appears to be an activist. A few times I almost felt like I was being recruited. Matt says he feels a strong sense of power in camp. He is an active Christian. He's interested in knowing about credible non-profits. He says 'everyone' ought to spend some time in tent city - a couple of weeks....to build empathy, etc.

4) He says most go to work in the early morning -- 6 am and earlier -- by bus. Matt is smart and well-groomed and I would think he could save up to find a decent job in a less expensive city.

5) They get new blankets every week - cleaned -- this is a requirement.

6) They meet on Wednesday's for "disbarment" meetings. There isn't a "trial" if you are caught with alcohol or drugs because you are automatically disbarred from camp for good. The camp is very strict on this, he stated.

7) They meet every Thursday at 6pm for dinner and a mandatory meeting at 7pm. I'm going to meet the ShareWheel Manager Scott Morrow and present the non-profit Mental-Health resources from HERO HOUSE, 425 -614 -1282. (He never showed up).

THE HERO HOUSE -- SOCIAL AND JOB SUPPORT for those with diagnosed & recovering from mental illness. http://www.herohouse.org/index.html. Membership is free.
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Bob,
Thanks for the information on Hero House. Sounds like a great program [for psychiatric recovery & job rehabilitation]. Being local, it will also likely well serve Tent City 4 Residents after the move to the Church of the Resurrection next month. I will pass on the information to Tent City. Any brochures, etc. can be left at the entrance Tent at Tent City at any time. These could then be left available to current and future residents of the camp. The turn over is extensive. It is great to hear about the many who have found jobs, apartments, and otherwise improved their lot.

Thanks again,
Fr. Dave Rogerson, 4/25/07ST. JUDE WEBSITE LOG OF TENT CITY 4: http://stjude-redmond.org/Bulletin/TC4.htm

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INTERESTING SITE ON HOMELESSNESS & MENTAL HEALTH - (excerpt below) http://www.nrchmi.samhsa.gov/

"Over a five-year period, about 2–3 percent of the U.S. population (5–8 million people) will experience at least one night of homelessness. For the great majority of these people, the experience is short and often caused by a natural disaster, a house fire, or a community evacuation.2
A much smaller group, perhaps as many as 500,000 people, have greater difficulty ending their homelessness.

Most—about 80%—exit from homelessness within about 2–3 weeks. They often have more personal, social, and economic resources to draw on than people who are homeless for longer periods of time.

About 10% are homeless for up to two months, with housing availability and affordability adding to the time they are homeless.

Another group of about 10% is homeless on a chronic, protracted basis—as long as 7–8 months in a two-year period. Disabilities associated with mental illnesses and substance use are common. On any given night, this group can account for up to 50% of those seeking emergency shelter."
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St Jude's Church is looking for donations for: $200/mo for water, $200/mo for electricity.
ShareWheel needs $275/week for dumpsters; $30 bus ticket books; 33g trash bags, 10X14 blue or grey tarps.