Comments on: Laws of Physics II: Homeless Encampment

By: sandra

sandra — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:11:22 +0000

wow, there sure are a lot of oppinions about this camp. First of all I went tent camping
when I was young with my family, why is it illegal. I guess I am a criminal for sleeping
in my car at a rest stop when I travel sometimes. It is stupid to pay $60 to sleep
for 5 hours in a rock hard bed at some no tell motel and take a quick shower. When I can
sleep in my COMFORTABLE back seat for free. I pay taxes that go torwards rest stops, why
shouldn’t I use the services. the police have never bothered me. I don’t cause any trouble.

The people at camp take notice aren’t harming anyone. They are doing the best they can to
provide for themselves. they don’t even ask for help, visiters are offering becuase they
want to . they are doing a good job and are taking serious suggestions that are being made
to make the camp more comfortable.

By: Dave Cahill

Dave Cahill — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:29:49 +0000

Great coverage!

It’s good to know that even though the MDOT knows Camp Take Notice is on its property, there hasn’t been any attempt to evict it.

By: Lily Au

Lily Au — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:54:19 +0000

Thanks Dave Askins for writing our stories. Many people will know more by having the chance to read the development of the self-governing homeless community. For me, homeless community is more or less the same as ordinary community. Of course, you will find drug, alcohol addicts, but there’re many different stories…..veterans, unemployed, chronicle diseased, victims of transgender, disabled, victims of divorce, working poor, problem young people from multi-marriage parents. Actually, CTN tries its very best to keep the place sober and drug-free. If in mid-night, you see two or three men holding garbage bags guarding a guy walking down to the bus-stop. That’s the scene they’re doing their job–kicking campers out as violation of rules is found. I’ve not found bad people there but I’ve found many people in bad situation. Besides, before people cast judgment on a group of people sleeping out there,(no water, no electricity, no bathroom, mosquitoes in summer, frostbites in winter) we also need to ask ourselves “Does our society do enough to cater for the underprivileged?” How many affordable housing do we have each year? How many beds do we have at the shelter? Meanwhile, part of the housing fund is to help the home-buyers. Camp Take Notice is longing for “Sanctioned Land”, it doesn’t mean that CTN possesses the ownership. The real meaning is they can feel safe if the land is sanctioned, it means that they won’t be accused and arrested of trespassing. Many people don’t know that it’s illegal to be homeless. Shelter is full, they allow two weeks for local homeless at warm center while 50 beds above is with three months permit. Basically, shelter asks people out as it reaches its maximum. Sleeping outside is illegal, that’s a painful issue. So, for me, before judging them, I’d like to work more on tracing the housing fund, brainstorming the idea of income -based housing (pay very low rent instead of purchasing the apartment). I’m also ambitious to run a petition to mandate a certain percentage of city budget to building “Low Rent” apartment. As there’re so many people unhoused, with persistent efforts, we can make it come true. Several years ago, Denver Mayor made a big success in Colorado, he housed the people first, then offer the supportive service later. “Housing First Initiative” is practical. Over time, people will understand that it saves money in the long run……save money on ER, police force, detox centers, various kinds of supportive services from social workers, case managers…..People say, we need the mainstream society to embrace the homeless community, we can mutually benefit each other.

By: Kristin Judge

Kristin Judge — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:24:03 +0000

Thank you Dave for writing this article to highlight the needs in our community and the cooperation of so many partners in response to these needs. There have always been homeless people camping under bridges and in fields in Washtenaw County. What makes this group different is their interest in forming a community, living in a self-governed system and the desire to not burden their neighbors.

I encourage anyone with concerns or questions to take Caleb up on his offer to visit the camp or to just sit with Caleb for 10 minutes to understand what the residents of Camp Take Notice are really about.

Washtenaw County has more services than many other counties, but the need is so great now. There are not enough services or beds in the community. I am honored to be able to work with this wonderful group of volunteers and residents who are just looking to find a solution to a difficult situation. What the members of MISSION and CTN are doing is changing the face of homelessness and raising awareness of the needs in our community. As long as I am able, I will be working to find solutions for the fellow human beings. We are all just a catastrophe or illness away from homelessness.

If anyone would like to donate to the group, call me at 734-646-2088. I will connect you with a way to donate. Money is always needed for supplies.

Kristin Judge
Washtenaw County Commissioner, District 7

By: jk

jk — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:24:54 +0000

There are not enough beds in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County for the homeless.

Personally I camped outside last year and my tent was 80 degrees when it was only 5 degrees outside…thanks to a propane heater

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:38:40 +0000

You go, Arbortwit.

Where is this encampment at Wagner and 94? I live by there and haven’t noticed it at all.

By: Alma Jones

Alma Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:36:07 +0000

I believe in freedom. If they’re not harming anyone, what do I care? Let them live outside of society’s bounds, because we all know that can’t be an easy existence.

By: ArborTwit

ArborTwit — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:56:59 +0000

Dave, you’ve got some sharp points there. You might want to read “In Defense of Shrubbery and My Property Line” by our organization’s Twitmaster and local author Iams B. Adick . It is a tough question and seems an eternal search for the final solution. But with people of your magnanimity and clear thinking you might want to consider membership – we extend and open invitation. We await with open arms to welcome you to our dedicated brotherhood.

By: eyehearta2

eyehearta2 — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:26:59 +0000

So, where does the other end of the plug go to supply all the electricity? Who’s meter get’s charged?

By: Caleb Poirier

Caleb Poirier — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:49:41 +0000

The inclusion of gritty details from our camp and board meetings is a good thing. There can be a tendency to romanticize or demonize the needs of homeless people, while the truth often lies somewhere in between. There are few easy answers to the heterogeneous causes of homelessness. It is indeed a many headed hydra. To those who choose to struggle against this monster, my hats off to you. To those who believe that this camp is a well-intended but misdirected effort, there remains an open invitation to visit our community and to make up your mind after acquiring first hand information.

Thank you Dave, for capturing such a comprehensive picture.