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Posted on Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.

Camp Take Notice residents upset with MDOT 'eviction,' encouraged by housing subsidies

By Pete Cunningham

Residents near the entrance to the homeless encampment Camp Take Notice had mixed reactions to Wednesday's news that they would soon be asked to move from their current location.

All said they were disappointed the Michigan Department of Transportation will effectively evict them on June 22, but at the same time they felt encouraged that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority would be providing housing subsidies for campers.

Representatives of Camp Take Notice, MSHDA, MDOT and charitable organizations involved with the encampment met on Tuesday to discuss the move-out date and the 40-household subsidy program that MSHDA is making available to campers that will provide up to a year’s rent.

The cap for the subsidy - based on the standard of living in the dwelling's location as well as other factors such as how many people reside in the unit - in Ann Arbor is roughly $750 for a single bedroom apartment and around $950 for a two-bedroom.

A home occupied by more than one resident is still counted as one “household,” so 40 households could very well provide for the 65 people reportedly living at the tent city. The camp is located in Scio Township, between Jackson and Dexter-Ann Arbor roads off of Wagner Road near M-14 on an MDOT right of way.

“I think the MSHDA thing is a good thing and people ought to take advantage of it,” said James Paterson, who has lived at the camp since last July and has been homeless a year-and-a-half. “A year’s rent? Can’t nothing beat that…for a year. If you can’t get your life together in a year something’s going wrong.”

Paterson said he hopes something similar to Camp Take Notice - an outdoor self-governed tent city with less capacity limitations than traditional homeless shelters - can still exist somewhere in the area.

“At least here it’s a structured environment, people aren’t walking down to Ann Arbor, knocking on your doorstep,” Paterson said. “There’s a big need, people have been coming down here the past three or four weeks like you wouldn’t believe.”

Jackie Starkey was upset that campers and supporters have been so vocal in their support of the camp, like at last Thursday’s rally along Wagner Road. She thinks the exposure and people’s drive to make it a permanent operation forced MDOT’s hand.

“It was a long time coming,” said Starkey, who has been at the camp for nearly a year. Starkey and fellow camper Scott Ellinger were both fearful the solution is only a temporary one that won't be able to provide the unique support Camp Take Notice has given residents.

“I think it’s really a shame the state has to shut (Camp Take Notice) down,” said Ellinger, who has been at the camp since April. “It’s just a temporary fix to a problem, it’s not going to solve anything…it’s all around chaos and mess at this point in my opinion.”

While there has been widespread support of the camp, many residents will be glad to see it move along. A petition has been circulating to neighbors and nearby businesses in an attempt to expedite the eviction of late.

“This has gone on far too long. We were told it would be a temporary thing and now two years later we were told that not only were they not making plans to move, but they were making plans to make it a permanent camp,” said a resident on nearby Elizabeth Street on Wednesday, who asked not to be identified.

The woman said she’s sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, but lost faith in the camp when she visited and no one took her up on an offer to do yard work at her home for $8 an hour.

“To be honest with you, we think a lot of the people down there are not homeless. We think a lot of the people down there are partying and hanging out or are kids that don’t want to follow their parents' rules,” she said. “We’ve tried to be compassionate and understanding but this has just gone on far too long.”

Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Comments

btmotorman

Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.

I live less than one mile from the tent city. My special needs son who is 20 years old met one of these tent city people.(my son has the mental capacity of a fifth grader.) I seen them together and told the scruffy 45 year old male to stay away from my son. I also told my son to stay away from the tent city people. However they became friends. My son started staying out all night and did not come home for days at a time. Last week the police brought my son home and told me that he is part of a theft ring in Ann Arbor. The other person involved is the homeless guy, yes the 45 year old guy that I told to stay away from my kid! So now it appears as my son will have a criminal record. I have never liked the camp so close to my house. Now I wouldn't care if they bulldozed it tomorrow! For all of you who think that the camp should stay then invite them to your neighborhood to live. I found out that this guy gets social security and other assistance and yet he recruits kids to do crimes for him. The police are still looking for him, and so am I. Some of these people are getting free money already and they don't need to be squatting on MDOT property. They get reduced fare bus tokens and travel for 1/2 of what the general public does. They get free showers downtown at the homeless shelter. It seems that if they really needed money that they would jump at the tax free $8.00 per hour yard work. Most likely they already have enough free money that they don't have to work like I do, six days a week every week. I also get to be randomly tested for drugs at work to get my money! I'll bet they don't get tested for drugs when they get their free money! (which comes out of my paycheck.) So if any of you people that feel sorry for the tent city folks have any extra money I could sure use it for the lawyers bill! Don't worry about the homeless guy, he will get a free lawyer, that we all pay for!

Kitty O'Brien

Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.

I sympathize with you, BT. I live 6 miles from it and I'm disgusted. Couldn't agree with you more on all points.

Kitty O'Brien

Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 8:09 a.m.

A search on the Michigan OTIS reveals that 1 of the 3 "campers" named in the above photo gallery is a convicted felon and current parolee. Supervisory conditions include: may "Not associate with anyone you know to have a felony record". Does this mean the camp houses only one felon?

A2centsworth

Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.

what about empty army barracks? There are plenty around. These folks could plant gardens for food, have farm animals and perhaps establish a community product to sell.. Oh yea, that is a kubutz... In this country we would rather have a tent city I suppose...

FreedomSpeech

Sun, Jun 10, 2012 : 11:37 p.m.

Whether you're for it or 100% against it, a camper or even one the few that took time to reach out and actually visit, one thing is for sure with a little PMA 'Positive mental Attitude' almost anything is possible. Wherever you may stand on the issue here's a bit of inspiration, perhaps for all sides, from someone that lived under similar circumstances. http://youtu.be/Cf-eXgCyCO4

KINGofSKA

Sun, Jun 10, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.

So if I got this right, I can be homeless and the gov't will pay my rent for a year? And I'm stuck here working!

Matt

Tue, Jun 5, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.

For all of the supporters of CTN, why don't you open your homes to a camper? I'm sure you could spare a room, basement, couch or even a backyard. It's easy to talk about how others are not compassionate, but doing something about it is another thing. Stop acting righteous behind your keyboard. Also, what about the residents and businesses in the area that have been negatively effected? I've spoken to folks in the area that have had issues selling their homes (if it wasn't already tough enough these days). Again it's easy to say "save the camp" yet you won't open your backyard/neighborhood to these folks. Good luck CTN folks I won't miss seeing you climb over the guard rail as I drive past heading to my JOB!

Dawn

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.

It saddens me to read such negative and hateful comments. I recently had the privilege to help feed the campers on Easter Sunday. They were thankful, warm, and welcoming to us. Why must we further marginalize them? Get to know these people and you will see that they take pride in what they have built, a community and home. Any one of us could be in their place. I admire the offer of free rent for a year, but this is only a small bandage on a gaping wound. As long as the gap between the haves and have-nots keeps widening we will have homeless people. People should spend more time loving one another instead of posting negative comments anonymously.

whale11

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.

One of the advantages of CTN was that the people could help each other, provide psychological support. When you are down and out it's really depressing. Having others around is a help. I wonder if the housing that will be provided will allow more than two of them to live together or to live nearby, so they can support each other. The other thing that is lost by dispersing CTN is the community nature of it. They evidently policed each other regarding drugs and other such problems. Dispersing the community will lose that. I wonder if some will revert to substance abuse to deal with their depressing situation in life. This could create a lot more problems in Ann Arbor. By most accounts, CTN really kept such problems in check.

Dawn

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.

whale11, you are correct when you mention the self-policing of the community by the community members themselves. Every Sunday they have a camp meeting set to an agenda, to discuss general camp concerns, governance, discipline, etc.

EyeHeartA2

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.

Yep. They should have kept their yap shut.

jen

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.

How is living in a TENT a handout?? they wanted to stay there as far as i knew!! it was not them who made the decisions about where they will go next! i would think if they lived in a shelter that would be more of a handout then living in a tent on public property, in a shelter they get fed and help with a lot of things, and just because some one is HOMELESS does not make them a bad person, a druggie, an alcoholic, they could of just came in to hard times, i know people that have good jobs and have recently lost their housing because of the economy they can not afford it, maybe this is the case for some of them that live there. people need to have a HEART and THANK GOD that it is not them living there, and think one day any one could be in the same situation...and dont ever say it can not happen to you or someone that you know...because NOTHING in this world is promised to anyone!! including housing, work, money or anything!! Just have a Heart for these people!!!

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.

Response to "MAALEN"'s thoughtful inquiries: "MAALEN" Should we look to find evidence of another system that works better? Should we build a new system? I say we can. And it doesn't have to be a utopia, which is inherently a fiction to us realists. The people at Camp Take Notice are actually showing us how to ***start*** learning to live and work together (yes, they work and have built up and maintain the camp themselves with resource help from MISSION). Crisis capitalism is the cycle of boom and bust perpetuated by the unmitigated and unregulated capitalist system advocated for and nearly implemented by Republicans and radical Right Wing Libertarian think tanks such as the Mackinac Ctr. Americans for "prosperity" etc. Their actions are founded in beliefs in free-market fundamentalism, a term I first learned of after reading Thomas Frank's seminal cultural history and structural analysis in: One Market Under God (2000). Policies implemented in the wake of this belief aim to abrogate the rights of individuals and working families allow the "market forces" to create a fair and level playing field and to "Grow the Pie." Putting aside the human and animal suffering caused by such policies (which I kinda have a difficult time doing myself), there is a simple fact that all free marketers fail to acknowledge. That is the fact that we live in a closed system and we simply CANNOT "Grow the Pie" indefinitely... Hence the squabbling over what is presented to us as a situation in which we all need to "sacrifice" now for the big payoff at some later point in time (boy this sounds familiar... ;) What is the new system we will create? Well, come help us create it coz this one IS NOT WORKING. Good night and Good luck. ---Pratt

maallen

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.

Kulanova, "Crisis capitalism is the cycle of boom and bust perpetuated by the unmitigated and unregulated capitalist system advocated for..." If you think the U.S. has a "free market" or a "capitalism" system then you are mistaken. We do not have an unmitigated nor unregulated capitalist system. The "crisis capitalism" you speak of is because of the government's attempt to regulate the system. The housing market crash, which helped bring down everything, was not caused by a "unregulated capitalist system." It was caused by the government's regulations put in force during Clinton years. It was because of these rules and regulations that have caused us to be where we are today. Again, you keep advocating that the Camp Take Notice break the law(s). If the illegal trespassers of Camp Take Notice are "working" and "maintaining the camp themselves" then tell me why they can't do this legally, like in a shelter? Better yet, why doesn't the MISSION help them by buying a house/building and let them run the place for those in need? Wouldn't that be a much better use of resources and allow these people to become law abiding citizens, instead of breaking the law?

Atticus F.

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.

To the person who suggested a "one way bus ticket to the county line", what happens when the other county sends them back here? Perhaps we could simply run a non stop shuttle back and forth, dropping homeless people off in Monroe, followed by Monroe sending them back here.. My point is that the solution to homelessness runs deaper than that.

Kathryn

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.

I don't get to live my life for free. Why do they?

Atticus F.

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.

And in what way is letting someone lay down their head down on public property a "hand out"?

Atticus F.

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.

To suggest that someone needs to 'pay to for the right to be alive' is the most ignorant comment I've heard all day.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.

And I quote: "For twelve years this Nation was afflicted with hear-nothing, see-nothing, do-nothing Government. The Nation looked to Government but the Government looked away. Nine mocking years with the golden calf and three long years of the scourge! Nine crazy years at the ticker and three long years in the breadlines! Nine mad years of mirage and three long years of despair! Powerful influences strive today to restore that kind of government with its doctrine that that Government is best which is most indifferent. For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up. We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace‹business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering. They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob. Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me and I welcome their hatred." ---FDR "Bring it, HATERS!" ---Greg Pratt

AnnArBo

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.

Give a man a fish..............

Dexterdriver

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.

Hey, where is Sheriff Harvey when we really need him? Ha, ha. These folks should get a gift from the community......bus tickets to the county line. One way!

Wolf's Bane

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2 p.m.

I think it is crazy to ask the residence of Camp Take Notice to vacate the premises after a whole year has passed! To me, personally, this smacks of retribution for recent protest which where orchestrated by outside agitators, namely, who resides at their parent's house. It is unfair to make these people pay for the actions of a few outsiders who have homes to go to.

Dan Darbor

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.

I hope they can work out all the details to fix their lives by the deadline. The wife informed me that her extended family is coming to visit for the home opener in the fall - this would make a great place for them to stay after the post game tailgating. E-Z access to the highway is a plus!

Dog Guy

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.

It was compassionate of MDOT not to evict them in winter.

Jeffersonian Liberal

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.

I would like to correct the ignorant post claiming that the earned income credit has been reduced. Unfortunately, those that have children and don't pay a dime in income taxes still receive money from the taxpayers. And thanks to our inept IRS so have illegal immigrants to the tune of over 4 billion dollars last year. So take to the streets with your brain dead liberal friends, the house cleaning in 2010 was a drop in the bucket to what's coming this fall.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.

point of info: Libertarianism has been used in modern times as a substitute for the phrase "neo-classical liberalism" (or "Jeffersonian Liberalism), leading to some confusion. The identification of libertarianism with neo-classical liberalism primarily occurs in the United States, where some conservatives and right-libertarians use the term classical liberalism to describe their belief in the primacy of economic freedom and minimal government. JL- you sound less Jeffersonian and more Limbaughian in your text above. Just sayin' ;) Greg Pratt

Enso

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.

And what about the wealthy elite of this country taking our tax dollars? Or do you just pick on the poor?

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.

I wonder if any of the "take take take" commenters TOOK TOOK TOOK the tax breaks offered to corporations and wealthy individuals offered by Rick "Relentless Positive Action" Snyder? Let me remind you that in order to pay for those tax breaks while balancing the state budget, Snyder and the Legislature (all controlled by Republicans) kicked 31,000 children who live on the margins off of public assistance. *****31,000****** They also reduced some benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit for low income families. And you are going to complain about people fighting to save their homes (CTN is HOME for these folks. "MDOT Property" = PUBLIC LAND) ? While Snyder and his merry band of hedge fund carpetbaggers steals what little resources the working class in this state has to survive?

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.

"MAALEN" Should we look to find evidence of another system that works better? Should we build a new system? I say we can. And it doesn't have to be a utopia, which is inherently a fiction to us realists. The people at Camp Take Notice are actually showing us how to ***start*** learning to live and work together (yes, they work and have built up and maintain the camp themselves with resource help from MISSION). Crisis capitalism is the cycle of boom and bust perpetuated by the unmitigated and unregulated capitalist system advocated for and nearly implemented by Republicans and radical Right Wing Libertarian think tanks such as the Mackinac Ctr. Americans for "prosperity" etc. Their actions are founded in beliefs in free-market fundamentalism, a term I first learned of after reading Thomas Frank's seminal cultural history and structural analysis in: One Market Under God (2000). Policies implemented in the wake of this belief aim to abrogate the rights of individuals and working families allow the "market forces" to create a fair and level playing field and to "Grow the Pie." Putting aside the human and animal suffering caused by such policies (which I kinda have a difficult time doing myself), there is a simple fact that all free marketers fail to acknowledge. That is the fact that we live in a closed system and we simply CANNOT "Grow the Pie" indefinitely... Hence the squabbling over what is presented to us as a situation in which we all need to "sacrifice" now for the big payoff at some later point in time (boy this sounds familiar... ;) What is the new system we will create? Well, come help us create it coz this one IS NOT WORKING. Good night and Good luck. ---Pratt

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.

Thanks Greg. I know what side I am on and apparently we don't play for the same team.

maallen

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

Greg "kulanova", You are advocating these people to break the law just because they call Camp Take Notice "home." I could move into an empty house and call it home too, but it's called breaking the law. Instead of advocating to these people to break the law, wouldn't time be better spent in taking them to various different organizations and programs to give them the help they need? It is very apparent that they have other options available to them. But it will require them to do "work" on their part. If you are not advocating "utopia" then please explain your words "And until we are able to solve the conundrum of "crisis capitalism," there will be poverty and homelessness." Is there another system out there that is better? If so, I would like to hear it.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.

"maallen" --- By assuming that these folks are without other housing option because they want to "take take take" is denying them the right to exist and do the best they can under current circumstances. I am NOT advocating utopia and a new "unreality" I am also not advocating the continuance of another utopian myth created by hyper-privileged white folks from the US -- "The American Dream" This "Dream" has turned into a nightmare for many of the 99% I am advocating for a world in which people have the right to assemble and to have a say over the conditions under which they exist. Thanks for reading, "Maalen" and for the thoughtful questions. Greg Pratt Homeowner, East Ann Arbor Resident

maallen

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.

Kulanova "Greg", "And we will defend their right to exist and live the best way they can under the current social structure." No one is denying their "right to exist." "And until we are able to solve the conundrum of "crisis capitalism," there will be poverty and homelessness." Please explain "crisis capitalism." It sounds as if you are trying to achieve "utopia" where everyone has the same things and makes the same money, etc. I believe communism and socialism have tried to create that "utopia." How well has that worked out for them?

Joe

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.

kulanova, you do realize that this is akin to stealing, right? We tax payers pay for MDOT, and it's maintenance of it's PUBLIC LAND. These squatters pay nothing, and yet they seem to think they can claim it as their own property? get real. You cant live on public land permanently. These people are lucky they've been allowed to stay as long as they have. Go put up a tent on city hall's front lawn and see how long you can claim you have a right to live there.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.

Joe- As far as we are concerned, it does. And until we are able to solve the conundrum of "crisis capitalism," there will be poverty and homelessness. People will continue to set up camp on public land. And we will defend their right to exist and live the best way they can under the current social structure. Have a great day! Greg Pratt Organizer at the Planet Earth Homeowner, East Ann Arbor Resident

Joe

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.

kulanova, Public land does not mean you can set up your home on it.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.

Yay Pamela. Way to invoke the Horatio Alger myth. The US classless society [sigh]. Holla when you find out which side your are on: 1% or 99% Until that moment, best wishes- Greg

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.

"They" and "we?" Really? So unAmerican of you.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.

everyone "ponying up" includes rich people and corporations? wherefore their shared sacrifice? They get tax breaks and we get budget cuts. FOLLOW THE MONEY

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.

I am Democrat and I voted for Snyder. I will vote for him again if he runs. While I may not agree with some of the cuts he has made on the surface - when I looked deeper - I do agree for the most part. Our state is in dire need of cuts and everyone needs to pony up. As for your tax break fantasy: have a real look at the tax code and then tell me I should pay more. Because, frankly, I am tired of it.

Barzoom

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.

These "camps" have become a pervasive problem for Ann Arbor for number of years. The reason why they exist is the friendly, politically correct enviromnent in this city. Panhandlers and those who have chosen homelessness as a lifestyle are welcomed here. Giving the inhabitants anything will simply show the next group how to hold the city and state for ransom. They should be given a free ride to the state line and sent on their way.

Joe

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.

They should change their name to Camp Take Take Take

Britain W.

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.

Are the people who live in Camp Take Notice the same ones that hang out on the ramps? This article from earlier this year suggests a lot of the ramp beggars have roofs over their heads: http://www.annarbor.com/news/panhandling-on-freeway-ramps-state-trooper-tries-to-make-a-differences-one-person-at-a-time/

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.

@Greg Pratt: Go blame yourself if you don't have the income you want and stop blaming anyone else.

cinnabar7071

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.

kulanova so all these people had homes before Rick became gov?

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.

Joe, Sounds to me like you are on the wrong team then. Join us!

Joe

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.

kulanova, Stop blaming other people. This has nothing to do with Rick Snyder. The only tax cut I've seen is the $40 or so Obama calls the pay roll tax cut or whatever. There's a far cry from taking home a miniscule extra portion of my PAY CHECK each week, and someone offering free housing for a year to trespassing squatters who instead of look for jobs, prefer to sit on freeway off ramps and beg for money and food outside of malls and fast food joints.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:31 a.m.

Unlike Rick Snyder and his merry band of hedge fund carpetbaggers who give give give tax breaks to wealthy individuals and corporations while throwing 31,000 children off of public assistance. So, that means they not only live in poverty now but with the added bonus of no economic support. Thanks Rick "Relentless Positive Action" Snyder. And Joe, how did you benefit from the tax cuts? Did you "Take Take Take?"

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:07 a.m.

How come nearly everyone against the camp is hiding their identities? Including the unnamed resident above? Campers are identifying themselves. My guess is that it's more difficult to make broad statements alleging that campers are a "nuisance," should "get a job" and are too lazy because they wouldn't accept 8 dollars an hour to clean up a yard -- IF one uses one's real name. RE: NIMBY I lived with the camp existing at Arborland (right outside of my neighborhood) when it first was forming in 2008-09 and have to say that I notice little difference in the amount of "people living on the margins" coming through my neighborhood then or now. And frankly some of the people I meet like that are way more community-oriented, helpful and interesting than any of the "pseudonym commenters" to this site. I would gladly invite them back again and help them set up. HOWEVER These folks are home. They are not homeless. Camp Take Notice is HOME for many of these people you see profiled here. They are on PUBLIC LAND. Expect us in the streets this summer and at the voting booth this fall No Ann Arbor Patrician is ***politically*** safe (Democrat or Republican). I am watching and listening. Greg Pratt Organizer at the Planet Earth Homeowner, Resident of East Ann Arbor Community Ally of Camp Take Notice Campers

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.

@Ron: Charming.

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.

My name is Pamela Behjatnia. I have been homeless and I went without basics like heat and food, but I never expected nor would I have accepted handouts. I criticize Camp Take Notice and anyone who enables people who need to get on their feet. Let people have dignity and find their way. Spare a dime - don't keep them down by doling out the cash and services and telling them they should feel like crap because of whatever they have experienced. Give them a meal, spare a dime, hand them the help wanted section and get them off private property. Yes, it is not public land.

Joe

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.

Greg, What is the voting precinct assigned to these squatters?

A2ron

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.

Living in the woods is no easy task and takes skills and planning. It is however inconvenient for MDOT and neighbors. These folks have enough skills to create income, that's the real frustrating part about this.

cinnabar7071

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:13 a.m.

"Living in the woods is no easy task and takes skills and planning." More like food stamps and gullable enablers.

mkm17

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:51 a.m.

I'm really not understanding this at all. CTN is trespassing on MDOT property. Now, the trespassers are being offered generous housing subsidies, and the trespassers want more? Really? Take, take, take.

kulanova

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:33 a.m.

"MDOT property" = PUBLIC LAND

Halter

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 5:50 a.m.

Only in Ann Arbor can one drop out of society and get PAID for it. Where's my 750 a month rent subsidy? Where's the bulldozer?

leaguebus

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:30 a.m.

Great compassion in the above post. Not everyone is as together as you are. There are millions of working poor one paycheck away from homelessness.

treetowncartel

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:51 a.m.

They have a flag there? Wow a symbol of this great country, I wonder if they have ostracized those who like to look at it and say the pledge of allegiance.

Killosaur

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.

I live near the camp and was not very happy about its formation. I went down there one night with a bunch of extra pizzas from a birthday party for one of my kids. I was a bit nervous walking down the hill along the trail to the camp. I was surprised how friendly and orderly the camp was. I have to admit that I became much more tolerant after visiting the camp. I wish them luck in finding a home that meets their needs.

Madeleine Borthwick

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.

hi Killosaur, it's refreshing to read something positive about this after all the naysayers. I've been called a bleeding heart on more than a few occasions and as far as that goes, all I can say is, I'd rather have a bleeding heart than none at all..... have a nice day

BulaBiker

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.

Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing how meeting the residents changed your perspective. So many comments made here are not factual and made by persons that just want to spread ignorance.

jim

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.

Wait a minute...Isn't this violating someone's civil rights?...I want answers!!!

Ypsi_Wings_Fan

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.

On a side note, $8 an hour is what I made doing yard work in middle school 20 yrs ago. Just saying.

Ypsi_Wings_Fan

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.

Trust me, if I'm living in the woods Ill do just about anything for $8. But thats also not what I would pay someone.

gofigure

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.

Cash under the table. More than what they're getting now wouldn't you say?

cinnabar7071

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:09 a.m.

Have to start somewhere, and the top of the pay scale aint going to happen when your living in the woods.

martini man

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.

I am sure if I lived in the Wagner Road area, I'd be glad to see the Hobo Jungle dismantled, and the downtrodden, the perverts, and the moochers, all gone. However, once they are gone ..where will they go ???? Having them dispersed will be even worse than having them all in one place. At least out on Wagner Road, the authorities know where they are. I still think relocating them to the property of liberal elitists would be the way to go. It seems that any fair minded rich liberal, with a lot of property, would be more than willing to accomodate the Hobo Jungle.What's a few million dollars of lost property value when you are doing a service to humanity ???? Plus ..the taxpayers would be very happy, not to mention the DOT.

KINGofSKA

Sun, Jun 10, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.

I drive past the camp site multiple times a day, and on several occasions, I've almost hit people because they will boldly walk in the road with a black shirt and pants.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.

LOL, why not put them in the back yard of rich conservative elitists whose failed policies are partly the reason those people are there?

cinnabar7071

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:07 a.m.

martini man the liberal elitists dont want anything more from you then your vote, if they were to help you to become independant then they lose your vote.

CLOCK

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.

Martini man It sounds like you don't even live in the area near Camp Take Notice that is why this does not effect you at all. Put them in your back yard and lets see how you like it.

pbehjatnia

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.

I have been homeless and hungry. I never expected a handout nor would I have considered accepting one. Get some dignity, go find work and stop whining. Free lunch is for school kids - not for you.

A2ron

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.

The voice of reason... "A year's rent? Can't nothing beat that…for a year. If you can't get your life together in a year something's going wrong." Temporary? Take, take, take. Work? No, no, no... "both fearful the solution is only a temporary one that won't be able to provide the unique support Camp Take Notice has given residents."

Mr. Ed

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.

Get a job

jen

Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.

is it really that easy to get a job?? why dont you go there and help them get a job!! i know a lot of people with homes looking for work!! TIMES ARE HARD FOR EVERY ONE RIGHT NOW!! not just these people! and did they ask for a place to live? NO they were fine with being where they were!!!

tom swift jr.

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.

Let me know when you fall on hard times, I need a good laugh.

Roadman

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.

The government should do something about getting these inhabitants of Camp Take Notice some lodgings and shutting down this ongoing nuisance.

drewk

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.

Roadman, you didn't even read the article, did you?

The Great Gazoo

Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.

yes ... these people need to grow up and take responsibility for their actions. They need to stop making excuses and blaming other people about their fate. There are jobs out there if you are willing to work, don't forget if you have a hand, a job is always somewhere nearby.

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