Churches to hold prayer vigil tonight for Camp Take Notice

The Michigan Department of Transportation issued a notice to camp residents May 29, informing them that they would be evicted.

The encampment is located in Scio Township, between Jackson and Dexter-Ann Arbor roads off Wagner Road near M-14.

The vigil will be held at the parish located at 331 Thompson Street in Ann Arbor.

Father Dan Reim said approximately 30 churches in the area have been invited to take part in the vigil. Reim said the vigil will include several ministers from various religious congregations.

“It’s to raise awareness for this immediate crisis and to call on the faith community and the general public to address the issue of homeless in our community,” Reim said. “We’re praying for the homeless and for a change of heart.”

Reim said the parish is expecting more than 200 people to participate in the hour long event that will have scripture reading, songs, and prayer. An update on the situation will be given by a representative from the group Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent out of Necessity (MISSION), which has heavily supported Camp Take Notice.

One of the camp’s dwellers will be on hand to share her feelings and experiences of what the camp has done to help her, Reim said. Camp Take Notice is located on MDOT's property and has been at that location for more than two years.