MDOT targets June 22 as final day for 'Camp Take Notice' to vacate state property
Previous story: Crowd supports Camp Take Notice as neighbors of Ann Arbor tent city circulate petition for eviction
Updated at 3:15 p.m.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is officially telling the homeless encampment near Ann Arbor known as Camp Take Notice to leave its property, but officials are trying to help residents find alternative living arrangements.
Supporters hold a banner near Camp Take Notice at a rally last week. Residents of the homeless encampment have been told to move off MDOT property by June 22 or face possible arrest on trespassing charges.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The notice was given in conjunction with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's announcement that additional housing subsidies will be made available specifically for campers.
Last week MDOT director of communications Jeff Cranson said there was no immediate plan to force the camp out as rumors of eviction circulated.
Supporters of the camp rallied last Thursday and expressed hope that the camp could stay in its current location.
"We don't look at it as an eviction," Cranson said on Wednesday. "We hope to have everybody in alternative housing (by June 22)...Our hope is to not have to use law enforcement."
Sally Harrison, director of the rental assistance and homeless solutions division of MSHDA, said subsidies for 40 households will be made available to Camp Take Notice residents and the program will be available for one year. She clarified that a "household" could be single- or multiple-person living arrangement. 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.
"Homelessness ends with a place to live," Harrison said in a press release. "We look forward to collaborating with all of the key stakeholders to develop long-term solutions for the members of the Camp Take Notice encampment."
Brian Durrance, who is vice president for Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity (MISSION) a non-profit organization that helps support the tent city, last week said 65 people reside at Camp Take Notice. He sees the subsidies as a temporary solution.
"It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to work out an agreement to stay because I think we are performing an important service," Durrance said. "My personal opinion is that the money could be better used to purchase a piece of land where we can continue our work...providing a year’s worth of housing isn’t going to end the homeless program, it’s just going to put a dent in it for
Representatives of Camp Take Notice, MSHDA, MDOT, MISSION and other organizations involved with Camp Take Notice met on Tuesday to discuss the programs MSHDA laid out.
"We are grateful the state has stepped up to the plate to assist us in providing safe housing solutions and critical services to the struggling campers currently staying at Camp Take Notice." said Bob Guenzel, chair of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance board in the MSHDA press release.
Harrison said MSHDA is also working with the Salvation Army on building additional shelter beds in the area and to provide possibly displaced individuals with motel vouchers.
Durrance said MISSION will continue to work on finding alternative locations, but that ultimately the organization will support the campers' decision.
"There is a meeting on whether they want to stay or move and MISSION will support the campers either way," Durrance said.
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Tommy Marz
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
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Kitty O'Brien
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 7:51 a.m.
Where do CTN occupants do when they have to relieve themselves? Defecate behind a tree? That area must be one big smelly septic field seeping into the ground. NASTY! Anyone else concerned for the wildlife that inhabits the area? How about trash removal? Or do they burn their trash?
McGiver
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:45 a.m.
Why dont they move to a real campground like the state campground at Waterloo?
jns131
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Then they have to pay for it and be evicted after 2 weeks. There is some to do about staying at campgrounds for more then 2 weeks.
muse9114
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
I have seen no reasons given for the eviction action except that some of the neighbors think that the CTN residents don't want to work and are putting pressure.on MDOT. Is there anything more?
Diane
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
About time.
jns131
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
Ann Arbor built a controversial homeless shelter. Why won't they go there? Isn't that what it was built for? To help the homeless?
Tommy Marz
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
INMO, most are drunkards and drug abusers who wont pass the brethalizer or drug tests at the Delonis center. Plus they have to be in by curfew and leave early in the am. At CTN they can drink the day away in solitude. Get a bottle, ride the bus, hang out and use the computer at the library to play on Facebook or look at porn. Such is the life of our good neighbors at CTN.
ElleFordA2
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:04 a.m.
I think the biggest amount of space there is taken up by people who just got turfed out of jail. Many on the sex offender list quote Delonis as their address.
The Great Gazoo
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
Cash, Gas or (something), no one rides for free. Wake up in the morning, slug down a few cups of coffee and go get a job, pay rent, pay your bills and support yourself for once.
Junne
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
Good article.
captain_k
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.
The thing about the Delonis Shelter is... they very rarely have openings/space, you're competing with hundreds of other people for a bed, they really like giving BS reasons not to let people in. The warming center isn't open during the summer.
GoNavy
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
I wonder if there will be a tear gas party.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
This camp is just a symptom of a larger problem. There have been similar camps around town for as long as I can remember. This one was a little bit different because the residents of the camp were being out in the open about it, as evidenced by the news coverage it got. However, I don't need to have people camp in my literal backyard because I know that people are already camping out near my neighborhood in Ypsilanti I am not going to out them by disclosing their location but they are there. People have to live somewhere. The shelter in Ann Arbor is wonderful but it does not serve that population adequately. For example, anyone with a serious substance abuse problem is not eligible to stay at the shelter. People who don't have it together enough to secure and keep their own housing also find that they bump up against the limits of the shelter. Our community needs better services to help these people. Simply evicting them will not solve the problem as the homeless still will not have homes.
Tommy Marz
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Many migrate to A2 when they here about the services provided at Delonnis. There is a whole network of bums and addicts who spread the news about CTN and Delonis. Many7 go to Dawn Farms or Home of New Vision first to dry out or come off drugs, then it is on to the Delonis center or CTN. Crime and public safety are my main concerns.
Mpope
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
All of this is true. See my reply to wolfman above.
local guy
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
Glad to see this occur. My understanding that for many involved this is a lifestyle choice and many make fair sums pan-handling. This may not be the case for all, but these folks shouldn't be allowed to live anywhere they choose rent free. Public property does not exist for that purpose. I'm glad some are offering to provide them with alternatives and perhaps other counseling, but they have done this long enough (first behind Arborland, then at the Park & Ride at A2/Saline, and now off of Wagner). Good-bye!
OLDTIMER3
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
How many of these homeless are Veterans? With all the empty buildings schools, factories it seems like a solution could be made to really help. Some of these people are probably happy living the way they do but I am sure others would welcome a job and a chace to improve themselves.
Rose Garden
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
It doesn't work to put them in empty schools, facories, other buildings. The owners would be liable for their injuries and destructions.
tim
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
It would be foolish to not take up the state on this opportunity. Sounds like there is plenty of help for those who want it.
Top Cat
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Simple solution....every one of their "supporters" should allow 2 of the campers into their homes or backyards.
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
These supporter want to help with YOUR money. That why your suggestion will never ever work.
A2ron
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Once again, thanks CTN for your rally last week. You've accomplished a lot.
gofigure
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
Sounds more like a Commune than a Camp.
a2cents
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
I want a subsidy. Where's mine?
Davidian
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
I think some people are missing the point. Yes, many homeless people need and want help. Yet in my experience, an equal (and perhaps greater number) of homeless people simply do not want any pressure, stress, or responsibilites. The are choosing to live off the grid. They are choosing to drop out of society. No amount of subsidies, grants, etc. will change this fundamental fact. Also, before anyone sounds off on me - I was homeless at one time, so I think I am qualified to make this statement.
Billy
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
Which means they can renounce their citizenship and go someplace else if they don't like it. If they don't want to live with the rest of our society, then they don't get live IN our society and take advantage of what it offers. How DARE they request help from a society.....all while eschewing everything about it.
Dave
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
I like how MDOT has cut the trees on most of their property around Ann Arbor so these camps cannot be hidden. Nothing worse than trying to get off the freeway at night and someone is hanging on the off ramp out in the pitch black waiting to be hit by a car...yes, this happened when the camp was off Ann Arbor Saline rd. I never give money to these people who solicit at the end of the ramps or trying to leave Arborland. You shouldn't either.
Joe
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
right on. If people stopped giving money to them on freeway off ramps, they'd stop standing there. They've been hanging out by the McDonalds on State as well.
wolfman jack
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
I agree jobs are an obstacle for this population. My intended post - cut off unexpectedly - reflected the probable need for mental health services. Perhaps there is a need for mental health services for some of this population beyond an outpatient basis. I'm not sure states provide in-patient care for mental health anymore - beyond criminals.
Mpope
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
The cycle is vicious. Without health coverage, adequate mental health treatment is non- existent. Neither is long- term residential substance abuse treatment. The rare indigent bed that may be obtained in residential substance abuse treatment facilities have year long waiting lists. The criteria for having someone institutionalized for mental illness is 7 pronged, including ability for self care and imminent potential to harm oneslf or others. Even if an individual demonstrates potential to do harm, they can only be held in a mental ward 72 hours for observation. The homeless persons i know well need significant mental health intervention. They've learned to become very adept at obtaining any substance to self medicate. Their success at self medicating has led to profound addictions. Perhaps once upon a time many of these persons had more ability to make free will choices for intervention or sobriety etc., but the individuals I'm thinking of now suffer significantly reduced choice making. Their primary choices today are survival and addiction-fix. Outside an environment of intervention, their futures are very dismal. And they will remain camped all over the city.
Jennifer
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
I think that it's commendable that the state has stepped up to the plate and offered alternative routes of housing and care for camp residents. No doubt that they have been law-abiding and resourceful as a community unto themselves. I hope that the city can recognize that members of Camp Take Notice can be an asset to this community as well, given the proper life skills, job training, and linkage to community resources. Of course, personal responsibility and commitment play a role in the success of the individual in society, and here's hoping that Camp Take Notice residents will succeed in making a life for themselves in the community, rather than on the fringes of it. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Barzoom
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:48 p.m.
It will be interesting to see how many of the "struggling campers" will take advantge of the aid that's being offered. For many of these people homelessness is a lifestyle choice. Jobs are available in the area that would allow these people to find other living arrangements.
Michigan Man
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
I hope that violence/mayhem/destruction of property will be avoided when the campers are evicted!
Brad
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
Hey - it isn't like it's S. University on St. Paddy's.
Subroutine
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
As a resident living fairly nearby I won't miss this camp. I do feel for those who are just trying to get back on their feet and need help, but 65 people living there is a bit much. I just wonder where this camp will pop up next. All these organizations doing all that work to get these folks housed somewhere is great news, but it also means that another similar camp might think they can count on a similar result. 'Find housing for us, or we make you look bad in the press for kicking us out'.
LatersBaby
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
My boyfriend lives nearby as well and he had a verbal altercation with one of the camp members once. They were crossing the road wearing dark clothing and when he went to turn down his street (a relatively dark dirt road) he almost hit the man because he could not see him. The man proceeded to yell at him and threatened him. My boyfriend being the bigger person just drove away and now is fearful that he may have followed him...in any case, these people are more trouble being there and while their supporters say they are causing no harm, they are making that whole area horrible. Now they are closing it? There will be even more trouble! Luckily, his lease is up at the end of July!
justcurious
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
I would like to hear Camp Take Notice's Comments on development.
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
"Michigan State Housing Development Authority's announcement that additional housing subsidies will be made available for campers." I think jobs would be more productive.
DBH
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
@cinnabar7071, you may label me a "Liberal" if you like, but I don't consider myself one, more of a humanitarian and politically independent. Whatever. The point of my question (and it was meant sincerely, not sarcastically) was that some of the occupants at Camp Take Notice might (I don't know for sure, but might) have been previous occupants at the Homeless Shelter whose tenure there was terminated due to their length of stay having expired. They would not be candidates to reside at the Homeless Shelter, so your earlier proposed solution for such a population to stay at the Homeless Shelter would not be valid. I think the proposed housing subsides take precedence over finding them employment (though both, ultimately, are important goals). If you don't have an address, there aren't many employers who will hire you. Housing first, employment second. I have no problem with routing any homeless to the Homeless Shelter, if they would be a candidate.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
Jobs are important. But the question is how can one take people who are unemployable and turn them into people who are employable? I have to admit that during those times when I was responsible for hiring non-skilled labor, I would not have hired someone who didn't have a home because I would have considered that a sign that they had too much stress in their personal life to be a good employee. So I can see how finding someone a home translates into making them more employable (assuming there are jobs available). I would support some kind of "workfare" program though where anyone could do work for the government and get paid minimum wage. There is always trash that needs picking up and such. So if that is what you are talking about, then maybe jobs first would be useful.
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
DBH no, thats not the point of helping a person. Maybe you can provide a home to them, forever. And they cant live by the freeway anymore either. What is it about helping a person dont you Liberals understand?
DBH
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
@cinnabar7071, may occupants at the Homeless Shelter live there indefinitely?
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
So dont live in the woods, how hard is that to understand. We have a multi million dollar shelter, with services coming out the wazoo.
DBH
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
"I can see where it would be hard when you're camping in the woods." @cinnabar7071, that is what I was writing about. The story is, after all, about those living at Camp Take Notice, not those living at the Homeless Shelter.
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
DBH I did some work at the homeless shelter and many people got up each day and went to a regular job. I can see where it would be hard when you're camping in the woods. But in the shelter you can get up every morning take a nice hot shower, have a nice breakfast that you dont have to lift a finger for, then catch the bus to work. Why is that so hard?
DBH
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
Both, actually. First housing and then jobs. It is difficult (read, next to impossible) to find and hold a job if you don't have a place to live.
wolfman jack
Wed, May 30, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
These people need help.
CLOCK
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
Really then go ahead and open your house to them and let them in. Even batter let them stay in your back yard or garage.