Closing of Camp Take Notice was a financial and human mistake, but redeemable
Camp Take Notice resident Tate Williams cleans out a plastic tub last month as residents of the camp prepared to move out.
AnnArbor.com file photo
The Rev. Dan Reim
In addition, the state has reported allocating $420,000 to enforce this action:
- $300,000 for rent for the 33 individuals identified (and for as many as a total of 40 households, for those who qualify)
- $100,000 for utilities, security deposits and other costs
- $20,000 for fencing off the perimeter of the CTN site
All these expenses are for 33 households for one year, and to prevent the homeless from having a place to lay their heads at night.
In contrast, for the past two years, Camp Take Notice has served over 200 individuals, with the working cooperation of nearly 20 area religious congregations, the non-profit group MISSION, and local service agencies, including PORT, Delonis Center and others.
This self-governing tent community was working. It was helping people transition through difficult times in their lives. It played an important role in serving our community. And at considerably less cost.
What’s worse is that the homeless problem in our area has now increased due to this action. Not only are there more homeless now scattered throughout our communities, but those in need in the future will have nowhere else to turn to except others’ backyards. It would be wishful thinking to believe they will just go away.
In the short term, a community-wide conversation is needed, including our elected officials, to find a permanent piece of land for Camp Take Notice to continue its good work of helping end homelessness in Washtenaw County. In the long term, two fundamental questions need to be addressed: Where are the homeless to go (rather than being forcibly moved from one location to the next) and who is responsible for caring for those in need in our community?
(The Rev. Dan Reim is campus minister at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor. The parish has been actively involved in supporting Camp Take Notice.)
Comments
melloyellow
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Very simple solution ALL the Men apply for the priest hood (they already living pooooor. The women become Nunns. problem solt.!
James
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
ab
martini man
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
To paraphrase a famous song ..It looks like the whole CTN debacle was one big "Bungle in the Hobo Jungle"
kulanova
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Bump to main thread from reply: timjbd quoting "justavoice"-- "'For those in the camp living in semi-unsanitary conditions (no proper heat, no running water, no facilities) on public land is not only a liability for the state, but conditions we can't allow anyone to live in knowingly as a society..' timjbd responds: "So where do you suppose they are living now? Something is decidedly better than nothing. But in lieu of any better answer coming from the city or state, they did what they could do. Now they are back in purgatory."
kulanova
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
moved to main thread, comment in reply to others who post on this site by "timjbd" -- "I love how the army of haters on this site slap every suggestion for positive action with 'thumbs-downs.' You will never see any of these people suggest anything positive. They only attack. Criminalization is the only answer. Prisons instead of houses. Lucky for them, they have their man in the state house."
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
The best way to get thumbs-downs is to complain about getting thumbs-downs.
kulanova
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
If the commenters who post here regularly re: CTN actually represented the opinions of most Ann Arborites our town would look and act more like this: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120612/METRO02/206120376
kulanova
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.
whatever helps you sleep at night...or wake up in the morning
kulanova
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.
INTERESTING. No one likes my comments but no one can/will rebut. I must be hitting the right nerves. Thanks for the encouragement!!
timjbd
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
4 Fingers, You're right about yourself and most of the commenters on this site not caring. It's easier to scorn than solve, as is proven time after time.
4 Fingers
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
Actually, I think no one cares.
Jack Rocks!
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
What happens when when 100% of the a2 tax paying home owners wake in the morning to see a huge pile of rags and clothes on their front porches as I have? Well first thought was what is that? Next, got the kids up and asked ok which one of you are "responsible!" Was not us!!! So we go to the porch only to discover a HUGE mess on humanity - chewing ME and my kids (scared to death) OUT. The guy was laughing "there ain't a damn thing you can do either" taunting us "whatever, Call the police! You f head!" Thanks - a2 police have lost all sense of Who they'er protecting - a2 city has lost it's way - which way is up?
a2citizen
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
why are you involving a2 police?
Honest Abe
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
I beg to differ with you Rev Reim. That will be all.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Of course it's "redeemable" Reverend. Pitch some tents and have at it. I'm sure your church, and many other churches in the area, can fit lots and lots of tents on all the property tax-exempt religious groups own in the area. I'm sick to death of all the effort and money being poured into turning those who make illegal choices, choices that do, in fact, infringe upon the rights of others, into poor, helpless victims. A prime example is this part of the Reverend's letter: "All others were denied, including several veterans..." What the good Reverend fails to mention is that veterans already have an extensive set of resources available to them through the VA and many other veteran-specific assistance agencies. Unless the good Reverend is somehow unaware of this fact, what he wrote is a needless and deceptive attempt to inflame and sensationalize. There are plenty of resources available for homeless people, be they individuals or families. Those who choose to display blatant disregard for society and the rights of others get what they get.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Sorry...that should be "straits," not "straights."
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
What "entire group" are you defending? The only group I've referred to is "those who make illegal choices." Not all homeless, or poor or otherwise challenged people fall into that group, and I've in no way suggested that they do. And the fact that many people in similar straights manage to survive, and even to escape their circumstances, without breaking the law only makes this group less sympathetic. And you are wrong about the availability of help. It is plentiful. Communities in Wayne County alone have millions of unspent grant dollars for programs for those in need. Washtenaw County has plenty of available help for those who want/need it.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
How can you make such a generalized assumption about an entire group of people that you know nothing about? And no, there are not enough resources out there to help everybody who needs help.
Justavoice
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Why I do agree that homeless is a very large problem and everyone needs to come together to reform our systems to something better (community, church groups/non-profits, and government). CTN was and still isn't the answer. CTN was a political statement. It's means was to get notice, and it did for better or worse. From what I recall CTNs original goal was to get more help for those in the camp. While only temporary (for a year), I think for the most part that has happened. What happens after that year term and if those truly in the camp wanted the help is up to be seen. CTNs continued operation is not good for anyone. For those in the camp living in semi-unsanitary conditions (no proper heat, no running water, no facilities) on public land is not only a liability for the state, but conditions we can't allow anyone to live in knowingly as a society (granted this happens all the time and it shouldn't, but we can't knowingly allow it to happen when faced with it). For the neighbors, I feel you pain. I wouldn't want anything like this in my back yard. There are huge Health concerns, and no direct government regulation of who or what is going on in the camp on public land. CTN made there point. It's not the answer, but I think it's outlived it's usefulness as a political statement. From here on out, no matter what side you on, it's just going to just build walls and not solutions. Does this mean the problem of homelessness has gone away? No. Does it mean we shouldn't continue to address it as a society? No. All in all I think the Ann Arbor commnity has done a lot better job than other places in Michigan to help people. Does it mean there isn't more to do as a society? Absolutely not. But until we can deal with issues that face the homeless population such as the current job situation in American, mental illness and our lack of ability to treat those affected by it, and substance abuse, this will continue to be an issue.
timjbd
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
"For those in the camp living in semi-unsanitary conditions (no proper heat, no running water, no facilities) on public land is not only a liability for the state, but conditions we can't allow anyone to live in knowingly as a society.." So where do you suppose they are living now? Something is decidedly better than nothing. But in lieu of any better answer coming from the city or state, they did what they could do. Now they are back in purgatory.
Albert Howard
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
The Rev. Dan Reim, please read Acts 4:32
Rob
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
If it was a homeless family I would understand. If it is a man who has lived in camp take notice for a year or more, rides a bike, and has money to buy booze, then the opinion is entirely different. Social services may be in order for those with mental health issues, and veterans affairs for the vets with physical health issues. Living on mdot property and holding rallies to take notice of homelessness seems great as an idea, but the problem had no viable solution to begin with. If anyone knew about this camp for 2 years, and feels so compassionately about it, why do you want action now, instead of trying to amend their situation years ago. The great assumption made by many here is that we all have time and resources. I have kids to raise, and if I feel they wouldn't be safe riding in their own neighborhood because of 40+ squatters of unknown identity, then that is my call to action. I have my hands full taking care of real children. The grown-ups acting like children are on my back burner. AnnArbor.com please don't delete my comment unless you truly have a reason to do so per your comment guidelines.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
Do you have any solutions that would allow these people to exist that doesn't involve locking them in jail at $300/dy with my tax dollars? ... And dont say "get a job!". Unless you are willing to provide them with a job, or the job skills, clean clothes, a place to shower, Job interview skills, and all of the other things that are required to get a job.
Gary Haller
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
I am reading all these comments and it occurs to me that the Federal Government tried to house home less people alonmg the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina The home less numbered in the thousands.The government provided inexpensive trailers for families to ;live in. In some cases they took open land and made trailer parks. some people stayed a short time and some just sat there in their FEMA Trailers until they were thrown out. My point is these problems are not just here in Ann Arbor. Its an epidemic. its like the drug war . You really cant fix it. These people understand they will find a new spot I bet they are there already.are camping out quietly. How ever in time the new spot will be known. and depending on what government agency it falls under .They will be tossed out at some point.Only to move to another spot. These are the same folks that work our free way entrances and exits to stand there all day and get paid for standing there. Its remarkable these people can make $200 a day if they are willing to stand. and most are. These arent demotivated people . Just lazy who have found a way to live off the grid Its not easy to live off the grid > ITS A LIFE STYLE CHOICE !! You can make all the excuses you want. It goes against the grain of our society to be a perpetuasl camper. It provides no tax base. These people are just a drain on society. They know it. They are better off moving from one spot to another. Keeping them in one spot is like a prison of sorts. a place you have to go f you want to live like this This problem is not going away any tionme soon . It will move around and be helped by local patrons and churches and people in thier cars who atre willing to donate.
ordmad
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7 p.m.
You really couldn't be any more wrong about this population. Anyone who has spent any amount of time working in it will tell you so. But go ahead and run with the stereotype to suit your needs. A lot easier than actually dealing with the facts.
Here
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
"Because a wooded piece of property owned by the State is a more appropriate place to set up a camp." I don't agree. I think it would be more appropriate for camps to take root next to a building with many toilets, a large kitchen, and an off-road parking lot for campers and well wishers to visit and drop off supplies. That would clearly be safer and more convenient for the campers and their supporters. Also, it would be helpful to have a large congregation committed to paying the legal bills when the camp is inevitably cited for multiple the violations of state and local housing, sanitary and public safety regulations (the camp, by definition, violates many such codes). The congregation can also use their liability insurance policy to balance to risk of lawsuits in case an unfortunate event occurs, especially given the extra risk associated with the persistent and willful violation of housing codes and public safety ordinances.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Here, maybe you should re-read the part of my post that refers to the law making criminals of people who are just trying to exist.
Here
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Atticus - There are rules that govern camping on county, state and federal property; they allow for temporary use. The rules do not allow for extended habitation, and certainly don't allow for permanent villages. Camping is not the same as squatting or homesteading. You seem to be either unaware or supportive of the rules that govern camping; feel free to encourage your fellow citizens to change the rules.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
If thats your oppinion, then I dont think you understand the concept of camping... Maybe next time I take girlfriend camping, we will just set up a tent in my back yard, where we will have "a building with many toilets, a large kitchen, and an off-road parking lot" Also, it seems like buy requiring someone to pay for legal bills and insurance ect.., what you are really saying is you want to make these peoples very existance illegal, and somebody needs to pay money for their right to roam the earth. Perhaps you could also push a law that requires them to pay for the right to breath the air?
timjbd
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
I suggested a setting up an actual campground in a park on a bus route. Showers, porta-johns, electricity, etc. If there's a local campground NOT on a bus route, what would it take to get a bus re-routed? People need to be able to get to jobs, job interviews, groceries, etc. Parker Mill off Geddes, for instance. Flame on!
timjbd
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
I love how the army of haters on this site slap every suggestion for positive action with "thumbs-downs." You will never see any of these people suggest anything positive. They only attack. Criminalization is the only answer. Prisons instead of houses. Lucky for them, they have their man in the state house.
timjbd
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
Exactly what I was thinking..
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Parker Mill is on a bus route. It doesn't have showers but I think there are toilets. It could be a very visible option. Doesn't our commuting governor live near there? If he had to drive by such an encampment, it might make him realize that we have some serious problems in our state. Wishful thinking I know. He would probably want to criminalize that kind of poverty in the same way that so many who were against CTN seem to want.
xmo
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
I really feel bad for the Campers at Camp Take Notice because they are forced to live in the extreme weather conditions of Michigan. What we need to do has a state who cares about the "Homeless Problem " is provide them a place that's warm, has a better view and more caring people! We could fund this with a small amount of money by using Greyhound Bus services to take these wonderful and noble people to the whites sands of the Florida beaches!. This is real caring! The Rev. Reim wants to prolong their agony here with a patch work of solutions which has not worked in the past and will not work in the future!
Rob
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
If it was a homeless family I would understand. If it is a man who has lived in C.T.N. for a year or more, rides a bike, and has money to buy booze, then I have less compassion. Social services may be in order for those with mental health issues, and veterans affairs for the vets with physical health issues. Living on M.D.O.T. property and holding rallies to take notice of homelessness seems great as an idea, but the problem had no viable solution to begin with. All who share the opinion of this article, if you knew about this camp for 2 years, and feel so compassionately about it, why do you want action now, instead of trying to amend their situation years ago. The great assumption you make here is that we all have time and resources. I have kids to raise, and if I feel they wouldn't be safe riding in their own neighborhood because of 40+ squatters of unknown identity, then that is my call to action. I have my hands full taking care of real children. The grown children are on my back burner.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
I've never read anything about a fatal overdose. Do you have a link? Also, even if one person did use drugs there, I wouldn't use it as an excuse to pass judgement about every single person there.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Atticus F.: They don't "allow" drugs, yet there was a fatal overdose.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
On a side note, it's my understanding that they dont even allow alchohol at the camp.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Rob, what about a homeless woman? I guess you have no compassion for the half of earths population that doesn't feel pain or suffering. Also, have you checked the price of a can of beer as apposed to the cost of heat, electricity, clothes, and housing?... Maybe they should take that $1.50, and instead of buying a can of beer, spend it on all of the things mentioned above? My point is that if someone cant afford to pay rent, pay electricity, pay for heat, does that mean they should spend every waking second in misery? maybe they should also drink only rain water, and eat only beans and rice because any other money spent on something that might bring pleasure to their existance, should be money given to DTE and Mckinly Properties.
kulanova
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
there seems to be a strong thread of a narrative here where supporters of the camp are stating that the rally and other political actions backfired. I wonder how many of the people who think the action(s) backfired were aware that the camp and its work existed before that. Was it successful in preventing "eviction" by the state? Nope. But, the issue of houselessness and criminalization of status is now on the political map for this year's elections. The campers made that happen. AND they made it happen WITHOUT help from "professional nonprofit managers" who would rather institutionalize that which belongs to the people. Cheerio.
timjbd
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
Professional aid workers are often seen as a problem- If they actually solve all the problems, they are out of business. However, no matter how much work they do, there will always be a need. I saw this first hand in Haiti. Finding a place for homeless people will never be popular with many voters- even those who complain about people sleeping on benches around town and panhandlers (a separate category). But coming up with a system to address the problem (as Camp Take Notice tried to do, and did to an extent) will benefit everyone. For very little money.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Also, to the folk who are saying "why don't you let them camp on church grounds?"... Because a wooded piece of property owned by the State is a more appropriate place to set up a camp. THATS WHY!
genetracy
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Or better yet timjbd, how about bussing them up to Walloon Lake and letting them live next to Michael Moore?
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
There should also be 'no rules' when it comes to a persons right to exist, either.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
a2citizen: There are no "rules" when it comes to the feel-good cause of the day in Ann Arbor. Remember, these are the same people who were outraged about Occupiers not being allowed to use gas heaters inside flammable tents in a city park, where nobody else would even be allowed to camp overnight.
a2citizen
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Atticus, There are rules governing camping on state land in Michigan. Rules cover disposal of garbage and length of stay among other things, both of which were violated. A good lawyer would be able to help you out with legally satisfying the requirements.
timjbd
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Parker Mill County Park is perfect AND it's right down the street from Snyder's house.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
This nonsense that I keep hearing about the homeless being lazy and not wanting to work is nothing but ignorant trash. There are many people out there that are working there butts off, scrubing toilets and flipping burgers, that are one disaster away from being homeless. weather it be a blown radiator, or a furnace repair, for someone without a supportive family, they could easily find themselves among the homeless.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
Atticus, this article isn't about "the homeless"; it's about this specific camp and the people in it. For you to assume that people's opinions about this camp apply to the entire issue of homeless people makes you guilty of the same thing you're criticizing others for.
Rob
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Point well taken, Atticus. If it was just me by myself, living anywhere around just anyone would suffice, seriously. I've mentioned the fact that I have kids in nearly every single post, which greatly influences my opinion on this specific situation. I understand where you're coming from, but I have a good interest in making sure my kids are well and safe. To call each person in the camp harmless would be an assumption at best without knowing exactly who is down there. Call me crazy for loving my kids and tyring to be a good dad.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
I've donated my money and my time to the cause of homelessness, Rob. As well as other causes that I support. I'm sorry that you can't stand to live near these people, but unfortunately these people need somewhere to go. And as the dispairity between the rich and poor grows, the sad fact is that you can expect to see many more tent cities.
Rob
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
How much money or time have you donated specifically to this cause, to date? How far do you live from the camp? I'm less that a half mile. If you live any closer to the camp than I do that makes us neighbors. Lets sit down and talk about this problem. I'm ready when you are. If you don't live around here then keep preaching on from your distant soap box while we handle our business.
Davidian
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
"This self-governing tent community was working. It was helping people transition through difficult times in their lives." While CTN claimed to be a foundation for transition, I never saw this. In fact, it seemed to guarantee perpetual homelessness. As far as I could tell, none of them wanted to leave, and at the end Caleb was demanding to be arrested to call attention to their "plight." Their "plight" - simply put - was a safe place to drop out and live without being hassled. They wanted easy access to warm hearts that will support them in every regard. It's a vagabond's utopia. Fortunately in America, most people frown on this type of self-entitlement.
CLOCK
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
You are right none of them wanted to leave. Well you think about it too if I had 19 churches giving me everything I need to live for free. I would not want to leave myself all the churches that was supporting CTN not one was in Scio Township these churches are smart by giving them everything they needed to keep CTN out of there back yard.
Goober
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
To Ross Simple solution. Michigan during the spring, summar & fall; Florida during our winter months. Another problem solved!
Ross
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
You really think that living outdoors in a Michigan winter equates to utopia?
pbehjatnia
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
1. ctn nevr should have been allowed to stay. 2. I don't see any mention of the affect a homeless encampment has on the area property values ? 3. I don't see any mention of your church or any of the other churches who so vehemently oppose the removal offering your services and housing for the squatters. 4. We have plenty of agencies in place to help which hav been refused by many of the squatters. 5. You're right about the money. But because it never should have been agreed to by the state. The squatters don't need money. If you can camp for a living then you can also get a job like the rest of us. And if that isn't your thing there's always a do good wearing blinders willing to give you someone else's dime.
melloyellow
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
Detroit has so many House that need tender care , so move them there and teach them how to repair Home and learn how to garden and grow your own Food.!detroit does it you can tooo>
clara
Sun, Jul 15, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Also, I cannot ad a bathroom off of the back of my house without meeting strict building codes for the safety of my family and myself as well as my neighbors. Here you have all these flammable tents, fires, trees, a severe drought with no open burning allowed and these miscreants causing safety and health issues.
Odile Haber
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.
Well the problem is not going away. A community forum and a way to find real solutions need to be discussed by the residents of Ann Arbor. I trust that if we work proactively together we would find solutions. There are plenty of good minds in this community and city resources that are under-used. There have been meetings of the former residents of Camp Take Notice that are just doing this with the help of too few supportive citizens. The way to deal with problems is not to blast them out but deal with them constructively.
Dawn Nelson
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion. The anger and hatred that is loud and clear in so many of the other posts is shocking and sad. It is clear to me that Ann Arbor has much work to do by way of understanding - and resolving - class issues.
Davidian
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
You can make the problem go away by doing what other communities do - expect "homeless" people to contribute to the community just like everyone else.
Killosaur
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
I live very close to where the camp existed. It was a tricky situation, and the fault for the final disposition falls on the campers and the government. I visited the camp with some pizzas one night and changed my view on the encampment. Before I visited, I thought it was simply a home for wayward drug addled drop-outs. I was wrong. I entered the camp and was asked to be quiet because they were in the middle of a camp meeting. I was impressed. The camp was well-run and mostly quiet. It wasn't idyllic, though. Father Dan is off the mark when he calls it home for "households." He's referred to that concept in his homily a couple of times, too. The camp was populated almost entirely by single people. Some did drugs. Some trespassed in neighbors' yards and stole property. One overdosed and died in his tent. The campers and the community began to make a statement out of the camp. It was no longer a place for people to live, but a testament to some grand yet unarticulated set of demands. The state was put on notice. The campers and the community had a big rally and march. A friend of mine - active in the non profit community around town - thought that the attention backfired. I agree with her. So now we have a gulag fence, "extreme" said a neighbor to me the other day, and $400,000 in subsidies to people who don't want them. As a neighbor, I preferred the camp to the fence and the subsidies. Father Dan is right about one thing: a tremendous waste of resources, measured in both time and dollars. But, Fr. Dan is wrong about the cause of the trouble. It was the community and the campers that brought this bitter conclusion on themselves. Including, St. Mary's itself.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
I also visited the camp & also changed my mind. I was greeted with a hello & a hand shake. I started to bring food to help out. I also agree with your statement that it became a more than a place to live & get back on their feet. I also agree that the rally backfired...I didn't go to it, I felt it was way over the top.
kulanova
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
Thanks for adding info Killosaur. This is actually not over yet as we all know that house-lessness is a river, not a pond in our capitalist society. Therefore, the camp and the community lives-on as there continues to be a need for a place like it. The problem is that the state has allowed for homelessness to be a criminal act. Now all my friends are scattered, scared and being harassed by the county sheriff's department. This is not the way we should treat our brothers and sisters. Thanks for reading and being reasonable.
kulanova
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
With poverty on the rise, an increasing number of people without jobs or decent levels of income there are going to be more people experiencing house-lessness as our economic system sets up a game of winners and losers. People who lose are not always victims of their own malfeasance or self-destructive behaviors. The Camp is a place for people to go who have been shut out of the other resources the county has to offer. It is a self-governing democratic community that will continue regardless of the xenophobic rhetoric of many A2.com commenters or the actions of the state to "close the camp." The camp along with the Imagine Warming Center project make me proud to live in a town where there are people who care about alleviating the suffering of others and helping build power with other forgotten workers who still live in this county. This land is our land. It is not only for the landed gentry and patricians nor their paid sycophants who regularly post on this site.
clara
Sun, Jul 15, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
Xenophobia is defined as "A fear of a certain Race or Races ?
kulanova
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
YPSI VETERAN "...regardless of the xenophobic rhetoric of ***many*** [ie. NOT ALL] A2.com commenters..." R-E-A-D
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
The only reason someone would be "shut out"of county resources is their own determination to choose alcohol and/or other substance abuse over help. And I'm not even sure there aren't charity agencies that will help even the worst drunks and addicts. Calling everyone who objects to the location and/or inhabitants of the camp xenophobic doesn't lend your opinions much credibility.
jcj
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:31 a.m.
"All others were denied, including several veterans, or did not seek this assistance." You can't have it both ways! Were they ALL denied or did some NOT seek this assistance?
Richard
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
Vets were offered assistance by Dept of Vet Affairs. Its the chronically homeless vets and non-vets that have not accepted the assistance.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
there is nothing grammatically incorrect in his statement that I see. To answer your question all others were EITHER denied OR didn't try. He's not trying to "have it both ways" in the sentence.
StopCrying
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.
Rev, feel free to acquire some tax free property and house the homeless yourself. Or possibly the 10% that you request from your church members could fund and house them all?
DonBee
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:50 a.m.
Dear Rev Reim - Creating Camp Take Notice was a financial and human mistake, we have service agencies and churches like yours that should have done a better job with these people. Creating this camp was a political grandstanding stunt. It should have never existed - there are lots of groups that want to help the homeless in this community. Whether the State did the right or wrong thing to take it down, is not the question - the question is why was it created and ENCOURAGED in the first place?
Goober
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
I believe we should find some state land (maybe one of the undeveloped UofM properties) and allow CTN to take up residence. Just imagine - no government or housing subsidies, all the churches and other similar associations can do their thing and if the site is properly selected, no issue with bordering neighborhoods. If the article above numbers are correct, the $420,000 spent on a few could have been better allocated for many.
Billy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:46 a.m.
Actually rev.....vagrancy has gotten WORSE since CTN showed up. Because of CTN and the general homeless condition in our city transients FLOCK here. Your efforts have INCREASED homeless presence in the city, and will only continue to increase them.
cryptk
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:39 a.m.
So here's a question... Why was this camp started in Ann Arbor? How many residents of the camp were actually from here? Seems like a good place to drop in and stir up a political mess.
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
@ Ross: a2citizen said it - if you had factual evidence to the contrary, you'd have shared it with us by now. I'm doubtful you're keeping a "stash of facts" close to the chest, waiting for the right moment to spring them on us - Just so I'm not being hypocritical, here's an article from 2010: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/10/15/Homeless-drawn-to-Ann-Arbor-Mich/UPI-89251287175446/ It says: "Officials say the number of homeless in Ann Arbor has increased significantly with several homeless encampments in the area. The founder of Camp Take Notice, the largest, is from Seattle."
a2citizen
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
Ross, do you have factual evidence that CTN was having a positive overall effect on homelessness? Or is this just your unsubstantiated opinion?
Goober
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
To Ross If CTN was in your backyard, would you be so supportive and feel the same?
Ross
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Do you have factual evidence to support this, or is it just your unsubstantiated opinion? Furthermore it doesn't matter if this encampment served as a local draw to some homeless folks. It was clear, to some, that CTN was having a positive overall effect on homelessness.
Titus
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:33 a.m.
Dear Rev. Reim. All agreed. I cannot help but notice some nice grounds around St. Mary's. It might make a nice place for a charitable encampment. You could even call it... um.... Camp Take Notice II. NIMBY?
Angry Moderate
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
I walk by St. Mary's all the time, and I have never seen them host an open camp for dozens of homeless to live permanently on their property. Not in the rectory, not in the yard, not in the Newman Center which is empty most of the time.
Killosaur
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:31 a.m.
Titus, I know Father Dan, and this is an unfair accusation. St. Mary's was an outspoken advocate for the camp and they do house homeless several times a year. I personally think the Church is a bit off base on this issue, but it's certainly not NIMBY with St. Mary's. They happily house homeless - huge supporters of the homeless cause.
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:25 a.m.
I'm out early in the mornings and see many (usually 4 or more) people sleeping on the grounds of the United Methodist Church on Huron and State. They could definitely keep 30+ individuals on the lawn there - great looking grass, btw.