Camp Take Notice residents prepare to leave homeless encampment as deadline looms
Camp Take Notice resident Don Venda packs up his belongings as he prepares to move from the homeless encampment on Wednesday afternoon.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
With the scheduled shutdown of Camp Take Notice only two days away, some residents of the homeless encampment are in line to move into subsidized housing in the very near future.
Residents of the camp -- located in a state highway median off of Wagner Road west of Ann Arbor -- were initially skeptical when the Michigan State Housing Development Authority on May 29 announced a program that provides them with one year’s rent. The program was announced in conjunction with a notice from the Michigan Department of Transportation that the camp would be shut down and residents arrested for trespassing if they are not gone by June 22 — this Friday.
People preparing to move into homes free of charge are now singing a different tune.
“I have no complaints,” said David Williams, who has resided at the camp for a year.
Workers erect metal poles for a fence along Wagner Road between the street and what is currently Camp Take Notice on Wednesday.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
In addition to temporarily increasing its capacity by 50 beds to accommodate camp residents caught between eviction and move-in dates, the Delonis Center is providing caseworkers for the individuals working with the subsidy program.
Williams said if there is a gap between when the camp is shut down and a move-in date, he will stay at a friend’s home for a few days.
“It’s getting there,” said Williams. “I think it’ll help me get my life together. Once I get my apartment I think I can save enough money, get a job, maybe go back to school.”
James Hill, who said he has been at the camp for 4 ½ months, said he’s been pleasantly surprised by the help he’s been provided by his caseworker.
"I know the gentleman who has been working on my case for about a year and he’s been very helpful,” said Hill, who will stay at Delonis in the interim should it be necessary. “I have felonies so it’s a little harder for me to find a place to take me, but he’s been working hard.”
“The agencies in Ann Arbor have gone out of their way to help us and be nice, so kudos to them,” said camp resident Jackie Starkey. “I anticipated a lot of paperwork, but it hasn’t been really that bad, they kept it to the bare minimum.”
Not everyone has been satisfied with the process.
“It’s been very difficult… it’s ridiculous in three weeks to find something,” said James Patterson, who has been at the camp for a year. “They should have at least given a 60-day notice. A lot of people don’t have anywhere to go.”
Patterson said he has taken advantage of the subsidy program, but doesn’t have a place to live set up yet.
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Alex Migda
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
WHERE IS IT?
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
Here's a link showing a map of the location: http://goo.gl/maps/tXUE
Sarah Mark
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
I'm surprised no one has posted a link to this video, with all these articles about the camp. http://vimeo.com/41239120 It is compelling, no matter what you thin about this situation, and thought-provoking.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
Hope they search completely before it is sealed off to make sure they dodn't fence someone in the enclosure.
J Shaker
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 3:35 a.m.
keep on rockin' in the free world bless you campers
a2badger
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.
You are right when then you say that the Ann Arbor agencies have gone WAY out of their way. Yet the "campers" now have their "deserved" handout. Delivered by AnnArbor.com, This will be my final post
martini man
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 2:47 a.m.
All I can say is Landlords Beware !!! I am not sure just who will be allowing these folks to live in these rental homes. Will they be private residences like family homes ...or apartments ??? I have an idea that once the free year's rent expires, that many will just squat and force the landlord to evict them. This is a slow legal process and in the meantime, the property owner is pretty much helpless. Many homeless people are VERY astute when it comes to the laws regarding renters and evictions, and can and will play it to the max. So once again .....Landlords Beware!!! Your desire to help the downtrodden could end up being a nightmare.
Skyjockey43
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
I keep hearing commenters referencing these campers mental illnesses. On what basis do you make these claims? How do you know if and what mental illnesses these people have? Or are you just making blanket assumptions to justify their behavior? It would be no different if I were to state that most of these people are just lazy and irresponsible and prefer to live in squalor than to get up off their butts and get one of the numerous jobs (and yes, their are numerous jobs to be had in the county with the lowest unemployment rate in the state) available here.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
People like to excuse behaviours, it makes them feel better about themselves every time they provide hand outs. Let's them sleep better at night. Like I said, mentally ill people do (sometimes) get the wrong end of the stick, but many of the CTN people are just flat out bums.
anti-thug
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
THIS IS GOOD WAY HANDLE IT GOVERNMENT! maybe Arrowwood co-op can offer the homeless a home too.
Ron
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.
I still want to know why they are not using that waiting list the state has for housing yet? There are people on there that have been waiting at least 19 months for the state to open it for them to use the vouchers they offer. Yet CTN residents get to jump to the front of the line and get housing right away. The people on the waiting list had to go through alot to get on that list and now it seems that the state has forgotten about the list.
moveover2012
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
WOW one year free rent..by MSDHA ..while my rent goes up every year by $ 20.00 a months..I better call my State rep. Now .. We have emty housing from the military that have been closed for years , ship them up north .alpena
cibachrome
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
Lets have some pictures of this gulag when the residents have left. Also tell who gets the tab for cleaning up all the refuse, plastic, cardboard, clothing, poop, bottles and cans left behind. Never mind, I think I already know. Its the same way everywhere a social experiment fails.
jns131
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
I already have that visual in my head. Same thing as when the UM students leave in April. What a mess.
ranger007
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
Who's paying for the fence?
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
I don't think it is the county road commision putting up the fence but the state highway department. Either way it is a waste of tax payers money.
ranger007
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
My point is the county is footing the bill to keep them out and yet some roads need repairing ...dish out some tickets to them..if they can afford smokes they can pay a ticket
Pizza Man
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Who do you think is paying for the fence, the homeless people?
a2xarob
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
I'm puzzled. What does the new fence have to do with Camp Take Notice? Is it being erected to keep them from re-entering the camp? Or was it a long-planned project that happens to coincide? Does anyone know?
Ross
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
Read the other article (linked at the top). It is being put up JUST to prevent any re-entry into this area. Shameful waste of our tax dollars, if you ask me. And completely unnecessary.
CPLtownie
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
How many CTN people will take the subsidies, and in 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years still won't have a job, roof over their heads, or will be self sustaining? Yes, the *liberation* of the 70's of the mentally ill from the asylums was a bad decision for the people that are truly incapable of caring for themselves, but it is what it is. Hobo's have been around for a lot longer than asylums, and not all hobos are mentally ill. Many of these people choose to stay off the grid, choose to not assimilate into society...this lifestyle is 'easier' for them (and only seems harder for those of us with our noses to the grindstone.) Let them find their way out of the woods. Stop assuming that they *don't* want to live this way.
Jayzoh
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
The best way to help the homeless is to help them get to the point where they can help themselves and not be a burden on society. Providing bowls of soup and a roof to sleep under, by itself, is not a worthy end goal or solution. In fact, it's part of the problem as it enables continuation of dependency, passivity, illness and dysfunction. Earning a living, even partially, is the most direct path back to function and social health. Getting these folks to work and provide for themselves should be a required part of a shelter package, that needs to be set up and monitored.
Madhatter
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
According to the annarborshelter.org website, "Each Residential Client receives a specialized plan and a case manager to help them find sustainable employment and affordable housing, as well as medical and benefit assistance." Link: http://annarborshelter.org/Programs
Madhatter
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
*Recommendation* - I would like to ask annarbor.com to randomly pick campers from this group and do a follow up story on them in a year to see how their lives have changed, and what they have accomplished. It should be interesting reading. I'd like to learn what the churches will do to assist, how state aid helps, and if they are able to secure employment. Just what will the story be? I hope annarbor.com accepts this challenge.
martini man
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.
AnnArbor.com might pick some people, but I doubt very much if it would be "random".
Carole
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
I agree. Help is wonderful when needed, but it is still up to all of us to take care of ourselves.
Michigan Man
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Hatter - Really good idea - may be too complicated for annarbor.com.
zip the cat
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
It just blows me away that everyone thinks its the states problem to find and provide housing for the homeless. Ever heard of maybe,just maybe fending for yourselves. Get off there dead rears and get a job,look in the paper there are tons of jobs for unskilled workers Look at craigslist there are a gazillion jobs. But hey when they can get 2 hot meals up town and a place to crash for the night on huron street why work. Fat chance the state will pick up the tab with snyder running the show. Ever think that a good portion of the homeless are that way ,homeless because they want to be. I don't see all the supporters of the homeless opening up there homes and wallets to help them out
jns131
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Could not agree more. Everyone pitched in in the 1930's. Everyone did what they could to keep the household running. Most just ran and took up CTN. Sorry but I agree with this post to a point. You are homeless because you did not seek out help where there is help. Maybe this time you will take the help where is help is being handed out. Good luck moving on out.
BobbyJohn
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
This is a serious issue in our community, and always has been. Part of the problem is that housing costs are so high, so it is easier to be homeless than it used to be. I do believe that $750 for a 1 bedroom apartment is too high. My son rents a room in Ann Arbor for $350/month just off Packard. The state is not doing a very good job if they can't at least get close to that. One doesn't need the state to pay for an entire apartment for just 1 person. We need to help those in need, but we need to do it judiciously and realize that we have limited funds. With a little care, we could house twice as many people for the same cost.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
Low income housing turns into seedy environments due to the number of people that just don't care - they use and ruin it - a shame for those who truly need this arrangement to get back on their feet. Providing a cheap place to rent is an open invitation for said location to become a graffiti ridden slum. The exception is for low income housing earmarked for the elderly - why?- because the elderly appreciate what has been extended to them, and they take care of it.
jns131
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Might want to rethink what was said here. First off a room cost that much. Fro the entire enchilada? $750. Try rethinking what it would cost in NYC. $1000 or more for just a small apartment. Gets worse. Yes, there are cheap places to stay, but they need to want to stay at these places and the owners need to want them to stay at their places. Most don't because most are afraid of them running out on them leaving them holding a broken lease and no tenant. Why do you think there is first and last month deposit?
jcj
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
"This is a serious issue in our community" How many of the homeless in Ann Arbor do you think were Ann Arbor residents BEFORE they became homeless? We have this problem because OTHER communities don't take care of their homeless. Then they migrate here!
xmo
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
BobbyJohn: 1)Ypsilanti is for people who think that housing costs are so high in Ann Arbor. 2) So why does Ann Arbor have the Homeless camp instead of Ypsilanti? They would be robbed and murdered in Ypsilanti! In Ann Arbor they get articles like this!
Here
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
An unsightly fence is the ever lasting gift of the CTN experiment...
Madhatter
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Good fences make good neighbors.
Madhatter
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
I wish these "campers" the best of luck on their journey to the Delonis Center. Help is available, and you are responsible for getting it. Please use this opportunity to get your lives together and become productive members of society again. Perhaps the churches that were supporting you can offer a Sunday service at the Delonis Center or maybe offer transportation so you can keep worshipping with them. I'm sure there are members that have an extra seat and can swing by to give you a lift.
Ann English
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
I'm guessing that the second photo answers my question of why just one lane of Wagner has been open this week. Not resurfacing the road, but putting in a fence. It was only last week that I really noticed all the trees below the Wagner Road bridge, between I-94 and the ramps onto and off of I-94, from and to M-14. So THAT's the median where Camp Take Notice has been.
bruceae
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
"They should have at least given a 60-day notice. A lot of people don't have anywhere to go." And what else do you have to do other than look for a place? Man, I really feel bad for these people. Free home for a year and they only had 3 weeks to find a place. Maybe try it out there in the real world where you get a job and pay for it yourself?
anti-thug
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.
'these people" maybe you one way! you could a mistake or something happen to you and change your life, then you might be homeless.
clownfish
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Living in a tent next to a highway is the real world. Living with mental and physical illness is their real world.
Madhatter
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
The following link to Social Security explains eligability for people with mental illness: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm The following link contains information for Mental Health services in Washtenaw County: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/community_mental_health/mh_csts_wcho.html Mental Health support can be obtained by calling: Call (734) 544-3050 or 1 (800) 440-7548 (24 hours) The following link contains information on how to obtain Health Insurance through the State of Michigan DHS: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_4860-35199--,00.html The following link provides information regarding mental health services for veterans: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ or simply call: 1-800-827-1000.
Jayzoh
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
A lot of the homeless suffer from mental illnesses and they are not capable of holding a job. Another question is what should be the role of community, to help and encourage such people to receive real counseling with their mental problems. That takes well funded programs, caring people, and lots of time. A society is judged for the compassion it shows. These people need temporary housing, but that is not enough. They need real help.
xmo
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
I guess people are getting bored with this story. So it is time for the social services network to move and solve this problem. It's too bad that these people had to be pawn's in this political game!
jcj
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
Pawn's? Seems to me they have held the county and state hostage.
Michigan Man
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
xmo - Ann Arbor political leadership had no solution for this matter over the years. Finally took a republican governor and legislature to step in and make progress.
SemperFi
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
I hope that these folks take advantage of this opportunity and put an end to their own homelessness. Good luck & God bless