We Have New Neighbors - A Photo Tour Through Tent City

If you haven't already heard, Tent City moved in into the neighborhood. Saturday October 24th Tent City moved to St. George's Episcopal Church parking lot at 22nd and 125th. This the 3rd time they've been at this location and they'll be here through January 2010.

When I stopped by Tent City, Shady (pictured in slide show) generously gave me a tour. Shady has lived in Tent City for about a year. He is a Veteran currently waiting on Veteran housing. He explained that most people living there had made a poor choice or and been dealt a bad hand. He said, "We're homeless, we're not bad people".

Currently Tent City houses about 100 people, mostly men, ages 18-70. Weekly mandatory meetings are an essential part or their organizational process. The five elected ECs, Executive Committee, run the meetings and take responsibility for organizing the day to day needs of the community. Most tents house individuals but the Mash is the male group tent that houses up to 24 men at a time. He couldn't show me the inside of The Mash because women are not allowed inside of men's tents. Other community tents include the TV/library tent and the kitchen. The kitchen houses community food, a microwave, and coffee pot.

Right now they really need blankets. Other things on their wish list include tents, tarps, batteries, sleeping bags, coffee, paper products, canned protein, clothes, pain relievers, and antibacterial cleaning supplies. Welcome them to the neighborhood by donating. Interested in helping them out with a meal? Contact Liz Fenn of Greater Seattle Cares at 425-698-5581 or lfenn60@comcast.net.

Donations are payable to SHARE-Tent City 3 PO BOX 2548 Seattle, WA 98111-2548