4.15.10

I was finally able to make it to Tent City for the AA meeting. As we gathered in the room and before we actually began the meeting we were discussing whether or not to start the Inner City meeting as a formal meeting. We looked up the zip code and found out there is no meeting held within the Inner City zip code. So it was decided to set it up and begin getting the word out about the meeting.

There are now over 100 people staying in Tent City. Lots of reasons why but most have to do with the ending of Room in the Inn and that Metro PD are making a concerted effort to close down all other encampments in the central precinct and are encouraging people to move to Tent City – quite the change from just a few months ago when the police were advocating a cap on the number of residents. Ultimately the new model for Tent City is going to be a structured environment where people wanting to get back on their feet are welcome. Those just wanting a place to stay so they can get drunk or high are not going to be able to stay at Tent City. But with the increased number of people comes the “problems” that must be addressed. First is the need for tents, sleeping bags and air mattresses.

But with a limited budget it’s important that we use volunteers and resources not commonly thought of as ties to the need. So starting today I’m asking everyone reading this blog to check with your church community and see if they would be willing to Put on a campaign to collect tents. Every size and shape would be welcome. If you are able to collect tents and need to have them picked then email me and we’ll come get them. People coming to Tent City need a place to sleep. Tents are expensive. And yet there are hundreds of tents available to donate.

Let’s get the word out and let’s make plans to collect at least 100 tents.