Tent City's Demise

For the last few days, around Columbia and 4th in downtown Olympia, a group of individuals who took a stand and wanted to be heard, did something that some people might laugh at and some might not even pay attention at all.

They created what has been called "Tent City" or otherwise known as Camp Quixote. About 20 homeless people pitched tent in the popular downtown area and didn't leave... until they were forced to. Even then, there are still some brave souls who aren't budging until they are heard... and understood.

On February 8th, 2007, I made a visit to Tent City and it's residents, many who were either packing up what little they owned or were already gone.

Around the campgrounds were fliers from the city of Olympia, telling them to leave. On the back is a list of numbers they can call in order to get shelter and other types of help.

The question is...

If they are homeless, how are they supposed to make a phone call?

Also, how are they supposed to get to a shelter if it isn't within walking distance?

As I saw, there were many other problems with organizations listed. A few of the residents came up with a list of problems they have had with these organizations in the past. Here's a few of them:

• Women only
• Religious requirements
• No privacy
• Not allowed to stay with loved ones
• Limited space
• No pets
• Early curfew, which can cause problems with an individual's employment

One individual even shared a story with me about a time not too long ago when he needed stitches and went to St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia. He stated that because he was homeless, they refused to treat him unless he believed in God.

As Americans, aren't we suppose to have the right to the freedom of religion?

Around the campsite were cops. There were a few biker cops on one corner, a few more cops in an alleyway, and there were various locations downtown where the finest of Olympia could be seen. It seemed quite weird to have all this police presence... and it kinda creeped me out as well.

As of that night, there were still people at Tent City. In fact, it seemed to me like there were more people.

I somewhat look forward to seeing what happens with this situation, but in another way, I am not because I know the reaction will most likely not be a positive one.

(For more photos from Tent City, click here.)