Tent City?

[sumas]

"Detroit officials have received no complaints about the tent city and have no plans to move them from the park, said Sgt. Michael Woody, a police department spokesman...."

It won't take long now, them Fireweed squatters out there on Goldengate and Woodward found that out after a write up in the paper.


http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...roit/20737307/

What is a Fireweed squatter?

[Dan Wesson]

They were are a bunch, now fewer homeless people that started a commune of sorts in abandoned houses.
A one time there was a number of websites up with pics and social commentary, this also has diminished after they had called to much attention to themselves. First came the 5 oh then came the bad guys.

Fireweed University...

Got to know them through couch surfing.

https://www.couchsurfing.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CouchSurfing

[Király]

I went to GoldenGate in July and met up with the Fireweed people. They are mostly friendly folks who welcome visitors. I met one resident who had been squatting in an abandoned house. He now owns it, having picked it up for $500 at the county tax auction. He pays his taxes on time and has a job.

Photographer Dave Jordano has made several visits and has a number of photos of its residents on his website.

[Dan Wesson]

I went to GoldenGate in July and met up with the Fireweed people. They are mostly friendly folks who welcome visitors. I met one resident who had been squatting in an abandoned house. He now owns it, having picked it up for $500 at the county tax auction. He pays his taxes on time and has a job.

Photographer Dave Jordano has made several visits and has a number of photos of its residents on his website.

Yep, "They are mostly friendly folks who welcome visitors".

They done got more professional here is their site and all the pics are here

Just keep going back through Older Posts tabs.

[Bham1982]

I get that it's illegal, but I have no problem with it. Homeless outreach should see everyone is ok, particularly in the colder months, but we have bigger fish to fry.

[DetBill]

I get that it's illegal, but I have no problem with it. Homeless outreach should see everyone is ok, particularly in the colder months, but we have bigger fish to fry.

ok I will make a deal with you, I will step outside of my co op and hop over the human waste and garbage , get them in my car and move them next to your house,, Deal?
I have no problem with that either

[Honky Tonk]

ok I will make a deal with you, I will step outside of my co op and hop over the human waste and garbage , get them in my car and move them next to your house,, Deal?
I have no problem with that either

I drove by the encampment twice today and it looks disgusting. Papers, trash, and litter are strewn about everywhere. About a dozen able bodied young men were sitting around on chairs shooting the shit. I guess today wasn't a good day to look for employment either. The women folk are parked on all strategic corners @ I-375 & Lafayette looking forlorn and trying for handouts. Can't help but wonder what happened to the usual locals that used to be on these corners?

[sumas]

Actually you might be surprised to know, DetBill my husband and I have actually discussed that.

You fail to understand that the protest needs to be visual to a point. THEY NEED HELP.

Sanitation is terrible and I stick to my comment, pitch in with neighbors and get a port a potty. Most likely I might visit tomorrow. If I find out they can have a port a Potty, pretty sure I can russle up a donation. They can't dig a fire pit or would have delivered wood. Don't really know who they are dealing with. I most likely will find out tomorrow. Taking a large garbage can and liners.

lET ME PISS YOU OFF MORE. I could easily accomodate them. I have a very large back yard that could accomodate their tents. Rebuilt our garage this summer which we saved 5 years to do.the garage is also large, it has a 1905 vented, functional pot belly stove. A gas grill, a kettle grill, extra microwaves, toaster ovens, refrigerators, coffee pots , enough extra pots , pans, dishes and silverware for three times their number. Enough excess furniture to stock at least 3 small apartments. 4 empty bedrooms, a basement apartment and third floor suited loft. The basement apartment has a toilet ,sink and shower, steps and door to the backyard. The garage has a water feed, electric and gas feed too.

Only one problem, we live on a small disability check, those rooms are closed down, extra appliances turned off and live very frugal.Get them a portapotty or pay us 1k a month to house and hide them behind my stockade fence. Quit bitching and look to help for better accomodations/jobs/assistance for the ones that can't help themselves at all, via social help
organizations

I am working on getting them appropriate help but frankly they aren't in my backyard they are shitting in yours. Get proactive.

[RaumVogel]

Actually you might be surprised to know, DetBill my husband and I have actually discussed that.

You fail to understand that the protest needs to be visual to a point. THEY NEED HELP.

Sanitation is terrible and I stick to my comment, pitch in with neighbors and get a port a potty. Most likely I might visit tomorrow. If I find out they can have a port a Potty, pretty sure I can russle up a donation. They can't dig a fire pit or would have delivered wood. Don't really know who they are dealing with. I most likely will find out tomorrow. Taking a large garbage can and liners.

lET ME PISS YOU OFF MORE. I could easily accomadate them. I have a very large back yard that could accomadate their tents. Rebuilt our garage this summer which we saved 5 years to do.the garage is also large, it has a 1905 vented, functional pot belly stove. A gas grill, a kettle grill, extra microwaves, toaster ovens, refrigerators, coffee pots , enough extra pots , pans, dishes and silverware for three times their number. Enough excess furniture to stock at least 3 small apartments. 4 empty bedrooms, a basement apartment and third floor suited loft. The basement apartment has a toilet ,sink and shower, steps and door to the backyard. The garage has a water feed, electric and gas feed too.

Only one problem, we live on a small diasability check, those rooms are closed down, extra appliances turned off and live very frugal.Get them a portapotty or pay us 1k a month to house and hide them behind my stockade fence. Quite bitching and look to help for better accomodations/jobs/assistanse for the ones that can't help themselves at all via social help
organizations

I am working on getting them appropriate help but frankly they aren't in my backyard. Get proactive.

It sounds to me like you may be in a position to get government assistance to provide help. It could be a win/win.

[sumas]

It sounds to me like you may be in a position to get government assistance to provide help. It could be a win/win.

Of course we have considered what you suggest, government rules are bizarre and keep changing with no notice. Don't like sounding selfish but we do need to consider what we do and impact on us. How can we help people if we get screwed helping'

Can't help but ask, were you heavily involved with Creekside at some point. Your name is just so familiar. Its been a bit since we were heavily involved with the org. So many people I deeply respected have now passed, Suzanne died, Patty died. Anne moved from her drop dead fabulous home after a bullet came through her wall and lodged in her pillow while she was in bed. John has just given up. Sharron tried to forge on but hard to carry the burden alone. The city CDC members are fools. Still know plenty of people there but all got frustrated with politics so they just forge on privately. So much of the leadership is gone and the strong ones left get no support. The temple is floundering and sold off lots of residencial property which undermined some of the stability. Brown ruined the island and Morgan estates failed enterprise destroyed the Fisher woodlot. Don't get me started on that bastard. He makes Brown look good. If you aren't who I think you are this is all gibbersh so just ignore, in that case.

[Vic01]

...You fail to understand that the protest needs to be visual to a point. THEY NEED HELP.

Sanitation is terrible and I stick to my comment, pitch in with neighbors and get a port a potty. Most likely I might visit tomorrow. If I find out they can have a port a Potty, pretty sure I can russle up a donation.

...Get them a portapotty or pay us 1k a month to house and hide them behind my stockade fence. Quit bitching and look to help for better accomodations/jobs/assistance for the ones that can't help themselves at all, via social help
organizations

I am working on getting them appropriate help but frankly they aren't in my backyard they are shitting in yours. Get proactive.

1. It's not a "protest", it's some illegal squatters in a city lot sleeping in tents.
2. I stick to my comment back at post #50 "I'm confused... It's illegal for the tenters to be living next to legal residents, yet a poster suggests the legal residents should "Take a collection, rent a porta potty" for them to enable them to stay there in a more sanitary condition"?
Also, I'm fairly certain that it would be illegal to place a portapotty on city property without a permit. Oh, I forgot we're not worried about being legal are we? Would a reputable company even come out and set one up...?
3. If you want to "help" maybe you could drive the tenters over to the doorstep of the social help organizations so that they could be "visual" and protest there.
4. I will agree that DetBill should "quit bitching" here on the forum... and get his condo neighbors together and go bitch at the health department, the city council, the cops, and every other city agency that is allowing the tenters to stay on city property. Maybe their legal "protest" would get some action?
5. I'm also fairly certain that it's against some ordinance, law, or whatever, to live in a tent all year even "hiding behind a stockade fence"... you might get away with it though. What message will it send to ignore the housing ordinances, laws, etc? What the hell, might as well set 'em up with an illegal electric hook up too, right?

[DetBill]

Already have done that Vic, over a week ago , thep police indicated they were looking into alternatives, talked to two of the habitants, no luck there for sure. Sorry if you think Im bitching but Im not content living next to this mess. We work hard in this area to keep it looking good and to see it turning into a cesspool in a illegal occupation is not good. Best not to accuse someone till you ask them if they have done anything first

[DetBill]

Sumas, I applaud you for your efforts, not trying to bitch on here ,
we have been pro active, already talked to the city, police and health, they indicated they are looking into it. We found it interesting the oaper indicated no one had issues with it when we had talked to the police about it earlier that week. A couple of us went to talk to a couple of people. They told us they had no interest in refuge alternatives and basically were just going to stay.
thats about as pro active as we can be. Its time for the authorities to straighten this up. We have no interest in this area living next to a growing field of human waste.

[401don]

I sympathize with homeless people with mental illness, disabilities, heck, even a criminal record. But I don't think able bodied individuals need to be homeless. Just google "dishwasher wanted Detroit" and you'll get a couple of hundred results. Most jobs pay at least 8 or 9 dollars an hour. Can you not rent a room on 350 a week?

[G-DDT]

For the typical trolls who like to spout their "Bumhate", I offer you a challenge to put your money as far way from your mouth: it's called the "Life Stinks" challenge. It starts really easy, and it only takes a month. You freeze all accounts, take a month vacation from work, terminate phone service, end all contact with friends/family/loved ones, and head out penniless into the streets with nothing but a bag on your shoulder and a change of socks [[aw! you're all jaded lightweights, so, might as well make it a full change of clothes). You cannot be aided by a cellphone [[you have to earn that!), credit card, car, computer, etc. and you can't so much as even have a friend buy you a cup of coffee or use any other connections [[hint: since you are Noobies, I recommend doing that which I wasn't fortunate to start out with and make your way to the nearest collegetown-hope you don't get jumped by a bunch of U of M jocks at night).
You have to survive by your wits [[this should be interesting), your will [[and knowing when to bend, adapt, and abide-getting tougher here), and your integrity of character [[which we can only assume you have all been so splendiferously good at developing so well up to now with your control of thought, word, and deeds). You will find out what it means to wait in long lines for...everything. You can get foodstamps, to eat at a community kitchen [[there are a few-spread out in long distances around town), to stay at a shelter with all of the snoring, coughing, farting, fighting, guys getting up at four-jostling your bunk-so they can head out to the temp places [[some of you may learn something from the religious services-if not, at least, which way one doesn't want to steer their Christian faith), you get to find out how conniving and harried social workers are, and dishwashing? [[still got to shower, eat, sleep, and survive until that first check comes in-and God forbid you're "under the table"-because you may be exploited big time by those who know they can get away with it. It's happened to me far too many times than I can count.). Heck! even just finding a place to go to the bathroom will be an adventure.
You will see a side of humanity you've never seen before. I'm not just talking about the poor you will be with-you will truly see how the police, the business owners, and everyday persons [[you may recognize a few) who will treat you like a ghost or a subspecies mutant when all you sincerely want is directions or the time. You may ask yourself if you were ever like that.
Wait until you get falsely accused for something. Then you will find it isn't just the food, the clothes, the roof, the washings, and material essentials you took for granted. It will be the dignity, the credibility, the privacy, the freedom [[oh yes.), the security, and your ever dwindling nerves that are robbed from you.
So whose brave like Mel Brooks to try it, or were you all just chickensh*t B.S.-ers with a lot of digital courage but now oysters to back it up. Give it a try. Anyone who has read my posts-knows I have-just like Woody Guthrie. Let's see how YOU survive, much less witness how much it changes you [[maybe for the wiser). You will learn that a society can truly be judged by how it treats it's "lowest common denominator". I wish you God's blessings.

[Hermod]

to stay at a shelter with all of the snoring, coughing, farting, fighting, guys getting up at four-jostling your bunk-so they can head out to the temp places

Sounds like an army barracks.

[G-DDT]

Sounds like an army barracks.

Close. And a lot of those guys are Vets who got shafted one way or another on many much promised benefits. Sounds not right, or that they must've done something amiss, but I assure you, I met a lot of them, and they did not all seem weak of character.

[Lowell]

Worth requoting again. You might want to add "having a non-stop cacophony of frightening voices chattering in your head" to your Life Stinks challenge now that the heartless streets are the new mental wards of our great republic.

For the typical trolls who like to spout their "Bumhate", I offer you a challenge to put your money as far way from your mouth: it's called the "Life Stinks" challenge. It starts really easy, and it only takes a month. You freeze all accounts, take a month vacation from work, terminate phone service, end all contact with friends/family/loved ones, and head out penniless into the streets with nothing but a bag on your shoulder and a change of socks [[aw! you're all jaded lightweights, so, might as well make it a full change of clothes). You cannot be aided by a cellphone [[you have to earn that!), credit card, car, computer, etc. and you can't so much as even have a friend buy you a cup of coffee or use any other connections [[hint: since you are Noobies, I recommend doing that which I wasn't fortunate to start out with and make your way to the nearest collegetown-hope you don't get jumped by a bunch of U of M jocks at night).
You have to survive by your wits [[this should be interesting), your will [[and knowing when to bend, adapt, and abide-getting tougher here), and your integrity of character [[which we can only assume you have all been so splendiferously good at developing so well up to now with your control of thought, word, and deeds). You will find out what it means to wait in long lines for...everything. You can get foodstamps, to eat at a community kitchen [[there are a few-spread out in long distances around town), to stay at a shelter with all of the snoring, coughing, farting, fighting, guys getting up at four-jostling your bunk-so they can head out to the temp places [[some of you may learn something from the religious services-if not, at least, which way one doesn't want to steer their Christian faith), you get to find out how conniving and harried social workers are, and dishwashing? [[still got to shower, eat, sleep, and survive until that first check comes in-and God forbid you're "under the table"-because you may be exploited big time by those who know they can get away with it. It's happened to me far too many times than I can count.). Heck! even just finding a place to go to the bathroom will be an adventure.
You will see a side of humanity you've never seen before. I'm not just talking about the poor you will be with-you will truly see how the police, the business owners, and everyday persons [[you may recognize a few) who will treat you like a ghost or a subspecies mutant when all you sincerely want is directions or the time. You may ask yourself if you were ever like that.
Wait until you get falsely accused for something. Then you will find it isn't just the food, the clothes, the roof, the washings, and material essentials you took for granted. It will be the dignity, the credibility, the privacy, the freedom [[oh yes.), the security, and your ever dwindling nerves that are robbed from you.
So whose brave like Mel Brooks to try it, or were you all just chickensh*t B.S.-ers with a lot of digital courage but now oysters to back it up. Give it a try. Anyone who has read my posts-knows I have-just like Woody Guthrie. Let's see how YOU survive, much less witness how much it changes you [[maybe for the wiser). You will learn that a society can truly be judged by how it treats it's "lowest common denominator". I wish you God's blessings.

[313WX]

For the typical trolls who like to spout their "Bumhate", I offer you a challenge to put your money as far way from your mouth: it's called the "Life Stinks" challenge. It starts really easy, and it only takes a month. You freeze all accounts, take a month vacation from work, terminate phone service, end all contact with friends/family/loved ones, and head out penniless into the streets with nothing but a bag on your shoulder and a change of socks [[aw! you're all jaded lightweights, so, might as well make it a full change of clothes). You cannot be aided by a cellphone [[you have to earn that!), credit card, car, computer, etc. and you can't so much as even have a friend buy you a cup of coffee or use any other connections [[hint: since you are Noobies, I recommend doing that which I wasn't fortunate to start out with and make your way to the nearest collegetown-hope you don't get jumped by a bunch of U of M jocks at night).
You have to survive by your wits [[this should be interesting), your will [[and knowing when to bend, adapt, and abide-getting tougher here), and your integrity of character [[which we can only assume you have all been so splendiferously good at developing so well up to now with your control of thought, word, and deeds). You will find out what it means to wait in long lines for...everything. You can get foodstamps, to eat at a community kitchen [[there are a few-spread out in long distances around town), to stay at a shelter with all of the snoring, coughing, farting, fighting, guys getting up at four-jostling your bunk-so they can head out to the temp places [[some of you may learn something from the religious services-if not, at least, which way one doesn't want to steer their Christian faith), you get to find out how conniving and harried social workers are, and dishwashing? [[still got to shower, eat, sleep, and survive until that first check comes in-and God forbid you're "under the table"-because you may be exploited big time by those who know they can get away with it. It's happened to me far too many times than I can count.). Heck! even just finding a place to go to the bathroom will be an adventure.
You will see a side of humanity you've never seen before. I'm not just talking about the poor you will be with-you will truly see how the police, the business owners, and everyday persons [[you may recognize a few) who will treat you like a ghost or a subspecies mutant when all you sincerely want is directions or the time. You may ask yourself if you were ever like that.
Wait until you get falsely accused for something. Then you will find it isn't just the food, the clothes, the roof, the washings, and material essentials you took for granted. It will be the dignity, the credibility, the privacy, the freedom [[oh yes.), the security, and your ever dwindling nerves that are robbed from you.
So whose brave like Mel Brooks to try it, or were you all just chickensh*t B.S.-ers with a lot of digital courage but now oysters to back it up. Give it a try. Anyone who has read my posts-knows I have-just like Woody Guthrie. Let's see how YOU survive, much less witness how much it changes you [[maybe for the wiser). You will learn that a society can truly be judged by how it treats it's "lowest common denominator". I wish you God's blessings.

^^^I nominate this for the best post ever on DYes.

[aj3647]

end all contact with friends/family/loved ones,

What the hell does losing your job and falling on hard times have to do with "cutting off all contact with your family?" If it's no fault of your own, then your family and friends would be there to support you.

[G-DDT]

By the way, I am not the least abashed at that last large clunker I left you all. As far as tent cities and Occupies go: I got to see how they did it in Providence, R.I. They were not "aimless" and "unfocused". Seeing as Rhode Island treats their homeless like complete discarded filth, it was great to see citizens from all walks band together and make a strong demand that the wealthy city open a day-shelter, and they eventually got their demand-done with peace, persistence, and a lot of heart-now that is what democracy is all about. All the people having a say.

[motz]

I sympathize with homeless people with mental illness, disabilities, heck, even a criminal record. But I don't think able bodied individuals need to be homeless. Just google "dishwasher wanted Detroit" and you'll get a couple of hundred results. Most jobs pay at least 8 or 9 dollars an hour. Can you not rent a room on 350 a week?

Would you hire someone who is without shelter and what we take for granted, such as a shower and basic toiletries? Because yeah, I don't think anyone would. So if that person doesn't get that minimum wage job, which also does not provide them enough income to get by on, how do they pull themselves out of that cycle? The argument of "Just get a job!!" or "Work harder!!" doesn't solve the issue that people without jobs often don't have the means to get, let alone keep, that job. Stop shaming the poor and homeless and start asking what you can do to make their lives better.

[Honky Tonk]

Would you hire someone who is without shelter and what we take for granted, such as a shower and basic toiletries? Because yeah, I don't think anyone would. So if that person doesn't get that minimum wage job, which also does not provide them enough income to get by on, how do they pull themselves out of that cycle? The argument of "Just get a job!!" or "Work harder!!" doesn't solve the issue that people without jobs often don't have the means to get, let alone keep, that job. Stop shaming the poor and homeless and start asking what you can do to make their lives better.

Maybe for a 6 figure corporate position, I would say not. But construction sites, restaurants, and other businesses do pick up day laborers for meager positions @ minimum wage, which someone has already oh this forum has pointed out. Finding that job isn't easy but it's an "IN" and a start. Lately, there's been an influx in Detroit of young, able bodied, men and women, sitting on corners and asking for hand-outs. To me, they don't appear to be locals. One woman I know for sure I've seen in various locations around Metro-Detroit, as far as 8 miles out. Stop shaming the employed who are constantly being hit on to give more, and let them live out their lives in peace, and enjoy what they've earned.

[motz]

Maybe for a 6 figure corporate position, I would say not. But construction sites, restaurants, and other businesses do pick up day laborers for meager positions @ minimum wage, which someone has already oh this forum has pointed out. Finding that job isn't easy but it's an "IN" and a start. Lately, there's been an influx in Detroit of young, able bodied, men and women, sitting on corners and asking for hand-outs. To me, they don't appear to be locals. One woman I know for sure I've seen in various locations around Metro-Detroit, as far as 8 miles out. Stop shaming the employed who are constantly being hit on to give more, and let them live out their lives in peace, and enjoy what they've earned.

That's not consistent work. You need consistent work in order to build a solid nest egg, if you will. "Day laboring" is a start, sure, but it's not consistent work and your employment could stop at the end of the day. Plus, you aren't covered by federal and state employment laws, so it's very easy to get screwed.

And the last part about being asked to give more... I was going to type up some lengthy response about how damn selfish that sounds, but it'd fall on deaf ears. Enjoy your extra shinies you get to get buried with I guess?

[Honky Tonk]

That's not consistent work. You need consistent work in order to build a solid nest egg, if you will. "Day laboring" is a start, sure, but it's not consistent work and your employment could stop at the end of the day. Plus, you aren't covered by federal and state employment laws, so it's very easy to get screwed.

And the last part about being asked to give more... I was going to type up some lengthy response about how damn selfish that sounds, but it'd fall on deaf ears. Enjoy your extra shinies you get to get buried with I guess?

Thanx for your wonderful insight into the day-labor market, but I've been there and done that. As far as donating, feel free to give as much as you want, no one's stopping you. If I do decide to be buried with this mass wealth I've accumulated, I'll rest easy knowing I earned what I have, and didn't sit on my can wining how bad off I am and how life is unfair. "Gimme, gimme, gimme", those honky tonk blues.