Tent cities have long been an answer for our nation’s lack of affordable housing. The ongoing recession has brought to life new tent cities that can be found in both urban and rural settings. Men, women, and children are being forced into this alternative housing because waiting lists are too long, rent is too high, and in some cases affordable housing simply isn’t available. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, “about 200,000 rental housing units are destroyed annually.”

These tent cities often serve as a safer alternative than attempting survival in isolation, although their location is an important factor in determining the level of safety. Most rural camps will be established out of the line of sight. A remote location is essential to stay hidden from local authorities. A better alternative to this rogue lifestyle can be found in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Sacramento, among others; where an encampment is recognized by the local city and the inhabitants aren’t constantly harassed and run off. A recent study conducted by the National Coalition for the Homeless highlighted some of these Pacific Coast tent cities. I would encourage all of our readers to take a look at their report.

Some of the tent cities covered in the Coalition’s report have existed for quite some time and are located in areas you would expect; however, rural camps across the US, which logistically couldn’t receive the same coverage, are multiplying. The notion of tent cities in Martinsburg, WV, was a shock to many local residents. Contrary to what some might think, diminishing the visibility of the homeless camps does not help to resolve this issue. It is essential to acknowledge that homelessness is a problem in said town before the problem can be addressed. If no one knows of the homeless existence, then undoubtedly, nothing will be done. For this reason, we must bring attention to this issue. There are homeless individuals and families living all around us. If you open your eyes to this situation, your heart will most certainly follow.

In closing, I will leave you with a quote from Neil Donovan, Executive Director for the National Coalition for the Homeless:

“Tent Cities are American’s de facto waiting room for affordable and
accessible housing. The idea of someone living in a tent (or other
encampment) in this country says little about the decisions made by
those who dwell within and so much more about our nation’s inability
to adequately respond to those in need.”

3.8.10
R. Hardy