What’s Going On? In-Tents Living

My title is the name Charliy, my neighbour, gave to this project of gathering tents and sleeping bags and blankets for those experiencing homelessness. Because it is “intense” living in-tents.

Last Monday, Charliy and I took the tents, sleeping bags, blankets and a couple cases of water to St Catharines. We met Irene and set up near Start Me Up. This was an advertised location at a place convenient for those who would have to walk there.

Charliy did most of the prep work, making sure everything we gave was in good shape, blankets were bagged, water was on ice, and each item had a flyer in it identifying “In-tents Living”.

We came with a truck load of stuff and it was gone fast. People were waiting for us. They formed a line and in no time we were left with nothing to do but take the names of those who still need a tent. Everyone was polite and orderly and when it came down to one last tent those near the front agreed on who received it. This is a community.

There is a lot of need in the community. It goes way beyond tents of course. This is not a solution, but a band-aid. We know that.

I had a few goals in being involved.

1. Do something. Our housing crisis is a large and complex issue. Often major issues that perplex us make us simply shake our heads and walk away. Sometimes, I think, it is better to do a small thing, even if it doesn’t solve everything.

2. Meet the players. Charliy and Irene are two people who want to make a difference in this area. The second vehicle to pass us after we parked was a police vehicle. They are players. My first conversation was with a local business owner who gave us his perspective. We talked about a meeting of the various players and having a concerted effort. That would be a great next step.

3. Meet the people. Irene and Charliy know people. They will always be more front line than I am. But I did get to meet and talk with a few people after the rush was over. It seems so important to take some time to know the real people instead of see them as just “the homeless”.

4. Raise a bit of awareness. By reading this, you are now a little bit aware. You are welcome for that. As this journey unfolds I will try to help keep you in the loop. And your interest in thinking about this together with me is very welcome, of course.

Finally, I want to pass on what I heard from Charliy and Irene and person after person, “Thank you!” Thank you for caring enough to support this initiative.

Pastor Erick Schuringa

In Tents Living - October 11, 2023