This is a post I’ve been meaning to write since last February, when I first visited Tent City 4 as my participation on the National Day of Service that President Obama called for. Since then, I’ve taken donations to them several times.

I decided to return yesterday (another National Day of Service) to drop off some supplies, talk to residents, and take a tour and some pics of the new location (Holy Spirit Lutheran in Kirkland, WA).

There are so many reasons why people end up in a position of homelessness – and Tent City 4 provides a place for up to 100 residents to call “home” – single men, single women and couples. Some are only there for a few weeks or months – others have been there for a couple of years. The average stay is 6 weeks.

On a visit early summer, Will (assigned the job of accepting donations that day) gave me the tour. He lost his job of 14 years in Arizona and moved to Seattle last year looking for working in the fishing industry (which didn’t work out so well). He shared a tent with his fiance’ – which is kept spotless and graced with potted gerbera daisy. He said he needs to have that bit of natural beauty in his surroundings to feel grounded.

Will inspired me to give service/donation of flowers. So I purchased 7 small pots, some potting soil, a bunch of flowers, and set about creating floral gifts to help residents tents feel more like ‘home.’

They were quickly snatched up when I delivered them a couple of weeks later. I noticed one of them as I passed by the couples tent area yesterday and was happy to see they were still being cared for and thriving.

It appeared Will and his fiance’ were no longer residents. I hope he’s found good employment and somewhere indoors to live. Living outdoors can be brutal in the summer heat and winter cold.

My tour guide this visit is taking classes at the local college to get a better job.  He wants to be a web designer, photographer – and possibly offer tours of Seattle.  We discussed how beautiful it is here, and how much there is to see.

It turns out he was caring for three of the flower pots – he’d taken them as their owners moved on so they’d survive.  I told him that when the summer flowers die, I’ll bring pansies in to replace them for the winter. He liked that idea.

Also on this trip, I asked each resident if they’d like their picture taken. Many said no – but just as many were delighted and said yes, especially when I told them I’d bring back prints for them :). Debi asked for a extra copy so she could put it on her husband’s grave.

I’ll be returning sometime next week with pictures in hand – as well as at least one item I know they currently need (I’m on an email list to get regular updates of the needs).

I think TC4 is a really great idea and am grateful that various churches in King County are willing to play host.    Due to city ordinances, they are limited to 90 day stays before they have to pack up the entire setup and move to another property. The first time they go to a new area, there is resistance from the local residents.  But once they’ve had their 90 day stay, people recognize that TC4 is a good and responsible part of the neighborhood and they are much more welcoming for future stays.

There are strict rules of conduct – no alcohol, no drugs, no sex offenders, no fighting. One offense and you’re out. There is security at the entrance 24/7. They self govern, electing residents to serve on the executive committee. All residents are required to attend a weekly meeting, and to perform at least one task a day for the community.

Members of the hosting church usually provide a hot dinner for them each night. The rest of the meals they’re on their own with a food tent containing a fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee pot. A local dry cleaners donates the laundering of the blankets each week.  Residents are responsible for their own laundry. Food, clothing, personal care supplies, etc. are donated by community members.

More details about Tent City 4 are available in this FAQ – click here.

Tent City 4 is open to the public 24/7 – and they are happy to give tours into the early evening. Just stop by with your donation and ask to be shown around. It really is worth your time and energy to do so.  They’ll be in Kirkland through October 31st, 2009 (map here).

Here is a short list of some things they currently (and usually) need.  It doesn’t take much to make a difference:

You can also send a donation to: Kirkland Interfaith Network

Mail to:
8316 NE 143rd ST.
Kirkland, WA 98034
Make checks out to KIN and put TC4 in notation.

They’ll make sure your donation is used specifically for Tent City 4. (Kirkland Interfaith has several projects they sponsor). Right now $52 will buy someone a new tent – and tents are ALWAYS needed, as most of them aren’t designed to be lived in 365 days a year.

So what do you think about Tent City 4?   I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with community service, homelessness, outreach, etc.