In 2012 we moved to Ann Arbor, MI and learned of a group of homeless individuals that had organized to support one another and work to create a legal housing situation of their own design. The group had recently been forcibly evicted from the tent community of over 65 people that they had lived in for almost two years. During that time the group had successfully proven that they could self govern and create a community that was healthy and supportive to those who would otherwise be living scattered around the city in the woods or under bridges. That group is called Camp Take Notice.
When we first joined CTN they were meeting weekly in a home of a supporter - trying to decide what to do next after the former camp had been displaced. We got excited about their cause and quickly got involved - going to the Sunday large group dinner/meeting and participating in community activities. We immersed ourselves in the community, trying to understand how we could contribute to a cause we felt was so important and that demonstrated an approach to homelessness that created agency and ownership.
Rachael joined the board and worked to increase awareness and community support through better marketing materials, a web site redesign, and the ability to take donations online. Cameron began to spend a lot of time with members of CTN in order to understand the kinds of issues that would need to be addressed in the next steps of the community. We have now been involved with CTN for over 3 years. You can learn more about our collaboration with CTN by clicking the photos above.
Vimeo film of CTN:
https://vimeo.com/47145016