this was something I typed up and posted in the Olympian comments to answer some of the questions that were being asked about Camp Quixote and the PPU. I thought I'd share it here as well.

 
Hello all,

I would like to answer some of the questions that have been raised in these comments.

First, the goal of the PPU is not to end or perpetuate homelessness, we feel that the system perpetuates it and we can at least strive for equality, dignity, and respect. We would certainly end it tommorrow if we could, but that's not very likely, even in ten years.

I have been put in a leadership position by the local media and citizenry. This is not accurate, I was elected by the union to be a spokesperson and indeed that may appear to be a leadership position, but, the PPU is a democratic body that comes to most of it's decisions by consensus.

As far as the rules go, the question was asked, how do we know they aren't being broken. Camp Quixote is a group of dedicated people, most of which were involved in the months of planning that took place before the action. Everyone is dedicated to seeing this through and invested in making sure there are no problems at the camp.

Read more...

Local shelters fill about a quarter of the need, if that. Most people would be happy to follow their rules, if only the Salvation Army treated them like human beings. As it stands they are treated like lower forms of life. These are people who simply want to be treated with respect.

Background checks are done on everyone who comes to the camp. We have access to the Washington State Patrol - Washington Access to Criminal History program and use that to screen prospective campers.

Before any camper moves into a tent they spend a week in the common area. Not everyone is cut out for life in a community like ours and we want to make sure folks will do alright. This will also give us a chance to screen out folks who are so deep into their addictions that our rules would mean nothing to them.

If the church congregation asks us to leave, we will leave. We certainly hope that time will be given for us to find an alternate site or permanent location.

Someone here commented that we shouldn't try to camp altogether but get our supporters to offer their yards up to one person each. One of the big reasons Camp Quixote came about was because people were scattered about and had no sense of community. Our camp has provided that and more. People feel safe and secure, and that is therapeutic.

Our goal is not to remain a "tent" city, our plan is to buy or have donated a piece of land that we can build structures on. We want organic gardens and green structures and all of it to be run on alternative energy. We really want to create a model community.

Anyone interested in helping with designs of 20'x20' loft structures that are green-built, please contact us.

I'd like to thank everyone who weighed in on this topic, I hope I've answered your questions.