|
|
|||||||
|
Navigation User login Who's online There are currently 4 users and 64 guests online.
Online users
Support OlyBlog OlyBlog is run by volunteers who care about Olympia. If you like what we're doing, make a donation: OlyBlog is powered by:
Who's new
 |
Submitted by Rob Richards on Sun, 07/08/2007 - 3:03pm.
The cities of Tumwater and Olympia will be considering ordinances that will sanction Camp Quixote to continue on it's rotational basis between the two jurisdictions. This is a huge step for the rights of houseless and poor people everywhere. Camp Quixote will soon become only the second officially sanctioned tent city in the nation after Portland's Dignity Village (and it took them years to do it). There is still much work to be done to ensure that the final language of the ordinances reflects the best interests of the residents of Camp Quixote, and puts their needs and comfort at the forefront. In order to do this, we have to let our local politicians know how we feel. We have to thank and congratulate them for their work so far, and yet continue to hold them accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. Those I've spoken to so far are open to discussion before the ordinance goes to vote. By appearing in person at council meetings, committee meetings, writing letters to the editors of local papers, calling in to local radio shows, or emailing and calling our elected officials, we should ask the following: 1. Every resident of Camp Quixote recieves a copy of the ordinance well before it goes to a vote so that they may make suggestions or voice concerns. 2. Those drafting the ordinance get input from residents of the camp before making any decisions, striving for consensus. Email the Olympia City Council Here..
|
OlyBlog.net OlyBlog is devoted to citizen journalism, including hyperlocal news and discussion specifically about Olympia, Washington. If you care about this community and are tired of corporate media, then this is the place for you. If you'd like to contribute, please register for an account. Here is a list of local news beats that need to be covered. You can post your news as a personal blog entry, and it will be reviewed (and possibly edited) for promotion to the front page. Once you've established a record of responsible blogging, you can become an autonomous user. You can also send news via email. All members of OlyBlog agree to abide by our comment and fair use policies. If you are frustrated about something said in a comment thread, go here. Now playing at: 
Latest Classified Ads Upcoming events
 Camp Quixote 
|
|||||
|
More Flickr photos tagged with "olympia" and "washington" OlyBlog is a site for news and discussion about Olympia, Washington. |
|||||||
I just got back from Camp Quixote.
Submitted by Rob Richards on Sun, 07/08/2007 - 9:56pm.I have a copy of the ordinance, I would scan it and post it but my scanner is elsewhere right now. After one initial quick reading I can already see that there are some t's that need to be crossed and a's that need to be circled. Hopefully we can arrange a panel of campers/supporters/politicians and hammer out one that keeps the autonomy and humanity of the campers in mind. Not that the present version is terrible, but there are concerns that I and the campers have about it. The ordinance gets very specific in the rules section, and the campers feel that it's their job, not the city's, to create and enforce rules. I agree, they have been doing it so far, and without any major incidents, so why not let them continue? There is also a rule that states: "d. All knives over 3 and one-half inches shall be turned into the Encampment Manager for safekeeping." This is way too much in my opinion, these are housebroken human adults, not feral animals or 5 year olds.
Anyhow, I'm hoping that the cities' will be responsive to our concerns, and will take some time before rushing this through. I hope folks will join us in asking Olympia and Tumwater to not pass this ordinance without inviting the campers to be a part of the process, as it is their lives that will be effected.
Rules don't reflect reason
Submitted by chad360 on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 9:00am.Hiya All-- some of that stuff seems very silly (esp the knives deal), but I also think that the rules are representing the worst fears that anyone in the community has...not the reality of the situation, the fact that the camp is doing fine.
"There is still much work to be done to ensure that the final language of the ordinances reflects the best interests of the residents of Camp Quixote, and puts their needs and comfort at the forefront."
I hope that this process ends up representing the best interests of everyone.
Camp legislation.
Submitted by Tschida on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 2:47pm.How does legalizing this ‘camp’ help the homeless become not homeless? How does it help them who need inpatient mental health treatment? How does it help with substance abuse problems and solutions? How does it help in acquiring gainful employment?
As the cities of Olympia and Tumwater bend over backwards to accommodate this ‘camp’, what are the residents of the ‘camp’ doing to no longer be residents of it?
Is there a demonstrated lack of shelter space available other wise? Is this camp supported in its goals by other shelters such as the Union Gospel Mission, as an example? Have the police demonstrated support for the camp? Have area residents, other than on this blog, shown support? Because this is going to be a government sanctioned 'camp' will ordinances like no smoking or public drinking be enforced? Will this ‘camp’ do anything to stem the number of people who feel it is ok to panhandle on street corners, as they talk on their cell phones? Will convicted level one, two or thee sex offenders be permitted to continue or take up residence in this 'camp'? Is the city willing to supply or provide for sanitary requirements for the 'camp'? Are the current or proposed locations for the 'camp' zoned for this or any number of 'campers'? Do the residents of the cities get a say in the location of the ‘camp’?
C.
Good Questions
Submitted by Rob Richards on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 4:43pm.How does legalizing this ‘camp’ help the homeless become not homeless?
It provides an added sense of security for the campers that the camp won't be shut down or that the cities won't throw up prohibitive roadblocks such as fines or fees. This stability will allow them the comfort to work on getting back on their feet.
How does it help them who need inpatient mental health treatment?
Having a permanent address will allow mental health workers to visit clients and monitor progress much closer than before. Also, the stability having a place that is safe can lesson symptoms of mental illness.
How does it help with substance abuse problems and solutions?
Camp Quixote is a clean and sober environment with a zero tolerance policy. It is a great place to go if you want to get or stay sober.
How does it help in acquiring gainful employment?
If you visit the camp during the day it is a ghost town, mostly because a large percentage of the residents are working.
As the cities of Olympia and Tumwater bend over backwards to accommodate this ‘camp’, what are the residents of the ‘camp’ doing to no longer be residents of it?
Like I said above, many are working and trying to save money. Since the start of the camp, about 20 people have moved on into stable permanent housing, this rivals the number of people housed by some of the non-profits in the area.
Is there a demonstrated lack of shelter space available other wise?
Yes, in fact that's one reason we started the camp in the first place. There are, realistically, about 1200 people living without housing in Thurston County, and not even half enough shelter beds for them.
Is this camp supported in its goals by other shelters such as the Union Gospel Mission, as an example?
I haven't heard any comments from UGM about the camp. We do have support from workers at local non-profits such as Bread and Roses and the Emergency Shelter Network.
Have the police demonstrated support for the camp?
I think the police would tell you that it's not their job to have an opinion about the camp, but they have been supportive when the camp has needed them from time to time.
Have area residents, other than on this blog, shown support?
Yes. We've recieved a tremendous amount of support from private citizens through donations and time spent volunteering at the camp. One of the best times was during the first week at the downtown site, folks from the senior center would come by and talk with us about the depression and how camps like this were common then. Folks from all over the area have provided meals and other support as well.
Because this is going to be a government sanctioned 'camp' will ordinances like no smoking or public drinking be enforced?
There is already a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol, and I doubt the cities would prohibit smoking, that's more of a camp decision.
Will this ‘camp’ do anything to stem the number of people who feel it is ok to panhandle on street corners, as they talk on their cell phones?
I've never seen that happen. The people at the camp don't have any control over what others do, and realistically, with trying to get back on their feet, don't a lot of extra time to give to that.
Will convicted level one, two or thee sex offenders be permitted to continue or take up residence in this 'camp'?
Since the creation of the camp, sex offenders of any level have NOT been allowed to live there. This won't be changing any time in the foreseeable future.
Is the city willing to supply or provide for sanitary requirements for the 'camp'?
The campers are already doing this themselves. Since the first church location in February we have been working closely with the Thurston County Health Department to make sure the camp is safe and sanitary.
Are the current or proposed locations for the 'camp' zoned for this or any number of 'campers'?
One of the purposes of the ordinance is make easier the process of getting a 'temporary use permit', which would allow for camps on church land.
Do the residents of the cities get a say in the location of the ‘camp’?
Before any move to a new location we will do outreach to potential neighbors by holding multiple forums where people can meet the campers and learn more about how Camp Quixote works.
Thanks for all of your questions, if you have any more, fire away.
Good Q & A session Rob.
Submitted by Norm on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 9:54pm.FAQs
Submitted by Sarah on Tue, 07/10/2007 - 5:17pm.good idea
Submitted by Rob Richards on Tue, 07/10/2007 - 5:20pm.Sex offenders at the 'camp'
Submitted by Tschida on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 7:57pm.How do the operators of the camp ensure that no sex offenders are taking up residence in the camp?
C.
WSP
Submitted by Rob Richards on Mon, 07/09/2007 - 8:29pm.donations
Submitted by Tenzing on Sun, 07/22/2007 - 10:53am.