Local Churches Help Those in Tent Community

Tent communities are popping up in many cities, as more people become homeless in the current recession. Recently, I learned of a tent community near the Cowlitz River, not far from my home. Local churches from the Kelso/Longview area are helping to meet some of the physical needs of folks living in the tent community known as Park Hill Camp Area. Learn what several area churches are doing to help homeless families living in the tent community.

Generally speaking, when people's physical needs are met, they are more likely to listen to a spiritual message. That's what happened with one family from the tent community. In response to the pouring-out of compassion from my church, their physical needs were met. The family now attends church. To learn how my church and other local churches are helping folks in the tent community, read on.

Giving to the Poor and Homeless

A ministry focus of my church is to serve the poor and homeless. As a congregation, we take part in donating finances and resources. Some Sundays, we see donated coats, water bottles, and other supplies lined up on the platform. Pastor encourages the congregation to be a part of the blessing. Needs and opportunities are presented to the congregation--not just noted in the bulletin. Consequently, the congregation is giving to the need.

Tent Community Need: Food

Food is vital, and canned goods make up a good share of that food. Full-meal canned goods, such as ravioli and chili, are convenient and can be eaten right from the can or heated. Can-openers are required, since not all cans are flip-top. In addition, fuel canisters for cooking on a camp stove are imperative, because there's no electricity. Fuels are used up and need to be replaced. A campfire-sturdy cooking vessel is also important, as is clean water for cooking, drinking, and sanitation. Gallon plastic jugs of drinking water are more than important, they are vital.

Tent Community Need: Disposable Utensils

To eat a meal--even a canned one--families need dinnerware. Disposable dinnerware is useful, because it requires no water to wash up meal messes. That's important, since clean washing water may not be readily available. But to clean the few items that do need to be cleaned, dish soap and a towel are needed and appreciated.

Tent Community Need: Personal Care Items

There are personal items that an individual in such a situation can really use. A toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, wet-wipes, hand towel, washcloth, bath towel, toilet paper, personal hygiene products, and a comb are some of them. Just about anything we wouldn't want to live without, would be appreciated and used by those living in tent communities.

Tent Community Need: Clothing

During the extremely cold months, my church helps with coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and blankets. What is really appreciated--and has the potential to make a big difference to a person in need--is a new set of clothes. Secondhand-clothing is fairly standard as a donation, but several local churches are going one better. Some church folks are planning to take tent community individuals downtown to shop for a new set of clothes. The cost will be close to a hundred for a complete outfit, but what a blessing to be able to wear clothing that is fresh and new!

Tent Community Need: Tarps

Other very useful items provided to those in the tent community are assorted tarps. Tarps can go on the ground under a tent or over a tent to keep out the rain. Tarps can protect possessions and keep collected firewood or kindling from getting wet. In addition to tarps and kindling, dry matches, fire-starters, and candles are important assets for those living in tent communities.

Why Some Ignore the Need

Why is there not more being done to help those in tent communities? Some people fear getting personally involved. They don't feel equipped to handle the possibility of continued financial or personal commitment. Furthermore, as is true of many who avoid getting involved, they may fear victimization. But getting involved as an organization--such as a church--removes the elements of fear and personal vulnerability.

A church organization that approaches the physical needs of those less fortunate, will often find that those served become open to the gospel message. The gift makes a way for the giver. And who knows? Perhaps an individual blessed by the giving today, may one day go on to discover the cure to cancer or evangelize millions.