So the latest attempt at urban renewal has hit the rolling hills of Columbia and environs. The winter encampment of the homeless has become the source of irritation. Though parks and recreation handled it in a respectful, civil kind of way, the end result was the same: Run out the homeless from their winter camp. There, we feel better. No more tents in the woods.
What is lacking is any consideration of why they are there in the first place or where they might go next. Remember: You and I are returning to our heated abodes. They have none. So why do we deny them a place to camp? They have no homes and we are telling them they can’t even form a community of survival outside. For God’s sake!
Let them have their campsite. Put up some porta-potties to boot. Drive a patrol car by ever so often. But unless there is a problem leave them alone.
Why not create a campground for the homeless, anyway? Other than the already full shelters, where would you go? Wouldn’t you rather stay in a tent in the woods than crouched in a doorway?
vitalwholeness 
Exactly right. Unless each of us are prepared to leave our front doors open and welcome the stranger in…let our fellow humans find as safe a shelter as possible.
Amen and Amen!
Janie
Ok! So what is our first step for building this campground for the homeless? City council members?
Our wilderness journey looks cushy by comparison. We assuage our consciences with money, with a quick visit once or twice a year to help out at Room at the Inn–and then turn the other way while those who have the power to do so evict the homeless from their fragile community. We decry those who turned Mary and Joseph away from the inn: who are we turning away? “If you have done it to one of the least of these…..”
Agree with all the posts. This is not humane treatment. Tim, your plan is reasonable. Jan, your call to action is on target.