Simplistic, easily implemented, doable just about anywhere, and controlled very well, Huntsville's approach is one we ought to really consider here in Nashville.In a nutshell, potential residents to the camp must first check in with the agency First Stop. There they will obtain an ID and can then request a campsite. The agency provides the new resident with a tent if they have one and assisgns the individual a site under a local overpass.
The city police worked out an arrangement with ADOT in order to allow camping under designated overpasses and the local police department has assigned an officer as a community service agent. He passes through the camp regularly to ensure compliance and keep the peace. Every Tuesday, other service providers descend on the area and speak to every person in the camp, offering services and referrals as needed.
As you can see from the pics, no permanent structures are allowed, which I believe lends a sense of credibility to the idea of "transitional - and very temporary - housing" but by designating spots, it also provides a sense of ownership which translates into responsibility for one's site. As the pics also show, the area was neat and clean and residents in the camp tell me that while they occasionally have their issues, for the most part everyone respects everyone else and the place is far calmer and much safer than the streets in general.
Not sure why we're still battling with the issues of our own tent city; been going on far too long and the solutions are so simple that it is frankly getting to be embarrassing that we continue trying to figure out which direction to go when the answers have been in front of us for so long.....
