Archive for Monday, November 10, 2008
City commission to hear request for campsite for homeless people
Two weeks after the city removed a homeless camp from the banks of the Kansas River, Lawrence city commissioners are being asked to create a campsite that could serve homeless people.
November 10, 2008
Advertisement
City commissioners are being asked to consider designating an area in the city as campsite that could be used by people who are homeless.
Longtime homeless services advocate Hilda Enoch will be allowed to present her case for such a designated area to city commissioners at their 6:35 p.m. Tuesday meeting at City Hall.
The discussion comes after city crews in late October removed an extensive homeless camp from city property on the banks of the Kansas River.
"Many of us consider the razing of the campsite - where no alternatives exist - to be unconscionable," Enoch wrote in a letter to city commissioners.
The Lawrence Community Shelter offers 31 overnight beds for the homeless, but the shelter routinely operates at capacity. The Salvation Army sometimes has overnight space available, but people who want to stay there must pass a sobriety test.
Enoch is not proposing any specific location for a campsite, but she said any area should include amenities such as portable toilets, trash cans, picnic tables and be in an area that police can visit daily.
More like this
- City of Lawrence being asked to establish campsite for homeless people 172 comments / May 1, 2009
- City wants ideas for homeless campsite 108 comments / February 11, 2009
- LMH hears pitch for detoxification center August 16, 2001
- City goes outside law to bring homeless inside January 22, 2003
- City takes a pass on homeless campsite 63 comments / May 6, 2009
Top ads RSS
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- FINAL: Ressel's last-second field goal gives MU 41-39 victory over KU November 28, 2009 · 63 comments
- Papa does preach: Call to ministry can run in the family November 28, 2009 · 5 comments
- Woods hurt in accident November 28, 2009 · 15 comments
- One dead after car-motorcycle accident near 27th and Missouri November 27, 2009 · 46 comments
- Survey: Pavement conditions improving November 28, 2009 · 12 comments
- Woman sees image of Jesus on her iron November 28, 2009 · 36 comments
- Poll: Should the Kansas Legislature pursue opportunities to privatize or outsource some government services? November 27, 2009 · 12 comments
- Season salvager? Jayhawks say win today could ease sting of season November 28, 2009 · 21 comments
- No. 18 KU women lose to TCU November 28, 2009 · 4 comments
- United Way support November 26, 2009 · 27 comments
- One dead after car-motorcycle accident near 27th and Missouri November 27, 2009
- Woman sees image of Jesus on her iron November 28, 2009
- SNL actor in ‘House' November 28, 2009
- Western Kansas byway planned November 28, 2009
- For Markieff Morris, the screen’s the thing November 28, 2009
- 8th grade football October 11, 2001
- Top-rated basketball recruit Bradley Beal to make college choice Monday November 28, 2009
- ‘Cash for Appliances’ due to start soon November 28, 2009
- Environmental rules may be on the way for flat-screen TVs November 28, 2009
- Papa does preach: Call to ministry can run in the family November 28, 2009
10 November 2008
at 2:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Danimal (Anonymous) says…
“and be in an area that police can visit daily.”Sounds like no one will use it in that case. Really Lawrence? We're considering allowing a shanty town to be built here? What is this 1932? Oh, it's 2008?
10 November 2008
at 2:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
kasper (Anonymous) says…
ubsurd
10 November 2008
at 2:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
She should request free T bus rides for homeless people to her house.
10 November 2008
at 2:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Kam_Fong_as_Chin_Ho (Anonymous) says…
It comes as no surprise that a quick check in the phone book reveals that “longtime homeless services advocate Hilda Enoch” lives nowhere near any of the city's homeless shelters or the campsite that was cleaned up recently. If she really cares that much, perhaps she should allow the homeless to camp on her own property. What do you think of that idea, Ms. Enoch?(crickets chirping)Hello? Hello? (taps microphone) Is this thing on?
10 November 2008
at 3:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
countrygirl (Anonymous) says…
If the homeless don't have a camp of some kind, will they leave? Or is this just moving the problem to another part of town where they'll hide out until it's discovered. Not sure what the answer to all this is, but just razing the camp isn't going to make it go away.
10 November 2008
at 3:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Noweigh (Anonymous) says…
Why would we do anything at all that would encourage the homeless to live or come here?! Raze the camps, enforce loitering ordinances and do whatever we can to make “homelessness” uncomfortable here. As a university town we get more than our share as it is. I am very aware the homeless became that way through loss of employment, mental health issues, etc. I am not at all uncaring. They deserve the same consitutional rights as citizens as anyone else, but they do not “deserve” a tax payer supported living area. If private citizens or organizations wish to subsidize homelessness, so be it. Just give me the choice whether to participate or not.
10 November 2008
at 4:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pogo (Anonymous) says…
Does Hilda Enoch have space where she lives?? Like on the floor; a “spare” room; or whatever????Has Hilda Enoch ever had a “homeless person”, randomly selected, enjoy her home?Or, does she just want taxes to pay for those who can't meet the sobriety requirements of the Salvation Army?Homelessness IS a BIG problem….but it requires all of the citizenry to be involved. Perhaps Hilda Enoch could set an example by having a couple sleep on the floor of her home?
10 November 2008
at 4:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
urjokingright (Anonymous) says…
If you shelter them they will come to expect it. It will then become a “right”. Then those shelters (tents, encampments) will not be considered appropriate and the next step will be a proposal to build “affordable efficiency housing”. It is a vicious circle with no end and no real good answers. Maybe someone should contact New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles city governments and find out how they deal with the problem. They certainly have a lot of experience dealing with the homeless problem. And what is wrong with having to pass a sobriety test to get a bed for the night. If that is not the case will not this encampment just be a magnet for drunken bums? I am sorry for being politically incorrect. But it just seems to me if you decide to do this, you have restrictions. Clean and sober should be at the top of the entry requirements. Don't you think?
10 November 2008
at 4:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
JOEHAWK (Anonymous) says…
Anyone remember the beginning of the movie Rambo? The Homeless guy is walking through town. The local sheriff, talks to him and gives him a ride…to the other end of town, across the bridge and out of town! Now that would make short movie but a great way to get homeless people out of town. We should do everything possible to make it as uncomfortable as we can for these people. This will do one of two things, it will make them realize that they have to earn their way or they will realize they need to move on to the next town where they will feed and house them.Now my suggestion is only applicable to people without mental illness or conditions that they cannot help. But the Bums need to go!
10 November 2008
at 4:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
countrygirl:if we'd stop supporting many of them in their self-destructive lifestyle choices, guess what! they'd go elsewhere! sometimes it takes waking up from an all-night-drunk face down in the mud to get someone's attention to turn his/her life around. no, I'm not antihomeless, I'm just opposed to supporting them in their destruction of their own lives. even some with mental illness are still *making choices* to continue the bum lifestyle. ***Enoch is not proposing any specific location for a campsite, but she said any area should include amenities such as portable toilets, trash cans, picnictables and be in an area that police can visit daily.—uh right. sounds like we have to give up a park for this? and why the trash cans? they won't be used for their intended purpose! how much ya' wanna bet the *park* she has in mind is: east of Iowa; north of 23rd; not far from downtown; already comes equipped with a wading pool for quick dips in the water? ***once at hobbs park *one* homeless guy was there, and he got bored. so then he did a lot of destruction to the shelter/tables, the charcoal thingy, and other stuff. just one bored homeless dude who seemed to be in his right mind except for a little E85. ***no, Commissioners, just say NO! if they want a place, give 'em a ticket to a place.
10 November 2008
at 4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
yankeelady (Anonymous) says…
That has got to be one of the dumbest ideas I have heard. Once there is an official campsite, will the city/county then be expected to provide services? Of course then it becomes a home, thereby solving the problem–no more homeless.
10 November 2008
at 4:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
Agreed………..Commissioners, say NO!
10 November 2008
at 5:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
kmat (Anonymous) says…
urjoking - the major cities you say we should ask how they deal with the homeless, guess what? They have parking lots and open land converted to tent cities. People in Lawrence that don't have to travel to large cities are really clueless about how other cities deal with problems. You think that Lawrence is a mecca for the homeless. Ha. If they can, they head to areas where they won't freeze to death in the winter.Not providing services to any homeless won't make them go away. We have barely any services, compared to most cities of any decent size, but we still have homeless people.”“What you're seeing is encampments that I haven't seen since the 80s,” said Paul Boden, executive director of the Western Regional Advocacy Project, an umbrella group for homeless advocacy organizations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Calif., Portland, Ore. and Seattle.The relatively tiny city of Santa Barbara has given over a parking lot to people who sleep in cars and vans. The city of Fresno, Calif., is trying to manage several proliferating tent cities, including an encampment where people have made shelters out of scrap wood. In Portland, Ore., and Seattle, homeless advocacy groups have paired with nonprofits or faith-based groups to manage tent cities as outdoor shelters. Other cities where tent cities have either appeared or expanded include include Chattanooga, Tenn., San Diego, and Columbus, Ohio.”http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26776283/If any of you call yourself a Christian, you'd better do some thinking about what the scriptures tell you.http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/29983/homelessness_from_a_biblical_perspective.html
10 November 2008
at 5:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
Take the homeless campingTake them camping
10 November 2008
at 5:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
thebcman (Anonymous) says…
give 'em the old Farmland site. what a great chance to do a scientific study to see how long it takes for the contaminated soil/groundwater to eliminate the problem.
10 November 2008
at 5:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tumbilweed (Anonymous) says…
wow tangential.blast from the past, ol' camper van beethoven tune.i had a dream i wanted the homeless to sleep next to plastic
10 November 2008
at 5:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
not_holroyd (Anonymous) says…
I nominate the 1200 block of Louisiana Street. There is a structure needing demolition. The homeless could do the work and do some site prep. The lot would work well for some tents. Dining facilities, bus transportation, and job opportunities nearby.Or let them fix the structure back up. Even if only on a temporary basis.
10 November 2008
at 6:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
50YearResident (Anonymous) says…
Hilda is the Homeless Problem.
10 November 2008
at 6:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lawrenceks66 (Anonymous) says…
I propose Ms. Enoch's front and backyard.
10 November 2008
at 6:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gccs14r (Anonymous) says…
The problem is that it's difficult to differentiate between a community's own homeless and those who migrate to a community because it's better than where they were. We don't want folks to freeze to death, but we can't be a haven for everyone who is out on the street. Other communities need to take care of *their* own, too.
10 November 2008
at 6:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
urjokingright (Anonymous) says…
Yes I am aware that bigger cities have accomodated the homeless problem. That was my point. If you feed them and shelter them they will stay. I am a Christian. I have never had a problem with helping someone who was down on their luck. I have a big problem giving a hand out instead of a hand up. That is why I advocate Workfare instead of Welfare. Cities that you mentioned in Santa Barbara and Fresno Ca have big problems because the homeless have rights - because they have been accomodated. Find out what the big cities do and Lawrence needs to do the opposite. If you can figure out a way to give them a hand upinstead of a handout it will help in the long run. But to just give them a place to stay - with no conditions - you are perpetuating the problem.
10 November 2008
at 6:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
urjokingright (Anonymous) says…
Oh, and many of those big cities did not have the space and open land and parking lots to spare. The homeless took them over, the cities caved because of their liberal views on how to deal with certain social problems and then it became expected of the cities to start designating more area to accomodate more homeless. Wait until one of the Mayors tries to do something about the problem. Look up what happened to the City of Fresno when their mayor cleared out a homeless encampment. They got sued by the ACLU who were represented by the homeless.So, Lawrence KS, take a close look at your future if you start to accomodate the problem instead of solve it.
10 November 2008
at 6:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
urjokingright (Anonymous) says…
Sorry, that should be they were sued by the ACLU who were representing the homeless. My brain got ahead of my fingers.
10 November 2008
at 6:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
JayhawkerINmichigan (Anonymous) says…
I refer to a famous movie quote, “Build it, and they will come”. Here in my small adoptive town of Holland, MI, we had small number of homeless, but when a faith-based organization built two large facilities, presto! Holland had a large and significant homeless population.
10 November 2008
at 6:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
50YearResident (Anonymous) says…
Do the homeless a favor, charter a bus and take them to one of those nice warm cities in the south that has all those nice campsites with showers and picknic tables. That will guarantee none of them will freeze to death this winter. Save the homeless, ship them out.
10 November 2008
at 7:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…
There is plenty of room on the T. Just give them day passes and let them ride around.
10 November 2008
at 7:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…
FYI: Do a quick search on this site for Hilda Enoch and it turns out that she is yet another one of small circle of professional agitator class in Lawrence… you know, that circle of about ten people that Chad Lawhorn seems to find whenever he needs a positive quote on a quasi-progressive issue:http://www2.ljworld.com/search/?q=hilda+enoch&x=0&y=0&sortby=date&from=&to=&author=
10 November 2008
at 7:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lawrencechick (Anonymous) says…
“The Salvation Army sometimes has overnight space available, but people who want to stay there must pass a sobriety test.”––––––––––––––––—If a warm bed isn't priority enough to stop drinking for 8 hours then these people are homeless by choice and need no encouragement from us to stay in Lawrence.
10 November 2008
at 9:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
toe (Anonymous) says…
Just send the homeless over to Hilda's yard to camp.
10 November 2008
at 9:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Well, folks, I have to say that I think the idea of a “Homeless Camp” is a good idea.Not everyone is homeless by choice and in any case that which is prohibited cannot be controlled.This is an opportunity for the private sector to intervene and help out in any number of ways; Porta-potties for sanitation, grocery chains to provide food for those who need it, medical care for those who are sick or require treatment…..beats the Hell out of just banning these people!Homeless people are not going to go away and you can't just stick your head in the sand and pretend that they do not exist.We do not have to “enable” but we can help and Lawrence could set the standard for the rest of the country.I got a Bud who lost his job today; he and his wife,;who is ill and the three kids are 90 days from being “Homeless”.I got him into my marketing programs and we will work him to death but we will not let him fail.”And LeRoy said, “There's something you should know.Not everybody has a place to go.And home is just a place you lay your head…”Things are bad and getting worse but the American people should not and cannot allow people to starve on the streets.I vote for the “Homeless Camp”!
10 November 2008
at 10:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
taucetiman (Anonymous) says…
Some other “compassionate” communities have tried the same thing and once you get a sanctioned shantytown it doesn't just stay 20-30 people, once the word gets out then BOOM you will have 200-300 or more people there and then you will have the difficult choice of shutting down a much bigger problem
10 November 2008
at 11:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says: “There is plenty of room on the T. Just give them day passes and let them ride around.”Actually, gl0ck, as long as any proposed camp is near a T stop, they will immediately find jobs and no longer be homeless. Isn't that what the T is supposed to do, create jobs?
10 November 2008
at 11:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
taucetiman (Anonymous) says: Some other “compassionate” communities have tried the same thing and once you get a sanctioned shantytown it doesn't just stay 20-30 people, once the word gets out then BOOM you will have 200-300 or more people there and then you will have the difficult choice of shutting down a much bigger problem”Marion writes:Could you provide us with links which support your allegations?I am really curious about your comments!
11 November 2008
at 12:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
sjschlag (Anonymous) says…
A homeless camp in Lawrence is a really forward thinking idea- when the economy slumps even more we'll have land set aside for the ever growing shanty town. What will we call them now? Bushtowns? Clintonvilles? Cheney Cities?
11 November 2008
at 1:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Newell_Post (Anonymous) says…
We already have a homeless camp. It's called Massachusetts Street!
11 November 2008
at 2:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
Can we bring in some of the used FEMA trailers?They could park them on the grounds at LHS..those could be vacant for years with the lawsuit and all.I hear the smell of a meth lab really covers that formaldehyde.
11 November 2008
at 6:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gbaker (Anonymous) says…
Let's play Surviving the Game. They can have an hour head start……………
11 November 2008
at 7:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
touringdriver (Anonymous) says…
this lady is nuts. hell i wanta live there. no bills sweet! and my fellow citizens pay my way. sign me up. NOT!
11 November 2008
at 7:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bytchywitchy (Anonymous) says…
dang all this downing of the homeless. I bet most of you have never been homeless before. Well let me tell you something. My husband is homeless but not by our choice. Some people like to cause hate and discontent that causes people to go homeless. Also i have met quite a few of them that are harmless as can be. If housing programs wasnt so strict then the homeless could get help and be off the streets. Yes they need to draw the line somewhere but not all felons are the same. Not all homeless have given up. But do you think that is gonna solve the problem by getting a campsite and the police watching it daily? That to me is taking their privacy from them. They do have rights also. Until you have walked in their shoes, i feel no one has the right to down them.
11 November 2008
at 9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
janbrocker (Jan Brocker) says…
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their a*s, doing drugs, while I work… . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
11 November 2008
at 9:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
PapaB (Anonymous) says…
Yes, let's make it even nicer for the homeless. I understand people run into difficulties, but we shouldn't make it to nice for them. If someone falls in a pile of manure, they might just ignore the smell and stay there if it's all warm and cozy.
11 November 2008
at 9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
skinny (Anonymous) says…
You have got to be kidding, right?There is no way the city of Lawrence should allow a homeless camp in this city.If you think downtown is bad now just wait till they make camp at the Lawrence homeless city. You'll get mugged every time you go downtown!~
11 November 2008
at 9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lunacydetector (Anonymous) says…
this lady was instrumental in getting the living wage passed and the t bus started. the t bus tax was supported by a whopping 70% to 30% margin.let her have the campsite in her yard and they can use her toilets. she's rich so she can pay the water bill too.
11 November 2008
at 9:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
not_holroyd (Anonymous) says…
Despite Max's thoughtful but idiotic suggestions, not_holroyd sticks with his original suggestion….. a destination facility/camp/reconstruction project on 1200 block of Louisiana. So many attractive features of this option that it is difficult to list them all.
11 November 2008
at 10:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
packs_of_wild_dogzz (Anonymous) says…
Anyone thinking a homeless camp in Lawrence is a good idea is nuts. Period. If the city leaders give this one second of thought, they shouldn't be in their current positions.
11 November 2008
at 10:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
over_par (Anonymous) says…
I think this is a great idea as long as it's over 50 miles outside the city limits. We can use the emp-T to transport them out.
11 November 2008
at 10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…
“notajayhawk (Anonymous) says: Actually, gl0ck, as long as any proposed camp is near a T stop, they will immediately find jobs and no longer be homeless. Isn't that what the T is supposed to do, create jobs?”Oh right, I forgot that in a Hecklerian utopia, the T actually provides jobs and income into the community. Double plus good, prole!Another idea: Fence off farmland and they can live there for free. Food, water, facilities - everything. The downside is that it also could serve as a range for hunting the ultimate game: hobos. Big game hunters from around the world could pay a fee to enter and bag a hobo. It seems like a win-win-win.
11 November 2008
at 12:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…
Are there no poor houses?
11 November 2008
at 12:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Maybe Habitat for Humanity can build them a house and they can sell drugs out of it!
11 November 2008
at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…
Perhaps the readers of this forum ought to start a grass roots movement (Lawrence is so fond of them) and give cab fare and directions to Hilda's house. Sort of an anarchist, flash mob hybrid homeless experiment.
11 November 2008
at 2:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
not_holroyd (Anonymous) says…
I think this thing is for the birds Hawk, but the Eagle ones…not the Hawk ones. Obviously your Eagle friends will win the day, since this whole thing was an easement for Eagle habitat purposes anyway.But the easement doesn't go up to 1200 Louisiana, so I still think a proposal would work out there. No Eagles, just Hawks, to contend with.I do confess I think the girl scout camp is also a good idea.Say, it looks like Max is doing some reading about western Kansas. Decatur County I am sure is grateful.Lets not leave Hodgemen off the list. Some important people from Lawrence have ties there that might be helpful to you.
11 November 2008
at 5:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
not_holroyd (Anonymous) says…
Another reason for a homeless tent city on 1200 Louisiana. Free literacy lessons across the street. That former county commissioner from Johnson County, Toplikar, says he is a carpenter. He could show them how to renovate that house that nobody will demolish. He's got time on his hands. He sounds a lot like Hawk anyway.But Hodgeman County beckons the Hawk. No homeless shelter needed there. No eagle-habitat easements. Lots of field mice for the Hawk to eat. No roundabouts, no CDBG, no neighborhood organizations, no bus systems, no 2020 planning, no growth, no 2nd Walmart. No 1st one either. No pesky school field development problems. No golf-courses. Heck a putt-putt would work out there just fine. No downtown merchants Association. No sidewalk dining problems. No bus systems. No SLT issues. No Merrill, No Bozo. I don't think they even have a smoking ordinance.Sounds like pure Hawk Heaven. Or a Max must move there.
11 November 2008
at 6:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Haiku_Cuckoo (Anonymous) says…
Lawrence Homeless Campground (sung to the tune of “Big Rock Candy Mountain”) One evening as the sun went down and the jungle fire was burningDown the track came a hobo hiking and he said boys I'm not turningI'm headin for a land that's far away beside the crystal fountainsSo come with me we'll go and see the Lawrence Homeless CampgroundIn the Lawrence Homeless Campground there's a land that's fair and brightWhere the handouts grow on bushes and you sleep out every nightWhere the boxcars are all empty and the sun shines every dayOn the birds and the bees and the cigarette treesWhere the lemonade springs where the bluebird singsIn the Lawrence Homeless CampgroundIn the Lawrence Homeless Campground all the cops have wooden legsAnd the bulldogs all have rubber teeth and the hens lay soft boiled eggsThe farmer's trees are full of fruit and the barns are full of hayOh, I'm bound to go where there ain't no snowWhere the rain don't fall and the wind don't blowIn the Lawrence Homeless CampgroundIn the Lawrence Homeless Campground you never change your socksAnd the little streams of alcohol come a-trickling down the rocksThe brakemen have to tip their hats and the railroad bulls are blindThere's a lake of stew and of whiskey tooYou can paddle all around 'em in a big canoeIn the Lawrence Homeless CampgroundIn the Lawrence Homeless Campground the jails are made of tinAnd you can walk right out again as soon as you are inThere ain't no short handled shovels, no axes saws or picksI'm a goin to stay where you sleep all dayWhere they hung the jerk that invented workIn the Lawrence Homeless CampgroundI'll see you all this coming fall in the Lawrence Homeless Campground
11 November 2008
at 6:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bytchywitchy (Anonymous) says…
from hawk:bitchywitchy says her husband is homeless but doesnt say she or”they” are homeless.That makes this writer believe that bitchwitchy is just makin' up stuff. Wouldn't one think she would be homeless with her husband.for your information hawk no im not homeless but due to circumstances out of our hands we can not live together. So until you know our whole situation, which i doubt if you ever will you have no right to say that i am homeless. matter of fact i work 2 jobs and have a roof over my head and dont ask nobody for hand outs. By the way the courts in douglas county do seperate family members and cause one or the other to go homeless for several reasons. Yes my husband is homeless. But if we had our choice he would be under the same roof as me.
11 November 2008
at 7:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Raiden (Anonymous) says…
I'm sorry to say I am not surprised at the sarcastic, mean-spirited comments I've read. It seems we've become a society that lacks common decency, compassion, and a sense of connection to the humanity that we are all a part of. No one here or anywhere is entitled to judge the circumstances that lead to homelessness. Even if you disagree with the idea you could spend your energy offering reasonable alternatives rather than bashing the good heart of a woman who has invested many years and caring into this issue which is more than any of you have done I would venture to guess. Shame on all of you for your harsh words. Of course you are entitled to your opinions as am I and it is a collection of opinions like these that causes me to grieve the selfish, materialistic and self-absorbed society that we seem to have become. You who cast stones be careful for you know not what could unravel in your lives that could cause you to be without a stable living environment and should that ever happen you would be grateful for a Hilda Enoch to plead your plight to a city commission for a place to live.
11 November 2008
at 7:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
been_there (Anonymous) says…
Isn't there a lot of land around the city jail on 23rd? Let them camp there so the police could easily keep an eye on them and the T runs right by there so they can get back downtown easily. If it gets really cold they could use a few empty cells for the night, locked of course. Enoch could bring them breakfast and coffee every morning
11 November 2008
at 8:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
been_there (Anonymous) says…
Raiden–-I have helped out many people over the years, financially and letting them live with me, buying clothes for them so they can get a job, giving them rides to and from work or their kids rides to school, paid for doctor's visits. I am always helping someone out. But they were people that just needed a hand up not a handout, there is a difference. Yes, we should try to help those with mental problems, but a campground is not the answer. For those that just want to live off others, I have no desire to help them at all.
11 November 2008
at 9:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
not_holroyd (Anonymous) says…
Max: Sticks and stones…..Besides, I have repeatedly offered a constructive alternative to this discussion. So, you lie once again.I again suggest the 1200 Block of Louisiana as a great alternative site. I suggest you check it out. Before you visit Hodgemen County.
11 November 2008
at 11:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
CarterFaucheaux (Anonymous) says…
I can't imagine the commissioners approving this. There's no reason she shouldn't be able to present her case and be politely told, “no,” however.
12 November 2008
at 7:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gbaker (Anonymous) says…
It will be 'The Day After' all over again.
12 November 2008
at 9:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
If this campsite was put to a public vote, it would pass 70% to 30% just like the T Bus this lady brought to town. In a town of loons, it goes to figure.
15 November 2008
at 3:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
hawkperchmoocher (Anonymous) says…
It's settled. New homeless encampent on the 1200 block of Louisiana! Complementary butler service and property manager included…
15 November 2008
at 3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
somebodynew (Anonymous) says…
BigPrune - on this topic, I agree with you. I think if they establish a camp it should be in Hilda's yard. (Although I do have sympathy for her neighbors.)
15 November 2008
at 4:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Donnuts (Anonymous) says…
Santa Cruz has one and it is a pig sty. I am sure anyone in the city is going to want to insure it. Gulag/ Archipeligo would be a great example. We could use a workforce to clean up all the debris caused by partying downtown on weekends.I think we could use the surplus workforce as well to…oh what a vacation.