Tent City of Lakewood, NJ

Tent City is a community of otherwise homeless and/or low-income individuals who live in low-cost shanties or tents. It is a makeshift village that exists in relative harmony with nature and is situated on unused forested "public land" in Lakewood Township, NJ, USA. It all started in 2005 with a handful of homeless people from this area trying to find shelter. But thanks to the assistance from Minister Steve Brigham (of the Lakewood Outreach Ministries Church) as well as other local supporters and through mutual aid, they were able to put up tents and gradually work toward attaining a better way of life. Many residents have since been able to find stable employment and move out of Tent City. In these hard economic times, the need for a community like Tent City is now greater than ever. Tent City's resident population currently includes over 100 people that are being provided with food, water, basic shelter, access to sanitation, off-the-grid electrical power, and various other essential needs, thanks to our network of wonderful supporters and volunteers throughout the years. In addition, there is a Church service provided daily for the residents of the camp by Minister Steve. Tent City's residents and supporters come from many different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and countries of origin, but together, we are one community united by circumstance and common human values. The municipal government of Lakewood has often been a hindrance to our efforts, despite the fact that Tent City is saving local taxpayers millions of dollars! Lakewood is a much cleaner, safer and more hopeful place than it would have been if a community like Tent City was not existence and everyone was left to fend for themselves in isolation. Repeated attempts have been made to destroy Tent City, even though its residents have no other alternatives. Now, more than 7 years later, the battle for Tent City's survival seems more perilous than ever...