And even though neither Jeff nor I are residents of Tent City, we acknowledge the sense of community we feel there. It is beyond description, but I will attempt to put it into words...
First off, the people there are accepted - with open arms, and without judgment. And believe me when I tell you that if you're economically disadvantaged, acceptance is not easy to find. The sentiment among the privileged is at best, pity and at worst, contempt.
It's hard for anyone who has not experienced poverty, mental illness, or addiction first-hand to imagine what it's like to be in that situation. And for those who have not, it is most convenient to ignore the problem, blame it on the individual for bringing it on themselves or not being self-reliant enough. Ironically, it's the folks that label the homeless as "lazy" who are the laziest of all, as they themselves are too insulated and complacent to acknowledge the suffering of others.
Tent City offers not only a sense of community amid the otherwise-homeless, but among the concerned citizens who give their time, donations, and most importantly, their love to the residents. For volunteers and residents alike, there are people to greet, people to share with, people to lean on when things get difficult.
The sect in question claims to have the best interest of its own community in mind - and therein lies the problem. They recognize ONLY their community; in their eyes, the "infidels" of other races and creeds are outcasts. As they continue to pursue their separatist agenda, they ignore the OTHER communities sharing the town they occupy. In particular, they've yet to demonstrate any real compassion for the community made up of the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, and those who wish to alleviate their burden. Community is not for a select few. Respect is not a privilege. These things are basic human rights, and it's due time those in power open their eyes and live in accordance with the true spirit of their "host country:" Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Secondly, the community offers safety. People genuinely look out for one another. Newcomers are welcomed by others who understand their circumstances, rather than a disinterested, detached, overworked clinical staff member. Residents can trust one another, knowing that unlawful actions that harm others will not be tolerated, and obey the rules. There's certainly some disagreement and bickering, as there is in any close-knit community, but the atmosphere of respect for one's neighbor - AND oneself - is fostered and encouraged at all times.
Thirdly, the community offers a sense of ownership. Those tarp-covered structures in Tent City are homes, just as much as a roof and four walls are home to their more privileged neighbors. Some have makeshift front yards that they adorn with holiday decorations and little picket fences; some have chairs on which they sit like porch swings and watch the sunset through the pine trees; some rescue and tend to animals as they would on a farm or in a sanctuary. Some strum a guitar and lead in a few choruses of a Beatles song. The people of Tent City make do with what they have at their disposal, learning to do without the many luxuries we take for granted; they live by their wits and their ingenuity. That they manage to survive in such harsh conditions is not shameful; rather, it is a reason for them to be proud. And that pride affords them the dignity that society has stripped away.
To tear apart this community, however impoverished, is no more acceptable than someone else trying to dissolve theirs. And worse, to subject the needy to the inhumane conditions of an institution like Dover Woods, demonstrates that they see the poor as less than human. That they are willingly and deliberately placing profit over people.
In the Torah, Proverbs 14:31 states that "Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him." Refusing to acknowledge the humanity in others is an affront to the God who created them.
If you have any doubts, read that part again. Refusing to acknowledge the humanity in others is an affront to the God who created them.
And loving thy neighbor does NOT just refer to the neighbors who live in houses.
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