Lacey's recent decision to put into place a restrictive homeless encampment rule will likely land the city in court. Tent city ordinances in Western Washington are popular fodder for the federal and state court system, usually pitting local governments against churches on the grounds of the free expression of religion.

"The whole idea of reaching out to the poor and needy is part of our Jewish tradition," said James Mirel, senior rabbi at the Temple B'nai Torah to the Seattle Times in 2005.

One of the most interesting details in the run up to the city council's vote on the ordinance was the closed door session a few months back between the city attorney and the council. What advice did Ken Ahlf give his clients? Probably, be careful guys, you might get sued.

Ahlf had similar advice in the public back last August when a council subcommittee first took up the topic:

It's not all bad work coming from our esteemed corporate daily. Reporter Christian Hill and photographer Steve Herppich spent quite some time at Camp Quixote the last few days and you can see the results. I think they did a commendable job and I thank them for their effort.

Lessons in Humanity story

Photo gallery

And now is an excellent time to remind all that the camp can always use volunteers. Drop us a line at www.campquixoteoly.googlepages.com

Blessings +

Thanks

I had the privilege of being able to help the folks at Camp Quixote move from the United Methodist Church to the First Christian Church on Franklin and 7th. Between loading up fence panels, helping a resident pack up and haul her possessions to the new location, building up the new fence, and bringing dinner and supplies to the residents, I can't think of a better way to finish off 2007.

I thought about bringing a camera to take pictures of the move, but I rushed out in the morning without it. I saw a couple of people there who took some pictures, and hopefully they post.

It's weird to think that just a few months ago, I didn't even know that the camp existed. For years, I'd been so insulated from the poor and the down-trodden in my own backyard, but after praying and searching out opportunities to become a real member of my own community, I stumbled upon information about the camp, both here on olyblog and from a friend who started up a video documentary on the camp. And now I've come to know some folks in the camp who have already accepted me as family...

My wife and I plan to become regular contributors to the camp, both with materials and with our time, as best we're able.

Three events this weekend bring Olympia's tent city, Camp Quixote, into focus. You're certainly invited to any and all.

Friday, 7:30 p.m. Traditions Cafe - 300 5th Ave SW Heartsparkle Players' Playback Theatre presents Stories of Finding Home In collaboration with Camp Quixote, an independent free-form tent city in Olympia, formed by the Poor People's Union, who believe shelter, dignity and mental and physical health to be basic human entitlements. Playback Theatre is a spontaneous collaboration between performers and audience. People tell moments from their lives, then watch them re-created with movement, music and dialogue. (downtown Olympia on the corner of 5th and Water) Cost: $5.00 to $10.00 (No one is turned away and group rates available)

Saturday 10 a.m. First Christian Church, 7^th and Franklin, Olympia, Plan to participate in a public information meeting on the camp's move to this downtown faith community's covered parking lot December 29. The public is invited to learn about Camp Q, meet residents and supporters, ask questions and hear how you can individually support this community of houseless people.

Saturday 4 to 6:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Legion Way at Boundry St. Christmas party for Camp Q residents, friends, supporters, volunteers and just about anyone else who would like to break bread with the group. Come bake cookies, enjoy light dinner and music.

Merry Christmas from Camp Quixote.

My wife and I recently went on a shopping trip to pick up some coats, hats, and umbrellas, as well as some hand-warmers for the people in the camp. We've decided that we want to be more active in the community, and to be directly involved in the lives of people who have the greatest need. We want to partner with groups (such as the camp) who are already knee-deep in the situation, and are doing whatever they can to help. And we want to help people get out of the situation they're in and work to equip them with skills and opportunities they need to get back on their own feet.

Read more from Olympia blogger Josh at Hungry and Cold via his newprotest.org site. Comments are enabled there.

Homeless Pinellas residents are moving into Pinellas Hope, a temporary "tent city" operated by Catholic Charities on 10 acres in an industrial area in mid Pinellas County.

The five-month pilot program was the multiagency response to last year's homeless debacle that thrust the city into an unwanted national spotlight. That's when St. Petersburg police caused an uproar by slashing dozens of tents belonging to the homeless.