Integrity Village Tent City Location Revealed, with Map

POPI

I have done some research on this very problem and the city owns abandon buildings that are just boarded up that would be perfect for the homeless. For just a few thousand dollars these buildings could be set up to allow the homeless a place to go. But the powers that be have said repeatedly that they do not have the funds to under take such a project. That seems funny to me because they are able to come up with money to negotiate with the Rams football team to keep them here in St Louis. I think someone needs to rethink this city's priority's.

Think about it

To everyone that thinks they know anything bout being HOMELESS when you never were homeless - there is 1 shelter bed to every 100 to 250 homeless people in every state in this nation. In some places it is illegal to be homeless. If you look at the federal law; without proper state i.d. and at least $1.00 on your person you are legally homeless - that includes wearing your bathrobe out to grab the newspaper.

Guest

I am a property owner in the neighborhood where this "tent" city is be erected and I am disgusted to say the least. I believe that this is nothing more than a selfish publicity stunt by Larry Rice. This neghborhood has come a LONG way over the last several years and I question the timing...why now? 10 years ago this neighborhood was full of vacant buildings...now there are new homes and rehabbed family dwellings coming on the market daily. I agree that something should be done to help the homeless however why not provide mental healthcare, job/skills training, transitional housing, etc. It is not appropriate to have people living in makeshift tents anywhere! I admit this is a sore spot for me because I live in this neighborhood and I am proud to see the positive things that are happening but I can honestly say that I dont support this as a solution to the homeless problem anywhere.

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

AMERICA is slowly turning into a slummy ghetto hood country weather you like it or not. known as the Barrio in Mexico.

Jcwaterside

What selfish blindness. If it was up to you, the homeless and poor would all be run out of town or put into jails. Go buy yourself an island and live on it. This country was founded for everyone, not just those who wish it to be some kind of "pretty fantasy land" with no place for those who don't fit into their pretty picture. On a global scale, no where does the rich shame and persecute the poor like they do in this country, which we all know is one of the richest. And if you don't count yourself as one of the rich, check again. If you have a roof over your head, a bed to sleep on, and food in the pantry, you are. People like Larry Rice wouldn't have to build tent cities if you gave a hoot about others the way you care about yourself.

SHAKA FROM HAWAII

Over here in hawaii the many many homeless are allowed to live in ala moana park in Honolulu/Waikiki beach in the grass under the shade trees next to the sea. they are also allowed to live in areas next to the beach on the west side of Oahu and in other parks all around the island. they live in RVs, TENTS ,VANS and some build and live in Shanty homes next to the ocean all over around here and the cops leave them alone. where are they suppose to go when you live on an island 2000 miles from the mainland? you can see these Hawaiian homeless by going to YOU TUBE and watch the videos called homeless in hawaii. if your gonna be homeless you might as well live in hawaii its always sunny and it never gets below 74 degrees all year long and the sea water is a constant 79 degrees all year long. air temps are 78 to 86 all year long. if you have to suffer its better to suffer in paradise in hawaii instead of back east cold snow and rain like in st louis mo.

niki

If he's allowed to set up a "tent city" on this property, am I allowed to fence off an adjacent parcel of gound and raise goats on it? What about the property rights of the neighbors?

Mary

I wonder if "Rev" Rice will wear his hairpiece when he visits the new site? He has at least 5 hairpieces @ approximately $1500.00 each....money that could have been spent on feeding lots of people. WE DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE BALD, LARRY!!!!! Go natural. Be honest for a change.

ConcernedCitizen

I live very near this site, on shaw. I've only lived here a year but from what I can tell the neighborhood is nice. This tent city will ruin property value and make the residents of my neighborhood feel unsafe. If anyone is opposed to the location of this tent city please contact the 17th ward alderman here- http://www.17thwardstl.com/Con...

Mike N.

I have to imagine the fact that the site is clearly visible from I-44 had something to do with the choice.

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

the homeless camp is near to freeway to encourage the homeless to hitch hike out of town.

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

the sound of the freeway gets their gypsy nomad blood flowing better. thats when they get gypsy fever and head on down the road to some where else.

Guest

Larry Rice is an attention seeking whore, who has stated that visibility was his main intention for this new tent city. Does he not realize the effect of making this issue highly visible from the interstate? This affects everyone's perspective of the city, both locals and visitors. We all know there are homeless people, both in the city and the county; but do we really want to advertise "Move to the city and douchebags like Larry Rice might just erect a homeless mecca next to you!"?. It's ridiculous, and insulting to those who do everything they can to showcase the good this city has to offer. Additionally, the previous tent cities were demolished because of poor sanitation, a rat infestation, and various violent events.

Lastly, I'm disgusted by him using religion as a bullshit rouse to obtain federal protection. There is nothing religious about this community! It is a blight on our community, and city as a whole.

Adam Cisroe Pearson

Mike, you're exactly right. In another article, Rice stated that visibility was definitely an impetus for the placement. I'm blown away by how close it is to the other houses on the block...

Robin Watt

I'm just hoping and praying Rev Rice's heart and intentions are in the right place. Would be better to see better programs setup to get the homeless jobs and homes if they wanted them, instead of moving them into another tent city.

Douche_McGee

I'd hate to be living in one of those houses, paying taxes knowing a tent city was going to pop up next door. I'm sure it will do wonders for property values.