Tent City in Lakewood, New Jersey is home to dozens of tents and shelters housing over 70 homeless people. Pitching tents in the woods is one thing, but carving out the amenities to make life satisfying, and propel residents forward is another thing entirely.
Finding shelter is only one issue facing Americans who lose everything and have no place left to go. Food, clothing, of course, but the ability to stay clean and be available to reach out into the world to find employment is vital.
With few New Jersey homeless shelters offering assistance, Reverend Steve Brigham decided to offer Tent City residents more than just those basics, he's tried to create a place that somehow allows residents a sense of ownership and belonging.
Not many people are faced with problem of turning a tent into a home and the amount of work it actually requires is immense.
In this video Reverend Steve discusses the amenities and community that are a crucial part of Tent City: