Nomads of Seattle - living in Tent City 3

Camping in winter 2009.  Photo by Marc Weinberg

By Marc Weinberg

To me camping or sleeping in a tent was always about a fun and an adventurous experience; something to look forward to for a week or weekend. And, of course, it was always during the summer months, never in winter. But for those in Tent City 3 it is a way of life, dealing with those circumstances that are mostly unpredictable.

What brings one hundred people together like this? Most of the time the answers I hear are loss of a job, financial problems, few friends, divorce or no family to call on for help, and many are reluctant to ask.

I’ve been photographing and writing about Tent City 3 since December 2008 in an effort to shine a light on the need for more resources and support for this growing segment of our population. I’ve also been scouring the garage and estate sales on weekends asking for donations. For me it has become like a scavenger hunt, finding adult clothing (no children in Tent City 3), shoes, boots, tents, tooth paste and brushes, bedding, towels, blankets and more.

Frozen water, cold hands. Photo by Marc Weinberg

In December of 2008 when I first visited Tent City 3 at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline, my wife and I decided we would not buy presents for each other that holiday. Instead we asked for a list from Tent City of what they needed. We went to Costco and Deseret Industries and purchased things for them. Shortly after New Years we had several snow events and it drove me crazy to think of them living like that. At night when I went to sleep and noticed my feet were cold, I could not imagine how they must have felt.

Guest and resident entrance
Photo by Marc Weinberg

And so today, three years later, I often question why I am still doing things for them with such a degree of interest. And each time the answer is the same…..because I cannot forget that they are there. I can’t imagine ninety or sixty days camping at one church and then a moving somewhere else. And to those who say ‘why don’t they get a job and get out,’ the answer should be more clear than ever. It’s on the evening news every night.

Please don't pass us by. Photo by Marc Weinberg

In March 2009 when I began making their photo album for them I wrote a preface to that book (which they maintain in their camp) which reads as follows.

Dear Tent City 3, 

This is Our Album, yours and mine, and it will grow as we all will. These pages represent only the times we’ve spent together and not when we’ve been alone and apart. My effort is to remind myself and us that our lives may be separate, but our needs are the same. I respect your right to privacy in your home and thank you for inviting me in.

When I began this project, I had no idea what it would mean to come into your life or you into mine. From my brief visits to your door over this winter with gifts of mine and my neighbors, I realized I wanted to do more, to share with others the community where we all live. 

My photos, like myself, may be imperfect. They may never hang on an important wall, but they are important nonetheless. They are a record in time when I saw you for just a second and realized you were there. Thank you for sharing your life with me. 

Sincerely, Marc

View from my tent. Photo by Marc Weinberg

Consider what you might do for our “Nomads of Seattle”.

Financial help by check to: Greater Seattle Cares PO Box 77815 Seattle WA 98177-0815

Or by PayPal 

Material goods donations go to Greater Seattle Cares (here's the list of items needed) and they deliver directly to the camp at Prince of Peace Church, 14514 20th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.  

Camp needs during these cold months: blankets, tarps, warm clothes (especially socks and shoes), toiletries, non-perishable foods that especially those that can be heated in the microwave.

If you can provide hot meals…  contact Liz Fenn at 425-698-5581 or check the Greater Seattle Cares calendar online.

Winter Wonderland. Photo by Marc Weinberg