In the 14 months that Tent City has operated under the name Grace Campus, a new name is the first on a list of many things that have changed.
The property underwent several adjustments, both cosmetic and interpersonal.
Some of those changes included insulation of the barn to provide extra warmth in the winter, adding classes for residents on a variety of subjects, and the addition of “tiny homes” (thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvement and other organizations) that replace the old tents that gave the place its moniker “Tent City.”
“I’m pretty amazed that it is where it is now,” said Chris Moore, president of Paul’s Project, the group that operates Grace Campus. “Sometimes it’s really hard, you have so many people living here, it’s hard to focus on other things that need to be taken care of.”
“We’ve gotten rid of all of our dealers that we know of,” Moore said. “It feels more community-like.”
“I think it’s changing for the better,” said Timothy Brite, who has lived at Grace Campus on and off for approximately a year.
Brite, who moved in to the property at the corner of 13th Street and Avenue A after a divorce, said the tiny homes are the tip of the iceberg.
“It has made people out here feel better as a whole, as a person,” he said. “It makes me feel better so be able to say that hey I have an actual roof over my head. Not just a canvas.”
Christa Morgan, another resident, stated that the support system at Grace Campus has changed her world.
“I owe them everything, they gave me everything. They gave me that second chance at life,” Morgan said.
Morgan explained she came to Grace Campus unemployed, addicted, and in a bad place.
“This place is named appropriately Grace Campus. By the grace of God, here I am. Here I am employed. Here I am clean. Here I am ready to change my life. It’s a beautiful thing. I love it, I love them.”
“[And] I can close my windows when it rains,” she said with a smile, referring to her new living quarters.
For Andres Benavides, who moved in on January 25, 2016, Grace Campus has been a safe haven.
“I feel blessed with Grace Campus because they provided me with a place that i can get on my feet and move on,” Benavides said. “I appreciate what they do. They’re doing marvelous work.”
Moore acknowledged that there have been hiccups along the way, like trouble with too many folks residing in the barn during the winter months.
“Our compassion level was way high, and we had a rough winter,” he explained. “Never know what is going to happen.”
But, Moore sees a bright future for the 89 residents who call Grace Campus home.
“The compassion level is high still. I love everyone and I want to help everybody out,” he said.
“A lot of people out here think they’re no good, they’re society’s throwaways and I’m sure they’ve heard that before,” Moore explained. “Once they start to realize that they have worth, it’s kind of cool to see the change and see people get up off their duff and start living life again as part of mainstream society.”
“I’m glad that they’re doing it because I know that there’s people that loves [sic] us,” Benavides said.
“It’s a good day and I’m alive so I can’t complain too much,” Brite added.
