Ballard residents recently met some future neighbors, when eight Tent City 3 residents talked about an upcoming move to Our Redeemer's Church.

The church has invited the roving homeless camp to set up their tents in their parking from March 1 to April 26. The church is at 2400 N.W. 85th St.

"We have always been a community of faith that has a heart for people pushed to the margins," said Pastor Steve Grumm.

Our Redeemer's Church supports the Compass Center in Pioneer Square, the Lutheran Alliance to Create Housing, the Ballard Ecumenical Homeless Ministry and the city of Seattle's ten-year plan to end homelessness.

This was the first of two public meetings church officials have scheduled to talk about their decision to welcome in Tent City 3. The church had been approached about a year ago and church members voted last month to be accept the camp.

The camps are run by SHARE/WHEEL (Seattle Housing and Resource Effort/Women's Housing Equality and Enhancement League). They operate 15 shelters and two Tent City locations that move around Seattle and the eastside.

Several people at the meeting, who live near the church, took issue with Our Redeemer's holding a public meeting after deciding to bring in Tent City 3. One man said he lived four blocks away and did not know about it.

Those who complained about the lack of community input in the process said they were not opposed to Tent City 3 and had heard good things about it.

They did want more neighborhood input on the "front end of the process, not the back end," after the decision had already been made.

Our Redeemer's sent out post cards to homes within a two-block radius. A total of 850 cards were sent to residents and schools informing them the church would be voting whether or not to take in Tent City 3.

Trinity United Methodist Church in Ballard has invited Tent City to stay twice in the past. Tent City has also stayed at a church in the Phinney area.

The camp averages 50 residents and the city allows them to have up to 100. The camp moves to a new location every 30 to 90 days. A portable restroom is on site. A tent serves as a kitchen with a microwave for heating meals.

"We are a self help group. We set our own rules and govern," said Tent City 3 resident Duncan Stancil.

A strict code of conduct ensures that the camp is drug, alcohol and violence free. A five-member executive runs Tent City 3.

The Tent City 3 residents at the meeting told the Our Redeemer's neighbors they don't tolerate anything that endangers their members or the community that hosts them.

"We discuss solutions as a group. Any breech of conduct is dealt with at that time and evictions handled. Barred people are escorted to the bus stop," said Bryan Bracken.

Unlike shelters, Tent City 3 allows married couples to live together.

Daren and Rhonda Walker said they have been able to grow as a couple while living in Tent City 3. They receive bus tickets to look for employment.

"We've been well provided for. It's really not a bad place at all. I would recommend it to anyone who needs it," said Rhonda Walker.

Tent City residents were asked why they don't go to shelters instead.

With 8,000 homeless people and only 2500 beds available in the city, many are left out on the streets.

"In a shelter you have to carry your luggage out everyday. You check in at night and are gone the next day," said Daren Walker. Those looking for jobs would be carrying all their belongings with them around the city.

Potential residents are screened. Only people who have been child molesters or predators are not allowed into Tent City 3.

The Ballard homeowners at the meeting were not concerned about Tent City 3 residents, but the other homeless people the camp could attract to their streets.

Residents take turn doing security and patrol a two-block perimeter, picking up trash along the way. They wear a vest with "Security" printed on it.

"If we see any unusual activity, we report it," said Daren Walker.

Families who show up can be admitted for a night, but efforts are made to find them indoor shelter. Tent City 3 is not set up to accommodate families.

One Ballard resident said Tent City 3 is not a complete solution for people who live on the streets. "We need a place for homeless people to live," she said.

Another local resident asked about donating items such as blankets. Donation forms area will be available at Tent City 3 for people to fill out. The camp needs garbage bags, batteries, warm socks, flashlights, phone cards, duct tape, tents and other items. A security tent is set up at the entrance to Tent City 3 to take in donations.

"The congregation talked about the process. We know the neighbors care and are interested in the process. We will continue to invite responses. We need to know how it is going," said Grumm.

A second meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. at the church.

When Tent City arrives at Our Redeemer's, tours will be available to the public.

Donations can be sent to: SHARE/WHEEL, P. O. Box 2548, Seattle, WA 98111. Checks should say "Tent City Donation." SHARE/WHEEL's phone number is 660-6168 for comments, questions or complaints. Visit http://www.ourredeemers.net.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com