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🚨 URGENT – Help Keep a Mom and 5 Kids Safe! 🚨
Two days ago, we met a mother and her five young children (ages 2 to 10) who were camping just six feet from the St. Lucie River. Within ten minutes of arriving with Roshada from Treasure Coast Services Council, one of the kids went missing.
We ran the shoreline in a panic searching for a child who doesn’t swim. When we finally spotted them, everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief.
While Roshada and mom finished housing paperwork on the TCHSC portable Wi-Fi computer, I kept watch on the kids—ready to use my old lifeguard skills if needed. It was simply too dangerous to stay there.
Thankfully, we got approval from our board for 8 days for two connecting rooms at a downtown hotel—walking distance to Publix and Kiwanis Park. The next morning, we helped the family pack up their campsite. As we cleaned, an alligator appeared, watching the 2-year-old. Again… too dangerous.
Now the family is safe and smiling in the hotel, but we need help to keep them there until housing is ready (estimated 2–3 weeks).
🩵 Here’s how you can help:
Go to 👉 www.tentcityhelpers.org
Click Donate and write “for hotel” in the message box.
The two rooms cost $190 per night, and every bit helps.
They’re walking distance from everything they need—and we’ve already contacted the school to get the boys on the bus route.
These kids are adorable, brave, and covered in ant bites 😢—but now they have a safe place to rest thanks to your kindness.
Please help us keep them there until a permanent home is secured. 💙
Tent City Helpers – Compassion in Action.
#TentCityHelpers #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #unhousedpeopleneedtorest #sheltersneedednow #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil #empathy
Wow! The homemade lasagna, garlic bread and meatballs were a big hit. Thanks Donnie Orr and Charlie’s Bar and Grill for providing such hearty meals to our unhoused folks. Donnie served 55 folks at our 6 stops on Monday. We so appreciate him and Charlie’s!!
#TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #appreciative #feedingthehomeless❤️ #bestvolunteersever
Thanks to Amber, Monica, Carol and the extra Hand for putting together our grocery bags. This week they packed in our grocery bags a community made snack pack, water, antiseptic wipes, little bag of Q-Tips, Vitamin C drops, a pull off the top can of pasta, a spoon and a banana. The ladies made 59 bags and we ended up serving 55 of them to our local residents that are unhoused. It was great having 7 hands working together!
#TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy #spreadingsunshine☀️ #BeABlessingToOthers #proudofcrew #teamworkmakesthedreamworkork
Photojournalist Crystal Vander Weit took some great photos of our friend Christine for the TCPalm. We must not ignore these issues in Martin Coynty!
#TentCityHelpers #unhousedpeopleneedshelter #safeandsecureplacetocamp #weneedtodobetter #affordablehousingsolutions #sheltersneedednow #sufferinginourcommunity
In the newspaper today Jack Lemmus does a great job of summarizing the homeless situation in Martin County. Just last weekend we had a mother of two girls, one of which is severely handicapped, have to leave Jonathan Dickerson State park. All the parks that allow camping locally have stay limits. J.D. Park’s limit is 2 weeks in a row and a total of 21 days annually. She decided to park at Jensen Beach Community Church for the night with her girls. The police came at 2am and scared the little family and was told to leave from the church’s parking lot. She said she drove around until sunrise and the had to get her girls to school. She was then running out of gas. We met up and filled her car up with gas and helped her get set up at Savannah Preserve Park where she can only stay a week. There are no other campers around at the park but still she and her daughters can only stay a week. What is wrong? You can not sleep in your car at a church? You can not legally camp but for a limited time and campsites are empty? We must as a community do better!
Feeling blessed that we were able to help this family. We were able to supply a new. 10 x 10 ft canopy and a large tent. The weather has been really hard on our friends that are unhoused. Look how this Mom’s tent ended up after the wind and rain. Tents aren’t meant to be permanent housing for this reason. All the families belonging got wet 😢.
If you would like to donate to Tent City Helpers’s nonprofit, 501c3, go to our website at www.tentcityhelpers.com and click the donate button or mail your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach Fl 34957. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #bethegoodintheworld🌍
Thanks to Everyone involved in making our Full Moon Deliveries a success. We served 54 people who are unhoused. Thanks to Amber, Martha and Monica for packing 60 grocery bags. Thanks to Cheri and Maryanne who provide the fresh fruit. Thanks to Lindsay and her daughter Ainsley for cooking the best meal ever! Thanks to Brenda, Jerry, Vicki, Pete, Josh and Kathy for doing the deliveries. Thanks to Oats for unloading the cars and putting back in storage…. It takes a village! #tentcityhelpers #ittakesavillage #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #bestvolunteers #appreciative
Homelessness in Florida
On any given night in Florida, an estimated 28,498 individuals experience homelessness. A common misconception is that all people experiencing homelessness are "broken" should be in mental health institutions, or are a danger to themselves or others. The data tells a different story.
20% are chronically homeless - meaning they have a disability and have experienced long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness.
17% report having a severe mental illness.
13% have a substance use disorder.
These numbers ate not mutually exclusive, as some individuals experience both mental illness and substance use challenges. Most people with a mental illness or substance use disorder are housed, and most people without housing are not a danger to themselves or others.
The primary reason people experience homelessness is simple - they cannot find housing they can afford. Each person's story is unique, and grouping everyone into a single narrative is neither accurate nor helpful.
For more information about homelessness in Florida, please see the infographic below:
Florida has a growing homelessness crisis, ranking among the states with the most homeless individuals, and saw a 39% increase in homelessness from 2020 to 2024. Florida ranks fourth in the United States for total number of homeless individuals. With rising housing costs and lack of affordable housing contributing to the homeless crisis. Martin County has more people unhoused than St. Lucie County and St. Lucie is a larger county. We need a plan to address the growing need for affordable housing, NOW!
#TentCityHelpers #civilrightsforeveryone #unhousedpeopleneedshelter #unhousedpeopleneedtorest #sufferinginourcommunity #sheltersneedednow #safeandsecureplacetocamp #weneedtodobetter #affordablehousingsolutions
Kind and generous people come in all sorts of different sizes and ethnicities. How caring is Caesar with his cute hot dog! We love our community of caring and compassionate people!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #hometownfeeling❤️ #spreadingsunshine☀️ #guitargift #goodneighboraward #caringandcompassionatecommunity #BeABlessingToOthers
Here is our friend at the Memorial Park stop. She needed a bike and we were able to give her this beauty. Thanks to Vicki who donated the bike. Thanks to Carl who works on our donated bikes and gets them all ready to ride.
Our friend was very appreciative and thank us several times.
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button. Alternatively you can send your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957 Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #spreadingsunshine☀️ #bikedonations #appreciative
Here we are at Flagler Park on Monday. Jeffery is wearing his new Pink Floyd T-shirt. He has such great stories of his travels with such great bands. We appreciate Jeffery's positive disposition. He always makes us smile.
#FutureIsBright #youarethestar⭐️ #teamworkmakesthedreamworkork #proudofcrew #guitargift #greatestPinkFloydshirtever
Congratulations to Tent City Helpers for earning the Platinum Level of Transparency for 2025.
Check out our profile if you are considering a donation. https://app.candid.org/profile/9553964/tent-city-helpers/?pkId=d8172209-6d9a-4e7d-835c-a7fb645f210f&isActive=true
Platinum is a higher level of non-profit transparency than Gold. We are so proud of our consistently high ratings with grant organizers like Candid.
If you are interested in donating go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button. Alternatively you can mail us your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily PL, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957
#candidrating #transparencycounts #Platinumhigherthangold #tentcityhelpers #greatorganization
This was in Sunday’s Stuart News Paper. Seniors and families are changing the face of Who is homeless in America. According to this years HUD report Seniors and families are the fastest growing group of unhoused people.
#TentCityHelpers #peopledeserveshelter #peopleneedaplacetolive #humanesolutions #Wheredotheunhousedgo
What a good community member! The man on the right is Pratt (Rod) Peterson. He brought Milfred over to pick up this huge box (86 lbs.). This is the electric bike that a special donor of ours donated for Milfred. I asked if Rod had tools that Milfred could borrow to put the bike together. He assured me that he would make sure Milfred has everything to assemble the bike. We nominate Rod Peterson for the good neighbor award!!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #caringandcompassionatecommunity #goodneighboraward
This was us on a gray Monday. We got rained on a bit. But coming back over the Roosevelt Bridge the sun came out. Such a great crew of volunteers! We deliver on Mondays, rain, shine or holiday!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #extraspecialpeople #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #nowheretogo
This is one of the reasons we serve. The appreciation from our friends that are unhoused…. 🥰. Then the generosity of our donors. Thanks to the donor who donated the brand new white Ladies Bike. Your bike found a happy recipient!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #ittakesavillage
This was the 2,000th meal we served to Jeffery on Monday. We are such cheerleaders! Jeffery thought he was getting punked. Haha! He won a WaWas gift card donated by MacKenna, a Bluetooth speaker, and a Pink Floyd t-Shirt thanks to our donors. The meal was a whole Beacon 21 neighborhood effort. Neighbors Antonio and Carlos organized and cooked the main dish and corn soufflé. Other neighbors make different batches of cupcakes. And another neighbor made the coleslaw. Kathy Our volunteer is the other neighbor that collected the food and served 59 unhoused folks from the back of her car. Thanks so much to the great neighbors in Beacon 21 that made such a delicious homemade meal.
#2000mealsserved
#caringforthecommunity #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #extraspecialpeople #caringandcompassionatecommunity #TentCityHelpers #goodheart❤ #ittakesavillage
One of our women we serve was offered a job but needed black slip resistant shoes, socks and a black t-shirt. Well one of our donors stepped up and that allowed us to purchase new shoes. We get free socks from Bombas through Yamilla at Por A Vida's non-profit. Then Nancie Burke donated a freshly washed gently used woman's black t-shirt (how does she know what we need without even asking?). This Village "Rocks"!
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.com and hit the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#readyforwork #FutureIsBright #ittakesavillage #caringandcompasionate
Thanks to Darlene and Jen for their donation. Quite a few years ago, Darlene was hit on her bike by a car while going to work at the hospital. She nearly lost her life. She has recovered except for her vision. It amazes me her great attitude and generous nature, wanting to help those people who do not have a home.
Jen has this great t-shirt on. Jen drives for Darlene and helps her out. At Unity of Jensen Beach you can find Jen Whispering to Darlene the songs lyrics. Darlene has a great voice and is able to sing with Jen's help.
"Whisper words of Wisdom, Let it be..." The Beatles...
If you would like to follow Darlene and Jen's example you can go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button. Alternately you could send your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach, Florida 34957. Thanks in advance!
#Whisperwordsofwisdom #letitbe #ittakesavillage #TentCityHelpers #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤
We are so excited to let everyone know that Bradly has just had his book "Poetic Recovery" published. You can buy it on Amazon. We just ordered 10 copies for our library and to share with others that are in recovery. Great going Bradly!! We are so proud of our Influencer!!!
#TentCityHelpers #ittakesavillage #futureisbright #happyforyou❤️ #influencersfortheunhoused #soberityrocks #beabossinyourlife #youarethestar⭐️ #artistforjustice #unhousedpoet
Wow! Thanks to Christina Cunningham and the Olivet Private School-a community of homeschoolers. Christina organized and the she and her husband brought them to us. These are over 200 snack bags that they collected food for and then made them up. What a great group of students. They wrote kind notes and put in them in each snack bag. What a great experience in community compassion! Thanks to every single person that helped. You are so appreciated.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamworkork
This is Monday at our Iglesia Lugares Celestiales stop across from Winn Dixie on Salerno Road. Some people believe any garbage they find in the woods are unhoused folks crap. We know so many clean and tidy unhoused folks. We just hate the generalizations.
Some of those garbage piles are archeological digs of people’s stuff, housed people have illegally dumped on land too. It’s a big job for an unhoused person clean up other people’s stuff and be at risk to be trespassed the next day.
A big Shout out to Nancie Burke. She always makes sure we have pet food, a couple of good books (for our mini library), and double bagged grocery bags.
Here is Chip and myself he was glad to get some dog food for his dog. We served 54 unhoused folks on Monday. This brings our total meals served this year to 1,993. Next week we will reach over 2,000!
We served a delicious mushroom and rice soup, a roll and a oatmeal cookie for desert. Thanks to Three Little Birds Restaurant and Barney Salzberg for organizing and cooking the meal.
It really takes a village and we are so glad to have so many caring and compassionate people that makes our outreach work!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #foodforourunhoused #dontcriminalizehomelessness
Rudy said a prayer and gave us a recommendation. He even set a good example by taking his hat (lid) off. Then everyone takes off their caps. Rudy has his family in Stuart that’s why he doesn’t want to go to a shelter out of town. We need a shelter in Martin County. To provide shelter while people get the help and resources they need to live independent… we love Rudy’s Prayers 🙏🏼. If you would like to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button or send your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach Fl 34957. Thanks in advance! #proudofcrew #peopledeserveshelter #HousingFirstWorks #prayerforunhoused #foodforourunhoused #dontcriminalizehomelessness #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #bethegoodintheworld🌍
Here was part of our handsome crew at the church, Iglesia Lugares Celestiales, parking lot. This is where we meet now instead of Winn-Dixie. They are right across the street from Winn-Dixie on Salerno Road. Thanks Jerry, Pete and Oats for giving out grocery bags and cold drinks. It threatened to rain and it was in the forecast but we managed to stay dry.
#TentCityHelpers #ittakesavillage #extraspecialpeople #bestvolunteersever #proudofcrew #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
This makes it easy to donate to Tent City Helpers. Take your phone camera and focus on the QR code and click it and it will take you to PayPal to make your personal donation. We are all volunteers, the only overhead is an A.C. Storage Unit. We work hard at getting the best deals for our local unhoused residents. Your donations go directly to food, supplies and services for our most vulnerable residents. Become part of our caring and compassionate community, Tent City Helpers!
#TentCityHelpers #caringandcompasionate #community #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #BeABlessingToOthers #feedingthehomeless❤️ #extraspecialpeople #empathy
Happy Sunday! This is our kind of Church... Our Flagler stop on Monday deliveries. Here are Jerry, Sophia, Jen, DJ and Donnie. Donnie and Jen brought their granddaughter, Sophia for a demonstration of giving in love. You can see DJ has a bag with a meal in it and a bag with all his newly acquired camping supplies and a grocery bag. We are so glad the next generation is learning about the joy of giving...
If you would like to find out more about us or the joy of giving you can donate by going to www.tentcityhelpers.org or mail your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Place, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957 Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #spreadingsunshine☀️ #futureisbright
Thanks to Sandy for volunteering and making us snack bags. As you can see Oats our Accountant, Warehouse manager, chief recycler, does all the heavy lifting around here. Thanks Sandy for coming to the rescue with snack bags for our unhoused residents.
#TentCityHelpers #caringcommunity #caringforthecommunity #feedingthehomeless❤️ #extraspecialpeople #BeABlessingToOthers #caringandcompassionatecommunity
We were so excited to see Jeffery with a guitar. He has played his whole life until recently. He had been pushing Sandy in a wheelchair for so long his fingers had curled. Sandy has made her transition 2 years ago and we miss her. When he first got the guitar from Lori he said he was going to return it because his fingers just were not working right. But Jeffery said he stuck with it and now his fingers are adapting and remembering how to play. We are so glad that Lori gifted the guitar to Jeffery. He will enjoy getting his talent back!
#guitargift #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #spreadingsunshine☀️
Here was our last stop on Monday at the Treasure Coast Mall McDonald's. We hate to see families not housed. We got a call yesterday from a hotel in Fort Pierce asking for help. They had a family staying there that had the Dad taken away by ICE. Now his little family has no income and no idea where their bread winner was taken. So now this little family faces homelessness. We need to make sure all our families are housed. Children deserve a stable home. Families are one of the largest groups of people becoming unhoused. We must all work together in supporting our families so they do not become unhoused...
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #peopledeserveshelter #peopleneedaplacetolive #bestvolunteersever #proudofcrew
Thanks to Nannette and the Monday Night Women's Bible Study group at the, Family Church North Stuart, for making these huge snack bags. Our unhoused folks will really appreciate the abundance of food and caring that went into making each bag. You can see our stuffed mascot "Dolly" the ninja hamster in the background. LOL
#TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy #ninjahampster
Thanks to Charlie's Bar and Grill for sponsoring our meal on Monday. Thanks to Donnie and Jen for getting the food all organized and then serving the meal to our unhoused friends. The meal of Chicken fingers, pasta salad, chip and a chocolate chip cookie was enjoyed by all. We served 53 people that are unhoused and there was enough for even the volunteers to get a meal. Thanks to Donnie and Jen Orr for being such good, warm hearted, people.💕
#caringcommunity #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #goodheart❤
We are doing deliveries on Monday, Labor Day. Donnie and Jen, from Charlie's Bar and Grill, will be serving our unhoused folks a hot meal of Chicken Tenders, pasta salad, potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. We will have snack bags and ice cold Gatorades and iced tea. We will also have bug spray and camping supplies.
To find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #charliesneighborhoodbarandgrill #servingtheunhoused
This was on our Monday deliveries. Here are Denisha and Pete enjoying the home smoked pork sliders. They were happy to have a meal fixed with love 💕. We give positive regard to all our unhoused friends building relationships and trust… we are spreading that hometown feeling! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage
Thanks to Brenda and her son for smoking the pork in their smoker and then making pulled pork sliders, coleslaw, cookie and rice Krispy Treat for our unhoused folks. We served 49 people that were thankful for a meal, ice cold Gatorade, grocery bag, and camping supplies. Thanks Brenda and son your kindness and efforts do not go unnoticed! So glad you are part of our village…
#tentcityhelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #goodheart❤ #helpforneedy #kindandcaring #greatvolunteers
This makes my heart sing 🎵.... Ryan and his wife were put into a hotel until housing is found where he will be able to use his veteran's HUD voucher. Ryan told us he slept like a baby. He turned the thermostat down to 61 degrees and slept like Rip Van Winkle.
Can you imagine sleeping outdoors in south Florida for three years and then get a night in AC. Sleep is so important to health, mental well being and ability to work. Both Ryan and his partner are working. We wish them the best and will help them make the transition.
Thanks to Roshada and the tough ladies at the Surge Event. Ryan said jokingly that the ladies some with biceps bigger than his made him sign up for all the benefits he qualified for being a veteran. We all laughed ...
I'll post in the comments Ryan's military photo. He is such a nice, kind human bean!!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #outreachforhouseless #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #futureisbright #nolongerunhoused
We accepted a donation of over 90 snack bags from Brenna. She organized the Treasure Coast Progressive Humanitarians to collect unperishable snacks. Then they gathered and packed the Gallon zip lock bags with different tasty snacks. Thanks to Brenna and the Treasure Coast Progressive Humans for being such a ray of hope to others. They sure brightened our day and will brighten all the unhoused folks that will be receiving these thoughtfully packed snacks.
Check out their Facebook and Instagram page. They are a safe space to connect, get involved with likeminded progressive humanitarians and local community!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #ittakesavillage #spreadingsunshine☀️ #caringforthecommunity #compassionatecommunity #TreasureCoastProgressiveHumanitarians
Thanks to Martha Howell, of the Kiwanis Club of Martin County, for making homemade chili and corn bread for our meal. We served 52 unhoused folks on Monday. Since January 1st 2025 we have served 1,784 meals to 284 unhoused individuals. Thanks to Joan Salzberg for organizing meals for the 3rd Monday of each month for a year through her connections with Three Birds Cafe and Kiwanis Club. It truly takes a village...
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #ittakesavillage #foodforourunhoused #feedingthehomeless❤️ #kiwanisclubofmartincounty
This was our stop at Flagler park on Monday. We were so happy to find out that Tony, the third person on the left, a veteran is getting indoors. He and his partner will finally have AC. Roshada from Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council has been working overtime. By working together we were able to find Tony through our networking and good relationships with people. First they will be in a hotel until housing is found. He will be able to use his HUD voucher. He is holding a clean shirt, shorts, batteries and a cold ice tea. We are so honored to be partnering with Roshada and TCHSC.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #helpforneedy #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #outreachforhouseless #HousingFirstWorks #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil
Here is a photo of one of the tents we gave one of our campers. He sent it to us to say thank you. He and his partner were happy to get their new tent up. He was very appreciative and sent us a note and a photo. 🥰
It is not housing but it is better than sleeping on Pine needles. Thanks to everyone who donates so we can provide the very basic essentials. We have a very caring and compassionate community.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy #dontcriminalizehomelessness #humanesolutions #peopledeserveshelter
We were excited to meet Ron at the Hoke Library to help him get a printed Social Security card. The Librarians are all so helpful and kind at the Hoke Library. Ron is here sharing with me the online webcam that has hummingbird feeders. Ron is the reason I have hummingbirds in my yard in season. He knows so much about nature.
Well we tried for over an hour and half to get his SS card printed. We tried our different emails and it was so frustrating. He had already gone to the office in PSL but after waiting several hours there they evidently told him he would have to do it online.
Well without a phone or computer that is tough. But with my phone and the Libraries computer we still could not get his card printed. Ron has a job but they evidently want a copy of his SS card. Egads the frustration of dealing with Social Security... There are so many barriers for our unhoused folks....
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #barrierstohousing #SocialSecurity
This was at our stop at the Iglesia Lugares Celestiales on Salerno Road. Our schedule still says Winn-Dixie but now we meet across Salerno Rd from Winn-Dixie. We have permission from the kind Reverend. We served 48 unhoused resident at our 5 stops. Everyone got a hot meal, cold Gatorade, grocery bag, and whatever camping gear they needed. Plus Brandon got a bike delivered thanks to Vicki. It truly takes a village of caring and compassionate people.
If you would like to find out more or donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage
Thanks to Renato's and Josephine's Restaurant for donating the trays of hot Penne with homemade delicious tomato sauce and cheese. Our unhoused folks appreciated the hot meal on Monday.
Check out our generous partners Renato and Josephine's Restaurant at Harbour Bay Plaza, 3714 SE Ocean Blvd. Stuart. You can call to make a reservations or order to take out 772-266-9131.
#TentCityHelpers #ittakesavillage #appreciation #goodheart #RenatosandJosephines #partnersinkindness #helpforthehomeless
This was at our Memorial Park stop. Brandon and Frank were glad to get a delicious hot meal, ice cold drink, a grocery bag, clean Jeans and size 13 1/2 tennis shoes. They were happy campers.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #spreadingsunshine☀️ #kindandcaring
This is Lynda Zainitzer, bringing us by another assortment of snack bags made by the residents of the Grand Oaks. The residents get some physical therapy in the packing and zip locking the snack bags. They also get that good feeling to help people that are in need. Lynda has been volunteering and helping Tent City Helpers for more than 8 years. She is amazing and we appreciate her enthusiasm in organizing the activity monthly!!
#extraspecialpeople #foodforourunhoused #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #community #ittakesavillage #grandoaks
Here is Roshada, birthday queen, and Duane. We are so happy to see Duane and take comfort in knowing he is living indoors now. He said you just have to keep working towards your goals. Duane is using his college degree at his new job. He is confident he has this!
We wish Duane the best in his new job and his new place. It just shows how persistence prevails. Thanks to Roshada from Treasure Coast Homeless Services Counsel and Dawn who helped this happen. It takes a team effort to help a star player!
#TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #community #ittakesavillage #BeABlessingToOthers #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil
It is once in a Full Sturgeon moon that so many generous donations show up. Thanks to our recurring donors and our supporters that keep us able to serve the local unhoused folks. We see you and appreciate your abundant attitude. Thanks to:
Joshua Estes
Melissa Dallsingh
Kimberly Reeder
Melanie Edwards
Carol Brunkella
Rachael Delekta
Dusty Macphearson
Liz Wrocklage-Gonda
Kathleen Ahearn
John Krajkowski
Bonnie Yonkowski
Wanda Bresette
Nancy Shneider-Viglotti
Unity of Jensen Beach
Thank you for joining and being our caring and compassionate community.
Sincerely,
Gail Harvey
President
Tent City Helpers
Thanks to Lindsay Melda and her kids who made us snack bags. Lindsay also donated 8 gas gift cards. These are so appreciated by our folks that are living out of their car. I was able to give a gas gift card to the sweet mother that is living out of her car. She was so appreciative that she told us she Loved 🥰 us.
God bless all the little children....
If you would like to donate gas gift cards please purchase the gift card/s and send to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957 We will make sure they get to a person in need. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #goodheart❤ #extraspecialpeople #spreadingsunshine☀️
Here is our Flagler stop on Monday. This is Dave who is a veteran and has done several tours of Iraq. He evidently came home to the USA and then was hit by a car with a nineteen year old under the influence. Dave is a popular character downtown. You can see his meal and cold Gatorade in his bike's basket. We are still looking for a Three Wheel Bike for another one of our disabled residents. It takes a village and we appreciate Dave's service to our country. The ladies, Kathy, McKenna and Brenda are giving Dave some special attention!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #helpforneedy #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #bikesfortransportation #outreachforhouseless
Thanks to Sherri who showed up with snack bags!
Our unhoused folks know that a caring community are behind the snack bags. Remember Bradly wrote a poem about origin of the snack bags.
Sherri, thanks for being part of our village!
#extraspecialpeople #BeABlessingToOthers #caringandcompassionatecommunity #feedingthehomeless❤️ #foodforourunhoused #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness
Wow this was the meal that Donnie and Jen served Monday. Thanks to Charlie's Bar and Grill and the Orr's for providing delicious meal. Cheese stuffed shells, meatballs and garlic cheese bread. We served 46 people with enough to even give out seconds. Everyone had a full belly. Donnie and Jen even gave out crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for people to have for lunch tomorrow or sooner....
Jerry gave out ice cold Gatorades/ice teas with a grocery bag with a community made snack pack inside, a water, a can of food, and a fresh tomato and banana.
Then we had the SUV filled with camping supplies, like batteries, socks, bug spray, tents, tarps, emergency clothing, hygiene supplies and sleeping bags.
Thanks again to Charlie's Bar and Grill, Donnie and Jen for organizing and serving. The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were extra nice!!
#TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤ #ittakesavillage #extraspecialpeople #foodforourunhoused
Here are the crew of volunteers that delivered on Monday. Thanks to Donnie that supplied the meal from Charlie's Bar and Grill, Pete, Jen (Donnie's better half), Jerry, Brenda, McKenna, and Kathy. You can see the black cloud lurking in the background. We avoided the rain and served 46 people that are unhoused. Thanks to our great volunteers that make everything happen. That brings our total of meals served for 2025 to 1,684 people served a meal and our services.
If you would like to find out more go to www.tentcityhelpers.org. Thanks in advance! It is the teamwork that makes the dreamwork!!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #extraspecialpeople
This was on our deliveries yesterday. Happy Birthday to our beautiful Roshada and birthday twin Ryan. Celebrating milestones. Our veteran friend, Ryan is getting into housing next week, fingers crossed! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy #extraspecialpeople #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
Thanks to Darby for donating a bike for our friend Robert. Robert was hit by a car on his previous bike. His bike was totaled and Robert cracked several vertebrae. He was hospitalized and had an operation. He still had stitches in his neck. He asked us for a bike and a bike helmet and we delivered. Darby had the tall bike and we provided (you can see on the ground by the bike) a bike helmet, bike lights, and a bike lock. Robert has his grocery bag and cold Gatorade on the ground and has his hot meal in his hands.
Getting back on your feet again after such an accident is not easy. We hope the best for Robert. He really wants to work but his doctors will not let him until he is mended. Thanks Darby for being part of our caring and compassionate community.
If you would like to find out more or donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button or send your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl. Jensen Beach, Fl 34957. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #BeABlessingToOthers #bikesfortransportation
Thanks to Vicki for making an incredible meal for our local unhoused residents. Vicki made enough, Bratwursts, Macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw to feed 61 people. George at our last stop, got seconds on the meals and then it was all finished. Vicki not only cooked she also served the meals with Donnie's help. We have some of the most kind and generous volunteers. I have to say we have some very funny volunteers too. They keep us laughing! It's the teamwork that makes the dreamwork!!
#BeABlessingToOthers #foodforourunhoused #extraspecialpeople #feedingthehomeless❤️ #greatvolunteers #caringandcompassionatecommunity #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
Here was our stop at the church Iglesia Lugares Celestiales, across from Winn-Dixie on Salerno Rd. Roshada from the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council looks pretty in purple. Then we have Kathy, Jerry, Our Veteran, Michael Lauderdale, Martin, Donnie hiding behind Vicki. It was so awesome that Michael showed up. The Veterans Services have evidently been looking for him. Without a phone it is hard to communicate with services and get help. Roshada made a date in person with Michael to follow up on the services he qualifies for. We are very blessed to be a conduit to services and residents that are unhoused.
The sun looks cool in the photo but there was nothing about this stop that was cool this time of year.
Be the light!
Thanks to Eric who came to the rescue! Eric made us 60 snack packs. We were able to give them all out on Monday. We served 61 unhoused folks on Monday making our total for the year 1,638 meals served. Thanks to Eric everyone got a snack bag (with a sandwich), a banana, a case of oranges, a bottle of water, a pop off top can of pasta. Then Vicki cooked a delicious meal. Jerry passed out ice cold Gatorades and Ice Teas. Then we had an SUV filled with camping supplies. We have been giving out lots of bug spray. It takes a village and we are so happy that Eric is part of our caring and compassionate community.
#HeroesAmongUs #TentCityHelpers #feedingthehomeless #ittakesavillage❤️ #teamworkmakesthedreamwork💯
Possible Effects for unhoused people..
Legal & enforcement-
More criminalization of public survival behaviors.
Institutionalization-
Increased forced commitments to facilities.
Housing support-
Funding shift away from Housing First toward mandatory treatment.
Health & safety
Higher risk of medical harm, overdose, and mortality.
Trust in services-
Reduced willingness to engage with outreach and care systems.
Civil liberties-
Heightened concerns over rights, privacy, and due process.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/
#homelessnotcriminals #humanesolutions #nowheretogo #dontcriminalizehomelessness #HousingFirstWorks #civilrightsforeveryone
🚨 Direct impacts on people experiencing homelessness
1. Increased removal and forced institutionalization
• Individuals sleeping or living in public spaces could be forcibly removed and committed to psychiatric or rehab facilities—even against their will if assessed as at-risk or disruptive .
• Critics warn this effectively criminalizes homelessness based on presence and behavior in public spaces .
2. Undermining harm reduction and Housing First
• Programs that provide housing without forcing treatment (“Housing First”) are deprioritized; funding will instead favor “Treatment First” approaches .
• Harm reduction sites (e.g. overdose prevention, safe consumption) are explicitly excluded from the new federal funding model .
3. Physical harm and loss of belongings
• Encampment sweeps often result in confiscated or destroyed possessions, including medical devices or medications. Studies show such actions increase risks of severe health complications, overdose, and mortality by 15–25% over 10 years .
4. Eroding trust with service providers
• Forced removals and data gathering can damage trust between unhoused people and service organizations or healthcare providers, making individuals less likely to seek help—even in emergencies  .
5. Civil rights and dignity concerns
• Legal experts and civil liberties groups (including ACLU) argue the policy violates constitutional protections against cruel punishment and erodes due process. It may disproportionately affect people with disabilities, chronic illness, or low incomes    .
📌 Broader context
• The federal order cites a national point-in-time count showing over 270,000 people sleeping outdoors on any given night in 2024—the highest ever recorded .
• Critics point out that homelessness results from systemic failures—like affordable housing shortages and limited mental health support—not simply personal criminality or disorder .
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/
This was on Monday at the stop at the Iglesia Lugares Celestiales on Salerno Road. This is the church that is across from Winn-Dixie. When Winn-Dixie asked us to move the Church allowed us to use their parking lot on Mondays as long as we gave food in to-go containers.
We appreciate the Iglesias Church for their generous nature to allow us to serve in their parking lot. This photo shows Pete and Vicki serving the rice and soup in to-go containers and bags it with the garlic bread, soup spoon and cookies.
Thanks Pete and Vicki for serving in the scorching heat. Everyone was very appreciative of the delicious homemade food.
It takes a village and we are glad to include the Iglesia Lugares Celestiales in our caring and compassionate community. They are walking the talk.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #iglesialugarescelestiales #ittakesavillage #feedingthehomeless
Straight from CHATGPT:
Here’s a breakdown of how the executive order “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”, issued on July 24–25, 2025, is expected to impact people experiencing homelessness:
⸻
🏛 Key directives from the executive order
• Civil commitment expansion: Directs the Attorney General to reverse judicial precedents and end consent decrees that limit involuntary institutionalization (i.e. forced hospitalization or rehab) of people with serious mental illness or substance use disorder if they are deemed unable to care for themselves .
• Encampment clearance incentives: Federal grant funding is conditioned on enforcement of bans on public drug use, loitering, camping, and squatting; local governments are encouraged to dismantle homeless camps .
• Funding shift: Redirects discretionary funding toward treatment-focused programs, excluding support for harm reduction initiatives like supervised injection sites; promotes assisted outpatient and institutional care .
• Data collection expansion: Authorizes collection and sharing of health and location data of unhoused individuals, raising privacy and surveillance concerns .
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/
We are looking for two bikes, a tall bike for a tall man, and a three wheeled bike for a man who is unhoused and disabled.
If you have a bike that is in good shape that is tall or three wheeled give us a call 772-341-7553 or message us.
This is our veteran friend Ryan when he received a bike from us a couple of months ago. We are so looking forward to see Ryan housed. He is such a great guy. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks!
#bikedonations #bikesfortransportation #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #bethegoodintheworld🌍
This executive order shifts federal homelessness policy toward punitive enforcement and compulsory institutional treatment. Without strong housing alternatives or expanded support infrastructure, experts argue it risks increasing harm, failing to address root causes, and undermining civil rights and trust of vulnerable individuals.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/
*Remember the post about the Point in Time Survey. We posted the part of the report that stated the fastest growing group of people that are unhoused are families and seniors. Well we are seeing this too.
Here is Roshada from the Treasure Coast Services Council loving on this sweet baby at our McDonald's stop. We all fell in love and talked baby talk to this precious baby boy. We all took a turn to hold the baby as mom filled out paperwork to apply for housing her family. Having three children and living out of your car has to be so difficult.
We all pray that they find a place to have these children be indoors and not living in a car in these scorching temperatures. We know Roshada will be working overtime to get this family indoors.
We provided a huge bag of all the items the family needed, meals, groceries, cold drinks, fans and more...
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.com and hit the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#ittakesavillage❤️ #feedingthehomeless❤️ #ournextgeneration❤️ #unhousedpeopleneedshelter #dontcriminalizehomelessness #peopledeserveshelter #Wheredotheunhousedgo #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil #outreachforhouseless #HeroesAmongUs
Here is the tail end of our Memorial Park stop. We served 14 people at this stop, 56 unhoused people total for Monday. Thanks to our awesome volunteers that make this happen. Thanks to Pete, Vicki, Jerry, Darlene and Martha. Teamwork makes the Dreamwork...
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.com and click the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #bestvolunteers #teamworkmakesthedreamwork💯 #greatvolunteers
We are in need of snack bags. We have been giving out an average of 55 snack bags a week. This week we are out... if anyone can make us some snack bags it would be great. Just take a gallon ziploc and put 6 or 7 snacks in it. We like at least one item to have some form of protein and for items it not be too hard or crunchy considering we serve some people with teeth issues. You could get together with your friends, book club, work place or just put some together on your own. The people we serve are often hungry and appreciate the food. Those that work often tell us they can take it for their lunch at work. It takes a village and we are in need of some snack bags.
Thanks in advance for any amount of snack bags you can donate. Call us and we will arrange a drop off. Message us or call us at 772-341-7553 if you can assemble some.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #feedingthehomeless #teamworkmakesthedreamwork💯 #ittakesavillage❤️ #foodforourunhoused #BeABlessingToOthers #extraspecialpeople
Thanks to Joe at Three Little Birds Cafe for providing the yummy meals yesterday. Here is Jerry welcoming Joe as we loaded up for deliveries. We served 56 unhoused residents on Monday. They all got a homemade rice and chicken noodle soup, garlic bread and cookies for dessert. Jerry handed out cold Gatorades or Ice Tea, a grocery bag containing a community made snack bag, a can of ravioli, a bottle of water and a banana. In the red SUV we had camping, clothes, bug spray and hygiene items. Martha passed out Marty Bus passes.
We so appreciate Joan and Joe for organizing our meal this week. Jerry is big fan of Joe's at Three Little Birds Cafe. He goes to the restaurant most Sundays after church with his kids. Delicious food made by big hearted community members!
If you have not been you must try it out in the downtown Publix Center, 740 SW Federal Hwy. Stuart. It is just north a few stores down from Publix.
Thanks for being a caring community minded business!!
#ittakesavillage❤️ #caringandcompassionatecommunity #foodforourunhoused #spreadingsunshine☀️ #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #restaurantwithheart #threelittlebirdscafe
Love these beautiful smiles! Jerry is back after his total knee replacement only a couple of weeks ago. Johnny is showing off his new gorgeous smile. This is the reason we work so hard for our unhoused friends. All it takes is to see one person we care for find their way. Johnny's 15 months of sobriety is paying off in big dividends. He has a new Jeep and new teeth. We are all so happy!! Love these two men!!!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤ #ittakesavillage #beautifulsmile❤️ #startswithsobriety
Thanks to Kathy who gave out our Marty Bus Passes. We met a young woman who was homeless. Kathy had the young woman as an art student at Felix Williams Elementary School. We were able to refer her to Roshada who was looking to get her indoors as soon as possible. A young 18 year old girl should not be out on the streets fending for herself. Thanks to our caring team this young woman smiled and felt the care we bestowed on her... She walked away with a hot meal, ice cold Gatorade, groceries, Marty Bus passes and the phone number of her new social worker.
If you would like to find out more or donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#spreadingsunshine☀️ #extraspecialpeople #ittakesavillage❤️ #caringandcompassionatecommunity #foodforourunhoused #BeABlessingToOthers
This is one of the most happiest moments I have had this year! Johnny surprised us. He showed up with his newly bought Jeep and his new set of teeth. We have been friends for over 6 years. I am so happy for Johnny. He has been sober for 15 months and his life is drastically changing for the better. Super happy for Johnny!!!
#NewJeep #beautifulsmile❤️ #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #soberliving #happyforyou❤️
Willow, my granddaughter, helping with deliveries. She gave out batteries and kept me company. She enjoyed her Slurpee on this hot day. Our future looks bright with compassionate kids like Willow.
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #goodheart❤ #ittakesavillage ##futureisbright
Caught these guys testing the delicious cornbread. Donnie fixed a great 4th of July meal. The cornbread melted in your mouth. Super Yummy. Thanks to the church Iglesia Lugares Celestiales for allowing us to park and use their parking lot to distribute our meals, groceries and camping supplies. This new stop is right across from our old Winn Dixie stop. Thanks Donnie and Jen for making and serving a delicious meal!
If you would like to find out more or donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button. Thanks in advance!
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #celebratingindependenceday #feedingthehomeless❤️ #iglesialugarescelestiales
This is our team that went out on Monday. This was the stop behind south Stuart Wawa. We served 52 unhoused people making a total of 1,463 meals served since January. Thanks to Roshada from Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council for helping and referring people on to social workers. Thanks to Kathy, Jerry, Martha, Jamie (my son), Jen (Donnie's wife) and Donny. It is teamwork that makes the dreamwork!
#dumpsterstop #extraspecialpeople #bestvolunteers #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #caringandcompassionatecommunity #ittakesavillage❤️ #spreadingsunshine☀️
Where are homeless people to go? There are no shelters in Martin County. Just met a family with three kids living in their car. We were able to provide a large tent, the personal items they requested and then we filled up their car that was running on empty. Where are they to go?
#dontcriminalizehomelessness
#unhousedpeopleneedtorest
#homelessnotcriminals
We are finished at our new stop and saying "Dumpster". Winn Dixie asked us to move. The first issue we have had with that side parking in over 6 years. So we went across the street and met Pastor Omar Soler of the Iglesia Lugares Celestiales. He gave us permission and requested our folks take the food off site. We appreciate Pastor Soler and his kind heart. So we packed everything to-go at the Iglesia across the street from Winn Dixie. Now Wawa has wanted us to move so we go to the dead end road behind Wawa's by the Dumpster. So we finished, joked that our next stop is the Dumpster!
#unhousedpeopleneedshelter
#arestnotarrest
#dumpsterstop
This was our Memorial Park stop. We served 52 people this week. That brings our total meals served this year to 1,411. Let's thank all our volunteers that make this happen. to my right is Dee, who gave out Marty Bus Passes, Darlene is out of school for the summer and is helping us as we have people out, Pete is a nurse that drove and served the grocery bags and cold drinks, Martha and Donnie served up the hot meals to our unhoused friends. Thanks to Mary Ann and Cheri for providing the fruit each week. We have Amber, Monica and Ellen that packed up 55 grocery bags.
Milfred was appreciative of the meal, food and other goodies he picked up.
It's the Team Work that makes the Dream Work!
If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button or send your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957
#TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #extraspecialpeople #bestvolunteers #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #appreciation #feedingthehomeless❤️ #appreciative
Luckily we always carry bug spray. On top of all the wild life in the woods, like alligators, racoons, snakes, bobcats, there are so many mosquitoes and fire ants. This is Roshada, from the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, applying bug spray to a man that was sitting on the curb waiting for us. He did not realize he sat in a Fire Ant Colony. Roshada jumped to the rescue with a bottle of bug spray and applied it on the Fire Ants. Our friend was glad to get a tent and First Aide. Thanks for the TLC Roshada....
#caringandcompassionatecommunity #extraspecialpeople #ittakesavillage❤️ #nowheretogo #humanesolutions #peopledeserveshelter #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness