Gallery

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

In today’s newspaper… rejecting housing first… 😖

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💯

Be kind it improves our community it will benefit you too…

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

Here’s the email from the Transit Specialist.. the Marty Bus is for free until further notice…

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

Johnny's beautiful Jeep. He has worked hard to save his money for this beauty. It is not easy saving money when you are unhoused. We are so happy for Johnny! This makes our hearts sing 🎵

Tent City Helpers is delivering today like every Monday for the past 6 years. We meet across the street from Winn Dixie at the Englesia Church. Our Wawa stop is behind Wawa’s in the dead end road. Pam is fixing Pasta, Salad and a roll. Come meet our crew!

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☀️

Willow, my granddaughter, and Dolly (our mascot) the Ninja hamster, helping us pack the grocery bags. She packed rainbow marshmallows with hot chocolate packets for our unhoused friends. Empathy at an early age makes our future bright. Thanks Willow! #empathy #hotchocolate #ournextgeneration❤️

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

One of the best parts of doing this "good work" is seeing people become sober. The twinkle in their eyes, the brightening up all over. It is attractive and powerful. These are the people that can light up a room. I am Privileged to have some of these folks be my friends. Sobriety is Beautiful!

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

Happy Independence Day! When you look at the fireworks check the chart for the different elements that make up the different colors. May your 4th of July be full of chemical reactions. 💥 #sciencefacts #firecrackers #chemistryinthesky #sciencefun #celebratingindependenceday

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

Thanks Donnie for providing a delicious Cuban meal. Roasted Chicken, beans, rice, Plantain, and a churro. We fed 52 unhoused folks on Monday. Everyone received a hot meal, a grocery bag with snacks, fruit, a pop off top pasta and water. We had cold Gatorade and Iced tea. We gave out 4 tents, tarps, backpacks, batteries, bug spray, Bomba socks, clothing, personal hygiene supplies, and Marty bus passes. If you would like to find out more or donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button. Thanks in advance! #feedingtheunhoused #ittakesavillage💖 #caringcompassionatecommunity #kindandcompassionate #nooneshouldbehungryandhomeless

I love this photo of me saying something that is making Matt laugh. I like making people laugh. At the SMARTS talk at the Hobe Sound Library about the issues around homelessness. I had someone refer to unhoused people as addicts or alcoholics. I said, “According to the 2024 Point in Time Survey only 13% of unhoused Floridians have a substance use disorder, shoot I have more than that in my neighborhood and I live in a nice one!” The room cracked up and it brought me joy. I think I should try stand up comedy! Only joking!! 🙃 #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #ittakesavillage #spreadingsunshine☀️

Thanks to all our donors! You are our heroes. Without you we would not be able to serve our unhoused neighbors in our neighborhoods. Thanks to our heroes: Karen Hermanspan Kathleen Ahearn Gary Webster Wanda Bresette Bonnie Yonkowski Kayla Kesler Carol Brunkella John Krajkowski Cynthia Ruess Liz Wrocklage-Gonda Dusty Macpherson Rachel Delekta Melissa Dallsingh Kimberly Reeder Steven Weiss Joshua Estes Pam Schoeff-Groth Elizabeth Sawicka Lynda Zainitizer Grand Oaks Palm City Manchester Insurance American Legion Post 62 Sons and Riders American Legion Auxiliary Harold Johns post 62 Unity Church of Jensen Beach Calvary Community Church of Jensen Beach *Leslie Alexander Foundation Thanks to these people and organizations who saw the need and responded. Fred Rogers would consider you his Hero and we do too! Gail Harvey Tent City Helpers P.S. If you would like to donate mail your donation to Tent City Helpers, 900 NW Waterlily Pl, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957 or go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and click the donate button. Thanks in advance.

Thanks to Jodi Cordon and her precious daughter and grandchildren for making dinner for our unhoused residents. They have a non-profit called “Giving Grace”. They continue to support our efforts in serving the people who are unhoused. These are some sweet kids being brought up with kindness and compassion! Hope for the future. #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #goodheart❤

The Food looked delicious on Monday. Thanks to Jodi Cordon and her little helpers for making and bringing it to us for deliveries. Jodi’s family runs the nonprofit Giving Grace and has helped us many times in the past years. Thanks again Jodi and daughter and grandkids! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤ #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #feedingtheunhoused

Thanks to Amber who packed snack bags for us at her house while we were out of town. Thanks Amber and Monica for packing 60 grocery bags for us this Monday! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #tentcityhelpers #ittakesavillage

Thanks to the Stuart Congregational Church! They made us over 125 snack bags. Here is Cindy Vivolo from the Stuart Congregational Church and Octavio (Oats) Reis, Tent City Helpers, Treasurer and Warehouse manager.. on Monday mornings we pack a community made snack pack, with a water, banana, orange, a can with a pop off top (like Spaghetti O's, ravioli, lasagna..) antiseptic wipe and a spoon. We served 55 grocery bags last Monday. We also gave out homemade chicken noodle soup, roll and chocolate cookie. We have some hungry people in our community. Thanks Stuart Congregational Church at 3110 SE Aster Ln, Stuart, FL 34994 Services are 10am on Sundays. Any questions call (772) 287-5951. We appreciate you being part of our caring and compassionate village...❤ #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #appreciation #feedingtheunhoused #StuatCongregationalChurch

A special thanks to our volunteers who managed everything for the deliveries while I was out for two weeks. These are the volunteers that made it happen Monday. Donnie who loaded the Crock Pots of food into his car and then he served up the food at each of our stops. Serving 47 unhoused residents. Graham used his car to carry the 60 grocery bags, extra bananas and oranges, and cooler for 60 Gatorades and Ice teas on ice. Martha who collected data and distributed Marty Bus Passes. Vicki helped with serving both the grocery bags and food. I had the SUV with all the camping and hygiene supplies. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” according to Gandhi To find out more go to Www.tentcityhelpers.org we have a donate button there that is a easy way to help us serve our local unhoused folks. #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #bestvolunteers #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

Just noticed this property go on the market. This is just south of the Roosevelt Bridge on the East side of US1. It looks like a great property for transitional housing. We need to get people indoors. Let's hope and pray someone purchases with it with a kind heart. Martin County has some of the highest numbers of unsheltered homeless, 54%, in the country. Putting it out to the online universe. Martin needs some sheltered beds. Pray for a miracle and in the mean time we are helping with emergency needs... To find out more go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and review the resources and a click button you may use to donate. Our mailing address is 900 NW Waterlily Pl. Stuart, Fl 34957. email tentcityhelpers@yahoo.com

For everyone that missed Jerry last week and asked how his knee surgery was he is doing great. We visited him today. We brought over some homemade soup and left with a big bag of beautiful mangoes. Jerry is one of our Board Members who is always delivering too. We hope your healing ❤️‍🩹 is fast.. we miss you but will see you back at it hopefully in three or four weeks. #TentCityHelpers #kneesurgery #homegrownmangoes

Thanks to The SMART travel group that invited us to speak at the Hobe Sound Library to them about our organization and the present state of the unhoused in Martin County. They then donated over $100 to our non-profit. It was a win-win. Getting the word out by networking. Oats clicked the change of slides and fielded some questions. Thanks to SMART for your interest in helping the local unhoused folks. #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #helpforneedy

Johnny O. Left us the sweetest phone message. He told us that Raul was wanting a bike but was too shy to ask…Miraculously a bike was left at my front door. Here is Johnny’s (who is also unhoused) message. The unhoused community looks out for each other so kind. Raul is close to 80 years old and lives outside… 😢. #tentcityhelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #caringandcompasionate #goodheart

Thanks to Martha for packing up the delicious Chicken noodle soup. We served 55 unhoused residents this week. Thanks to Cher Fischer from Kiwanas who cooked the soup. And Thanks to Joan for organizing the dinners that will be cooked by Threes Little Birds Cafe and Kiwanis for once a month for a year! It takes a village and so thankful to everyone that makes our deliveries happen!! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage

Celebrate the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation of enslaved people in the USA!

We are doing deliveries today… here is our schedule. We have Kiwanas and 3 Little Birds providing a meal today. Thanks to everyone that makes this all happen..

We sent a letter January 7th and then again on May 4th asking what the long term plans are for addressing homelessness in Martin County. No responses from anybody. We have sent this letter again today hoping the Commissioners will address our concerns. If you are interested in a response please join us in writing the commissioners. You are welcome to use any information from our letter or copy our letter to get the attention of our elected officials. Their email is comish@martin.fl.us, district1@martin.fl.us, district2@martin.fl.us, district3@martin.fl.us, district4@martin.fl.us, district5@martin.fl.us, countyadministrator@martin.fl.us Please help us to be heard.... and write an email. Thanks, Gail Harvey Tent City Helpers

This was the letter we wrote and emailed to the Martin County Commissioners in January 2025.. we never received a reply from any of the Commissioners. They are just ignoring registered voters. We sent another email and it was ignored too. I encourage all of our followers to send emails so it becomes an issue they must address at least with an email… I’ll put their email addresses in the comments..

This was Gail Grossnickle Harvey our President talking to the City Commissioners on May 13th. We must provide basic safe shelter for our unhoused residents. #TentCityHelpers #community #ittakesavillage #StuartCityCommissioners

Thanks to Lynda Zainitizer for organizing the Grand Oaks of Palm City residents for packing us snack packs. We have been benefiting from Lynda’s organizing the Assisted Living residents to taking us on as a project.. 😘 Thanks! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #goodheart❤ #GrandOaksPalmCity

Growing up not out… LOL.

We are hoping it does not storm like last Monday. We still had 42 unhoused residents come meet us at our 6 stops. We had to wait in our cars for 20 minutes as the lightning storm passed. Here is Gail serving and with Judy. She was jealous of Judy’s rain boots. Her shoes got wet through and through… to good weather this afternoon! #extraspecialpeople #ittakesavillage💖 #feedingthehomeless❤️ #caringandcompassionatecommunity #hometownfeeling❤️

Thanks to Mary Shei! She made us snack bags for our unhoused residents. You can see Dolly our Mascot, the Ninja Hampster, looking on with appreciation. Mary had just come from Jazzercise where we met many years ago. Thanks Mary for being so Kind and Caring. We appreciate you and seeing you having a great time in your future retirement.. #TentCityHelpers #ittakesavillage❤️ #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #servingtheunhoused #caringcompassionatecommunity #appreciation

Even though it rained on Monday we still served 42 unhoused folks. Thanks again to Roshanda with her cute Avacado shirt and hot yellow pants. She gave 10 years of her life in service of our country. She now serves the unhoused people of the Treasure Coast. Roshanda is a great addition to our delivery service. She is making contacts and referring people to case managers. Working to help the unhoused people get into housing. Thanks to our volunteers from left to right. Gail, Kathy, Jerry, Vicki and Oats. You are all great storm Troopers! #ThanksToVeterans #inmemoryofthosewholosttheirlives #holidayorraindoesnotstopus #servingtheunhoused #caringcompassionatecommunity #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

We are so happy to have Joan Salzberg liason between the Three Little Birds Cafe and Kiwanis Club of Martin County. She has now got them working together to provide a meal for our unhoused on the 3rd Monday of the month. This was the meal they provided this week. Chicken and veges over rice. Thanks to Joe owner of Three Little Birds for making the main course. Thanks to Joan for making the rice. Thanks to Gail and Martha for making homemade Banana Muffins. Thanks to Kiwanis for the donation to pay for the meal. It's the Teamwork that makes the Dreamwork! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #restaurantwithheart #feedingtheunhoused

We pause to honor the brave souls who gave everything in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom will never be forgotten. May their legacy live on in our hearts and actions!

Happy Memorial Day! Today, we pause to honor the brave souls who gave everything in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom will never be forgotten. May their legacy live on in our hearts and actions! We will be delivering today. Three Little Birds Cafe is providing the meal for today. Another great partnership with a Restaurant that is caring and compassionate. Thanks "Three Little Birds Cafe" located at Downtown Publix shopping center, 740 SW Federal Hwy. Stuart. #memorialdaysalute💙❤️ #feedingtheunhoused #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate

Our last stop and we were all pretty tired but knew there was Renato and Josephine's pizza left for our dinner. Myself, Kathy, Brenda, and Jerry relaxing after serving 43 people that are unhoused. We love a dry evening.. #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #renatosandjosephinesrestaurant #restaurantwithheart #AuthenticItalianFood #bestvolunteers

Thanks to Frank Boland and family for always keeping us in razors. This month he included canned raviolis, wipes, deodorant and small hand sanitizers. Frank as I have been told started the concept of Jammin Jensen. Which has been a huge success. Frank is another one of our caring compassionate community builders. We appreciate Frank as a long time supporter! #TentCityHelpers #hometownfeeling❤️ #community #ittakesavillage #caringandcompassionate

Thanks to Debbie Hartung for making and delivering snack bags. Thanks Debbie, for being part of our caring and compassionate community. It was so nice to meet you. We have a lot in common, like teaching in middle schools and some of the same friends. Debbie is pictured with Oats Reis who is our Treasurer/Warehouse manager (and so much more). Thanks to both of you!! We are still in need of snack bags. You can help by volunteering to assemble nutritious Snack Packs. On your own or you can organize a group of friends, church members, youths or work colleagues to collect and assemble of Snack Packs, consisting of a gallon size zip-lock bag packed with shelf stable items that don’t require refrigeration: raisins, fruit cups, crackers, Ramen noodles, chips, protein bars, tinned meat, sardines, tuna foil packs, snack pots of peanut butter, etc. Include one protein item and avoid hard crunchy granola bars, canned foods need to have pull-lids. Call us to organize drop off 772-341-7553. Thanks in advance! https://www.tentcityhelpers.com/HowToHelp #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #extraspecialpeople

Here we are at our Winn Dixie stop on Monday. Donnie was able to network and get us a case of oranges. When it is hot an orange is healthy and refreshing. We are spreading Vitamin C.... and Caring. Roshanda was able to network with some of our regulars and introduce them to a new outreach person. Jerry is looking very John Waynish... haha. If you would like to find out more go to www.tentcityhelper.org and click the donate button. Thanks in advance. #orangesfortheunhoused #spreadingsunshine☀️ #teamworkmakesthedreamwork💯

A special thanks to Renato's and Josephine's Restaurant for donating 12 ex large stone pizzas. Everyone enjoyed the Margherita Pizzas. Their homemade authentic Italian sauce on their stone oven crust is Delizioso! Thanks, Renato's and Josephine's Restaurant for being a caring and compassionate business. Thanks for being part of our village. If your interested in a great dinning experience, with live music most Friday and Saturdays call at 772-266-9131 for your reservation. They are located at Harbour Bay Plaza at 3714 SE Ocean Blvd. Stuart. We served 43 unhoused residents on Monday. That bring our total meals served for this year is 1,119 people. We were able to serve seconds and all the volunteers took home Pizza for dinner too. Thanks Josephine for being so generous! #renatosandjosephinesrestaurant #renatosandjosephines #caringandcompassionate#tentcityhelpers ❤️ #ittakesavillage💖 #feedingthehungry #feedingtheunhoused #RenatosandJosephines #AuthenticItalianFood #restaurantwithheart

Tent City Helpers Schedule of Monday Stops: If you are homeless or know someone who is, please share our information and Monday night scheduled stops. These are all approximate times. We start at 3:00 but according to how many people we have it takes a different length of time. Every Monday we stop at all these stops the time does vary. Monday Delivery Stops: 3:00 – 3:15 pm Flagler Park, 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart 3:30 - 3:45 pm Memorial Park by shuffleboard courts, East Ocean Blvd. Stuart 4:00 - 4:30 pm Behind Burger King Corner of Miami Ave. North of Walmart 3991 SE Federal Hwy, North of Walmart, Stuart 4:45 - 5:10 pm Winn-Dixie side parking lot, Salerno Village Square, 3310 S.E. Salerno Rd. Stuart 5:15 – 5:25 Wa-wa’s Service Station in Port Salerno 5745 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart 5:45 - 6:00 pm Treasure Coast Mall, McDonald’s parking lot. 3546 NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach *Like and Follow Tent City Helpers on Facebook and group TENT CITY HELPERS or check out the resources at www.tentcityhelpers.com or email us at tentcityhelpers@yahoo.com. Photo taken on Green River Parkway, Jensen Beach By Gail Harvey

This was on Monday deliveries with threatening weather in the background. I had gone into the Wawa's restroom and put on a polo shirt and a skirt for the City Commission meeting. I did not go to the last stop and it evidently rained really hard on our volunteers at McDonald's Treasure Coast Mall. Our volunteers are the best. We served 42 people, less than usual, making our total meals served for the year at 1074. Heat, Cold, Rain, winds, high humidity our volunteers are keen to serve. We have from left to right.. Myself, Gail, Kathy handed out Marty Bus Passes, Donnie help serve, Pete's a new addition we welcome with his nursing skills, Jerry, from our Board, Brenda served and Vicki who transported a three wheel bike to one of our disabled unhoused resident. Teamwork makes the Dream work! If you would like to find out more or to donate go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button. We are all volunteers and your donation goes directly to the services we provide for our local unhoused residents. Thanks in advance! #TentCityHelpers #stuartcityhall #extraspecialpeople #appreciation #bestvolunteersever #caringandcompassionate #feedingthehomeless❤️ #peopleneedaplacetolive

Thanks to Althea Wiley for being a caring and compassionate community member. Reminding the city commissioners that they too are “one situation away from being homeless”. We appreciate you Althea! #TentCityHelpers #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤ #ittakesavillage

Thanks to Martha Catron! She made us authentic El Salvadorian red Beans, rice, homemade coleslaw. We served it with Plantain chips and rolls. It was very appreciated by the 47 people that are unhoused we served on Monday. Jerry handed out the grocery bags and ice cold Gatorade or ice tea. Last week we had a couple of people ask for something for constipation? ... So this week our dinner has plenty of protein and fiber. Most inexpensive foods that do not need cooking that is available for our unhoused is processed and refined. We try to see that they at least have a delicious healthy meal made with love on Mondays. If you would like to volunteer, or have a restaurant that would like to make us a meal one Monday let us know. We have 3 x-large crock pots and 2 standard sized that can be borrowed to cook in. We prepare for 60 people. Call 772-341-7553 for more information.

On the front page of TCPalm this morning. We are quoted in the article. There must be a plan!

Thanks to Jensen Beach High School, National Honor Society for signing up for this community project to help the local unhoused residents. Students brought in snacks and then met together to pack snack bags for Tent City Helpers. Thanks to Dalton and his mom Lindsay Creach for organizing the snack packs and bringing them to us. It is such a small world. Lindsay is one of my favorite Jazzercise instructors. I taught at JBHS for a couple of years and my son graduated there too. It takes a village and I am so glad that JBHS/NHS, Dalton and Lindsay are part of our caring compassionate community. #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage

Thank you Rev. Guy Calvert for bringing light to our unhoused Folks. This was at Monday’s City Council meeting. Thanks for feeding so many people literally and spiritually. You walk the talk!

It looked like rain during most of our deliveries but it really poured down at our last stop. Kathryn Kernan is so creative. We have the best volunteers! #ittakesavillage #bestvolunteers #tentcityhelpers

This was at Monday’s City Commission meeting regarding the sleeping in public ordinance. Oats Reis, is our Board Member, Secretary, warehouse manager and more. He made us proud standing up for our unhoused residents.

A huge hug to the American Legion post 62 Sons and Riders, Auxiliary and the Harold Johns post 62. They both donated to Tent City Helpers. Cher Fisher organized Gail Harvey our president to speak to their auxiliary. Gail presented a PowerPoint with the latest good news about Veterans homeless numbers are going down. It is amazing what can be done with a targeted outcome. Thanks American Legion post 62 we and our unhoused veterans appreciated the support to benefit our local unhoused veterans. Pictured is Shirley Rearick representing the Harold Johns Auxiliary and the big generous check. Then we have Commander Bob Schumacher representing the Sons and Riders, they also donated a very generous check to Tent City Helpers. Thanks for caring and supporting our local unhoused veterans. #AmericanLegion62 #TentCityHelpers #generousauxiliaries #ittakesavillage #takingcareofourveterans

We are in need of snack packs. Snack packs are 5 or 6 snacks in a gallon bag, with a spoon and one protein. We served 42 people on Monday. Less than usual but weather was not the best. The demand is up overall with us serving 70 people last week. If you or a group of your friends can make us some to distribute on our Monday deliveries it will be greatly appreciated. We are a caring and compassionate community. Phone 772-341-7553 if you are keen. Thanks in advance.

If you missed the segment on WPTV channel 5 about the ordinance… here it is.

Wow we hit the Jack Pot 🍯 in Gift/Gas Cards!! Thanks Lindsey Melda for your continued support and the many gift cards donated over the years. We have a policy as an organization to not purchase gift cards because our mission is to provide emergency shelter, basic immediate needs, groceries and a hot meal. We met a family made up of two children. They told us they were camping at Jonathan Dickerson State Park in a tent. They had to drive their daughter to medical daycare each day. She said they were only living on disability. I was able to give them two gas cards and they were very happy. Thanks Lindsey for paying it forward. It was very much appreciated! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #goodheart❤ #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage

To all on our nurturing followers who embody Mother’s love for others. We see you and applaud you today!

Thanks to Karen Hermanspan for the regular donations of protein drinks for our sickly unhoused folks. The Protein drinks helped keep Beau alive when he could not eat solids after his chemo sessions. He was so appreciative. Now this month Karen includes all these Gift Cards too! We already gave three of the gas cards away. One gift card we gave to Jason. One of our unhoused clients had just gotten out of jail and was hungry and had all his things stolen while incarcerated. He called me from Jason's phone. I asked to speak to Jason who owned the phone. I asked him if he would buy a meal for our friend and I would pay him back. Jason said no problem, you have helped me with a sleeping bag before, I'll be glad to and you don't have to pay me back. I saw Jason on Monday and gave him a WaWa's card it was really unexpected and he was super happy. There are so many people who have very little but are so giving. Thanks Jason... Each card will been given to someone who is really down on their luck or someone who helped someone down on their luck 🍀 Thanks Karen for being part of our village! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #bethegoodintheworld🌍 #helpforneedy #ittakesavillage #appreciation #extraspecialpeople

The City of Stuart, at Monday's Commission meeting, is looking to approve a new ordinance further criminalizing the unhoused. If you are a Stuart Resident, come out on Monday, May 12 to City Hall at 121 SW Flagler Street at 4pm to voice your opinion. The last item on the agenda is the second reading of ordinance 2542-2025. It states that if you are found sleeping or parking overnight on City property, you would get a trespass warning and not be able to go to that location for a year without risking getting arrested. We serve many people at Flagler Park and Memorial Park; anyone with a trespass warning could be arrested during our stops. Where do unhoused people go? It's illegal to sleep overnight on private property or on public property. There are no affordable housing or shelters in Martin County. We get calls every week from women, sometimes with children in toe, who are experiencing homelessness for the first time who ask: "Where can we spend the night". Answer: Nowhere, good luck. Arresting and jailing the unhoused is an expensive use of tax-payers money and is not a solution of any kind. The arrested trespassers leave jail in a few days with still nowhere to spend the night, with all their belongings gone, with a criminal record that makes it harder to get a job, and a bill of several hundred dollars for jail and court costs. The City should instead be developing a Housing First solution with shelters, followed by mental health and addiction support services, access to health and prescription medicines and rental assistance into affordable housing to move people from the parks to indoors. Come to the Commission meeting to speak on the agenda item, make a sign, or just let your presence be known. We have 2800 local followers of Tent City Helpers, and your voice can make a difference. You can just ask: Where are unhoused residents to go? What is the City's long term plan in addressing affordable housing, parking for people living in their cars, and the growing number of unhoused residents? #homelessnotcriminals #TentCityHelpers #stuartcityhall #Wheredotheunhousedgo #nowheretogo #housingfirst

Here are Brenda, Kathy and Dee taking a well deserved coffee break at WaWas. We support WaWa with it being our favorite afternoon stop in the middle of our deliveries. These ladies perked right up with the coffee drinks. Those smiles are the anticipation of some yummy WaWa iced coffees. You ladies are the best! Thanks for all you do!! #wawacoffee #bestvolunteersever #PickMeUp #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness

This made me super happy. Ryan bought me an Icee my favorite drink. I told him a couple weeks ago that I was raised on Icees it was in my mama's breast milk. Ryan is working with Roshada from Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council and should be housed very soon. This means so much to me that he would spend his hard earned money on me. I feel special. Thanks Ryan!! ❤ #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #movingindoors #caringcommunity #appreciative

Here is Frankie with a meal, ice cold Gatorade, a grocery bag w/fruit and water, a hot Mexican meal from Charlie's and a new bike. Johnny will be better able to get to work. Thanks for those of you who have donated bikes we appreciate it. This one was a beauty. Thanks to Carl our bike man who picked the bike up and tuned it up. We have a caring and compassionate community associated with Tent City Helpers. If you have a good running bike to donate call us at 772-341-7553. Thanks in advance. #appreciation #caringandcompassionate #ittakesavillage💖 #tentcityhelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #TentCityHelpers

This was our Monday, Flagler Park, stop at 3pm. Me in my Taco hat celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Roshada, Dee, Tony, Jason, Graham and Donny. Donny had brought and served 54 unhoused residents an incredible meal of homemade Tamalas, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans and corn chips. We have now served 1032 meals this year to unhoused people. Thanks to Donnie and Charlie's Neighborhood Bar and Grill!! #TentCityHelpers #charliesneighborhoodbarandgrill #treasurecoasthomelessservicescouncil #ittakesavillage❤️

Let's celebrate Cinco de Mayo today! Charlie's Bar and Grill is cooking a delicious Mexican meal for Tent City Helpers. They are making homemade Tamales, refried beans, and Mexican rice. We are so appreciative of Donnie Orr and Charlie's for being caring and compassionate towards our unhoused community. It takes a village and we are so glad they are part of ours! #charliesneighborhoodbarandgrill #caringforthecommunity #ittakesavillage #tentcityhelpers #feedingthehungry #cincodemayocelebration

A sweet card from Jan to our Tent City Helpers, Volunteers. Just wanted to Express my Felines of Gratitude! To all the Volunteers, This card says it well, These are not enough "Thank you's" to Thanks you for all you do for us. Much Love, Jan #appreciation #caringandcompassionatecommunity #tentcityhelpers #nolongerunhoused

Jan is moving into her mom's house. Sadly Jan's mother made her transition and Jan will live in her house now. We have been seeing Jan just about every Monday for about four years. Jan is the most appreciative, kind, compassionate person. To think one of our local senior citizens have had to live in a car is not right. Jan is moving into Port St. Lucie so maybe she will come visit or volunteer for us like she said she wanted to. Jan has always looked after the other unhoused folks. She has helped people get around like to the SSI office, DMV etc... Jan we truly will miss you but it makes our hearts sing to know you will be safe indoors and not worried about where to park. We need a parking area for people living in their cars can safely park in the evening thru the night. But Jan you will not have to worry any longer. Visit and volunteer when you get settled. So Happy. This brings us Joy! #fromvantohome #caringandcompassionate #unhousedseniornomore #lovejan

Jan is moving into her mom's house. Sadly Jan's mother made her transition and Jan will live in her house now. We have been seeing Jan just about every Monday for about four years. Jan is the most appreciative, kind, compassionate person. To think one of our local senior citizens have had to live in a car is not right. Jan is moving into Port St. Lucie so maybe she will come visit or volunteer for us like she said she wanted to. Jan has always looked after the other unhoused folks. She has helped people get around like to the SSI office, DMV etc... Jan we truly will miss you but it makes our hearts sing to know you will be safe indoors and not worried about where to park. We need a parking area for people living in their cars can safely park in the evening thru the night. But Jan you will not have to worry any longer. Visit and volunteer when you get settled. So Happy. This brings us Joy! #fromvantohome #caringandcompassionate #unhousedseniornomore #lovejan

We are so happy that Jan is moving indoors. She gave us Thank you cards on Monday. For my Birthday Jan gave me two birthday cards. I said hey two cards? She said she could not decide between the two so got me both. For someone on a limited income to give me two Birthday cards really touched my soul. We love and will miss Jan but are super happy she is moving out of her van into her mother's house. #movingindoors #kindandcompassionate #sweetthankyoucard #extraspecialpeople #nolongerunhoused #tentcityhelpers

Thanks to Eileen and John who brought by two big bins of snack bags (bins included), and many multi packs of men's boxers. Eileen has also been calling the soup kitchens and noting the updates to include on our website. Eileen comes to us with lots of knowledge of non-profits and eager to give us good practical help. Thanks so much Eileen and John for caring about our unhoused residents. #greatvolunteers #caringforthecommunity #feedingtheunhoused #ittakesavillage💖

Thanks to the Treasure Coast Foodbank once again! Jerry and I drove to Ft. Pierce in two SUVs and loaded up with a pallet of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). We met Oats at storage and he unloaded and stacked the cases neatly in our AC storage unit. This usually lasts us 6 weeks or so. We pack a MRE in every grocery bag. Thanks to the employees of the Treasure Coast Foodbank. Thanks to Israel who can pack those cases of MREs into the SUVs like he is playing Tetris. Thanks to Samantha Cruz who manages our account and arranges for the pick ups. It really takes a village to get food to our local unhoused residents. #treasurecoastfoodbank #tentcityhelpers #foodforourunhoused #nooneshouldbehungryandhomeless #caringcommunity

The Criminalization of Homelessness The criminalization of homelessness refers to measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces. These ordinances include criminal penalties for violations of these acts. Some criminalization measures include: • Carrying out sweeps: confiscating personal property including tents, bedding, papers, clothing, medications, etc. • Making panhandling illegal. • Making it illegal for groups to share food with homeless persons in public spaces. • Enforcing a “quality of life” ordinance relating to public activity and hygiene. https://nationalhomeless.org/civil-rights-criminalization-of-homelessness/

This is Cool, our friend Tom Pine came by with his monthly donation of snack bags and we were able to give him the refrigerator magnet that one of our followers Becki Howd painted. It is such a great likeness and very kind. Thanks to Tom, who is a Vietnam Vet., for making 30 snack packs a month. You are a great role model of what goodness can be. We appreciate you! Thanks to Becki for sharing your artist talent!

Thanks to a special person for donating this bike. Ryan, a Veteran, had his bike stolen and needed transportation to work. Roshada is working with Ryan through the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council to get housing. We are hoping that this Easter Bike will bring Ryan good luck to his new beginnings... #easternewbeginnings #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #ittakesavillage #Easterpeepsforourpeeps #outreachforhouseless #peopleneedaplacetolive #HeroesAmongUs #compassionatecommunity

We are always learning on our Monday deliveries. Our friend Ron is our Ecologist. He informed us that the Rosetta Spoonbills are back in town. We love the Rosetta Spoonbills. Both Ron and I love nature and birding. Ron is a savant with nature. I have hummingbirds in my backyard, (not right now they are migrating) thanks to Ron. As Aldo Leopold once put it: "One of the penalties of an ecological education is one lives alone in a world of wounds. Much of the damage inflicted on the land is quite invisible to lay people. An Ecologist must harden his shell and make believe the consequences of science are none of his business, or he must be the doctor who sees the mark of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise." *The Parallels between the grieving naturalist and the anguished prophet are many. Both plead for change. Both hope for a turning. Both are often ignored, exiled or worst. When I read this in chapter 7, Brokenness and Sin, Hummingbirds, In the book, Looking Up by Courtney Ellis. I immediately thought of my friend Ron. He sees and knows an amazing amount of nature. We appreciate his knowledge. Here is Ron our Earth day Expert at our Monday delivery stop with a meal, cold Gatorade, instant coffee, a grocery bag w/snack bag, a banana, and a orange, a bottle of water, a MRE (meal ready to eat) and a can of Progresso soup. The other bag are the misc. hygiene items, bug spray and hand sanitizer. If you would like to find out more or donate to Tent City Helpers go to www.tentcityhelpers.org and hit the donate button. Thanks in advance! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #hometownfeeling❤️ #caringandcompasionate #ittakesavillage #peopleneedaplacetolive #sheltersneedednow #humanesolutions #sufferinginourcommunity #Lookingup #ecologist #EarthWeek

It was Easter Monday and I spontaneously started bleeding. Is it a Stigmata? Don't Stigmatas mostly happen at Easter? It did not stop bleeding for hours weird... #TentCityHelpers #ittakesavillage #StigmataEaster2025 #feedingthehomeless❤️

Thanks to Renato and Josephine's Restaurant for providing this delicious Easter Monday hot meal. We served 60 unhoused residents. We have served 907 meals so far in 2025. We met 5 newly homeless folks on Monday. If you are a Restaurant or an individual willing to cook for us one Monday call us at 772-341-7553. It takes a village to care for our hungry neighbors. Thanks to Renato and Josephine's Restaurant for being a caring and compassionate business that have supported us for a long time. We love you! #TentCityHelpers #gettingtotheheartofhomelessness #caringandcompasionate #celebratingEaster2025 #ittakesavillage💖 #restaurantwithheart #AuthenticItalianFood #RenatosandJosephines #feedingthehomeless❤️