Gallery
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
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 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
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..
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
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
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 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.
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
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.
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