Huntington's Tent City Depicts From Which Most are Just Two Paychecks Away

We toured the river bank this morning and came across about twenty of the estimated forty members of this community.

I strongly caution not to visit down here on your own. They are nervous because of the people coming down to do drugs. People are stealing from their camps. Plus, death has touched this community. The beating victim found being Hart's Corner last week was lovingly called "Daniel Boone". The man who killed him was also a member so they have lost two friends.

Chris has been down here a couple of weeks but lived two years here before. He is starting a job soon and hopes to get an apartment. John is going to try to get him help with damage deposit and first month's rent. Chris says addicts have been coming from the town to do drugs. We saw some spoons used for heroin. He said while he was gone last night they took some things from his camp.

All of the people we talked to are working with Harmony House to obtain housing. All are trying to better themselves.

The residents of the tent community are proud. They do not like to beg but can always use bug spray, water, and food. Blankets can be of use as well. Please do not bring them to the river. Any donated items can be taken to Harmony House. They just need a hand to stand on their own. They are good people who are trying to get through a bad moment in their lives.

One social media respondent wrote:

Some people just don't see how bad the homelessness is in Huntington... I do nothing but house the homeless through the SPC program and the HUD VASH program and I'm telling you I have some of the best clients you will ever meet in your life all 350 of them... Everyone deserves a chance and we are not here to judge. We are all one to 2 paychecks from being where these people are!!!!

PHOTOS DAVID WILLIAMS PROVIDED TO HNN WITH PERMISSION.

**f you would like to donate bug spray , water, or food to The Tent City.....
Amanda Coleman. 627 4th Ave
304 523 2764.  One hair salon has offered to donate cuts to the homeless to help them find employment.