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Commonly Asked Questions



How and why did Camp Take Notice begin?

Camp Take Notice is a grassroots effort of a small group of homeless individuals who were drawn to the idea of meeting basic needs through communal decision-making. Those individuals partnered with like-minded non-homeless individuals for weekly meetings. In those meetings we developed documents that lay out communal expectations, regulations, and governing structures. Interdependence and self-governance are keystone principles for both MISSION and Camp Take Notice. All aspects of who we are result from a democratic process.

What are the goals of MISSION?

The goals of MISSION are as follows:
  • to begin and support a self-governing itinerant shelter system for the homeless of Michigan that is a safe place free from drugs, alcohol, and violence;
  • to inform, solicit, and accurately execute all decisions made by the democratic governing body of each partnering tent community (and at this time, Camp Take Notice is the first and only partnering tent community);
  • to connect the homeless population with available resources that promote recovery, community, service, and healing; to aid members of the camp to transition toward healthier, more stable lifestyles and positive contributions to society and local communities; 
  • to increase public interest in and awareness of homelessness in Michigan; 
  • to support and conduct non-partisan research, educational, and informational activities to establish the efficacy of tent communities; and
  • to discover the best practice for the governance and operation of tent communities and to disseminate those results to existing and new tent communities.

Has the CTN model been tested?

Camp Take Notice is loosely modeled on the Seattle Housing and Resource Effort (SHARE) and Tent Cities 3 &4. One of the CTN camp members, Caleb Poirier, lived in both Tent Cities, working as a community organizer there for some time.

Who are the homeless in camp?

We are sober and clean men and women who are seeking to make positive contributions to the community.

Do people plan to stay at camp permanently?

We support the autonomous decisions made by each individual in Camp Take Notice. Many members choose to move on to more permanent or traditional housing when they are able. People who chose to live in Camp long-term maintain the operational structure and code of conduct, helping to serve new members as they join.

What organizations/churches in Washtenaw County are supporting MISSION?

MISSION seeks to create a network of supportive organizations and churches. We are currently in the process of forming relationships with others interested in addressing the needs of Ann Arbor’s homeless. Many of our members also receive or have received services from other local organizations.

Will any contributions made be tax deductible and will we receive a receipt for tax purposes?

MISSION is a 501(c)(3). The letter of confirmation from the IRS is available upon request.

How do I know these resources will be used wisely? Who is ultimately responsible for stewardship?

The values of interdependence and self-governance influence our use of funds. All major decisions are presented to our existing group of homeless and non-homeless members for a vote.

Is Camp Take Notice perpetuating homelessness rather than solving it?

Ending homelessness is complicated and the process looks different for each person. The benefits that Camp Take Notice provides (i.e. interdependence, belonging, and community) have a different effect on different members. For some, it is a safe and temporary home as they transition to more traditional housing. For others, belonging to Camp is part of a longer recovery process. Our goal is to partner with individual members in accomplishing their goals in their timing, which often includes finding ways to end being homeless.