It was hard to look away. For the first time, Charlotte’s homeless problem was gathered in one place and no one uptown could avoid it. Located in an area off Davidson Road, people called it Tent City – although only the lucky ones actually had tents. The presence of so many unhoused people compelled community leaders to focus on the poverty and housing crisis that so often goes unnoticed. And then, one year ago, the city stepped in and dismantled the encampment on order of the Health Department. Just like that, Tent City was gone, and with it went the visibility and, in many cases, the concern for, its residents.
What happened to the residents of Tent City? Where did they go after the city evicted them from the place they called home? Jewish teaching tells us to keep asking the question, regardless of whether the problem is visible: “For there will never cease to be needy ones in your land. Therefore, I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kin in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15: 4,11)
With this teaching in mind, two opportunities to open our eyes, our hands, and our hearts:
First , Temple Beth El is pleased to host Call Me By My Name: A Documentary About Living Without a Home. This 55-minute documentary offers a rare close-up perspective on a resilient and often misunderstood community, including interviews with participants in their daily lives and campsites. Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a 30-minute panel discussion including many of the participants in the film. This free event is open to the public but registration is required. All Covid precautions will be taken in accordance with Temple Beth El protocols. Please join us for this special event.
Second, Temple Beth El, partnering with Urban Ministries and our Shalom Park partners, will support Abraham’s Tent on the campus of Queens college each Tuesday night throughout the month of March. Abraham’s Tent, connected to the city-wide Room in the Inn program, will welcome in our unhoused neighbors, providing them with a warm bed, food and a safe place to spend the night. Although this initiative will be ongoing through the month of March, and help is always appreciated, Temple Beth El has committed to staff and provide food for the night of March 1. Please sign up here to provide or serve food, donate clothing or offset costs and help set up the beds and break down the room.
I know many people are feeling tired. Covid continues to take its toll, the days of winter can feel dark and dreary and good news can be hard to find. But when we, as Jews, come together to express our values, to support those in need and to learn more about the humans behind the stories – well, then, the world gets just a little bit lighter. For a mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light. (Proverbs 6:23)
