Opinion: What I learned about love in a homeless camp

"Amid the piles of trash and burnt-out cars, I found extensive infrastructure, including systems for power and water, a free store, a health clinic with Narcan and herbal tinctures, guest quarters and multiple event venues, with stages, lighting and sound systems. These facilities were built in partnership with housed friends of the camp, of which I was one."

"The crowd was about 50-50 housed and unhoused the invisible veil that normally segregates these two worlds had been lifted. One thing that's apparent is the love that exists there, said Monte, one of the camp's leaders. It's infectious."

"I've spent the past several years immersed in the Bay Area's homeless communities. While each one is unique, the common denominator I've observed is a special kind of love. It's the sort of love one finds in a family you might have strong differences of opinion, gossip behind each other's back and even do hurtful things to each other."

A Wood Street homeless camp in West Oakland, housing approximately 300 people at its peak, operated as a self-sufficient community with extensive infrastructure including power and water systems, a free store, health clinic, and entertainment venues. Residents partnered with housed supporters to organize cultural events featuring local performers and aerial dancers. A memorable group hug during one such gathering symbolized the breaking down of social barriers between housed and unhoused individuals. The camp demonstrated sophisticated community organization and mutual aid principles. Despite its eventual demolition, the experience revealed the deep bonds and infectious love present within homeless communities, characterized by familial connections that transcend typical social divisions.

Read at www.mercurynews.com