Tent City plans create flap in neighborhood

TAMPA - Catholic Charities wants to build an emergency homeless shelter modeled on Pinellas Hope, on a church owned site off Hillsborough Avenue near the State Fairgrounds.

But it will take a zoning change, something angry neighbors vow to fight.

Now, with a crucial vote on the tent city site set for next week, there's division apparently in the homeless community.

Rayme Nuckles is the Homeless Coalition's C-E-O, he tells FOX13,

"The tents are not an effective way to meet the needs of the homeless," said Rayme Nuckles, CEO of the Homeless Coalition, who has also been critical of Catholic Charities.

Here's what Nuckles says on a home video shot at a meeting of the Stop Tent City group October 2nd:

"We said, 'let's do this the right way, because you screwed it up in Pinellas County.'" There were hoots and applause, music to Tent City's detractors, who've pledged to campaign against any county commissioner who votes for the tents.

"We intend to apply pressure, if these commissioners don't do what's right for the homeless coalition members, then they'll be looking for another job," said Hal Hart, who leads the No Tent City group.

Catholic Charities says its not hearing any complaints from coalition members.

"When we talk to the individual providers of homeless services in Hillsborough County, we find a lot of support," said Frank Murphy.

Pastor Tom Atcheson of New Beginnings is a coalition member.

"The thing is, there are many more homeless on the street, and even though tents isn't the permanent solution, it is a bandaid, and we need some bandaids," Atcheson said.

Nuckles insists the his members are divided, that they'd prefer wooden sheds called casitas over tents. I asked Nuckles, "I think I'm hearing you say you'd accept the tent city reluctantly, you'd prefer they not build the tents?" "Correct" "But you'll take them if its all you can get?" "un huh".

If the commission says no, Murphy of Catholic Charities says, "its not the end no matter what. If this doesn't pass, we'll come up with another plan".

The vote is set for Wednesday October 13th.