For two years we have tried to get all the trash and
camping gear out of the GT Commons along Kids Creek.

This year, the Exchange Club took a chance on us and
gave us a grant to help us buy back abandoned camping
gear and trash from the Lower Commons.

This was a first event of its kind and we were more than a little
nervous about the outcome. So many people told us it could not be
done and recounted the many problems that would arise.

But all our fears were totally unfounded.

All the homeless people who participated were cordial and very appreciative
of the opportunity to help out while making a little cash on the side.

Some of the homeless folks expessed the desire to NOT have their photos
published, so the video and images from our security camera will not
be displayed but will be made available upon request.

We did receive an American Flag which we disposed of properly.
One of the homeless guys sang the Star Spangled Banner as the
flag was properly incinerated as best we could on the site.

(How To Retire A Damaged Flag)

We received 97 or more items and estimate more than 1000 pounds of trash
and camping gear were returned for disposal. One couple worked really
hard and made $80.00. Others were happy with less.

We had 35 documented visits to the site from about 25 people.
That's about 30 pounds of trash brought per visit.

Others just came by to see what was going on.

A full accounting and documentation will be provided to the Grantors.

We paid $284.00 which is about $.28 a pound for this project which
we feel was a very efficient use of the money from this grant.

This Exchange Club grant paid for ONLY the trash that was returned,
not the supplies and equipment that were used. The BRCS did not make
anything for doing this project.

All the photos that we can publish may be seen here:

Selected Photos From This Event

We wish to thank the following for their support and encouragament:

These are the people and organizations that made this event possible.

The Exchange Club of Traverse City - Funding, Volunteers and Encouragement

Derek Melville - Traverse City Parks and Rec - Providing Traverse City
Leased Garbage Truck and Driver

Frank Dituri - Traverse City Director of Public Services
Event Approval and Support

Capt Gillis and Officer Mark - City Police Dept

Ryan Hannon - Goodwill Street Outreach - Advice and Consent

Tyler Bartosh - Exchange Club Volunteer

Jim Hutchison - Bethlehem Lutheran Church Volunteer

John Daniels - Safe Harbor Volunteer

Rick Williams and Karl Hillmann III - Homeless Volunteers
Public Relations, Secruity and Consultation Services

The Homeless Participants - Hard Work