Juan and Ashley were among the first occupants of the new “Miracle Community” in south Harrisburg, relocating from “tent city.”
In south Harrisburg, the sound of hammers and chatter echoed in the crisp air on an unusually cool, mid-summer afternoon.
Friday was the first move-in day for folks relocating from the PennDOT encampment to the new “Miracle Community” on S. 9th Street.
Much of the hammering was being done by those migrating in. Will, Rico and Juan hunched over a plywood covered pallet, nailing a tent securely. Asked what they wanted from the new space, they replied, “opportunity, more benefits, and a clean area.”
Others appreciated a greater sense of stability.
“I think it’s hard when you’re in survival mode all the time,” Naomi said. “So, this kind of gives you a sense of permanency so that you can actually be encouraged to try and do something else instead of like trying to maintain being in the woods all day.”
Brian Jones, an inaugural resident, agreed. He had already settled in with his camp chair and a book.
“It’s between being in a crowded environment that’s not healthy to one that’s a lot cleaner,” he said.
They were among the first people trickling in from the sprawling encampment, known as “tent city,” near the PennDOT building in south Harrisburg. That long-running, makeshift camp is due to be shut down soon, and all occupants removed, due to pending work that will expand I-83.
The new, shale-covered area is very different from “tent city,” which was unplanned and stretched, over time, into the nearby woods. For one, it’s gridded, allowing for walking paths in between tent spaces, resembling a residential street. The shale allows for better drainage, and pallets will prevent sodden belongings after each rain, a common problem with tent living.
Brian Jones
Harrisburg nonprofit Amiracle4sure purchased the vacant plot of land for people to relocate to, near Cameron Street and off Shanois Street, not far from the current encampment. The nonprofit bought the property for $670,000, funded with grant money awarded by the county.
Jones, a veteran, was evicted recently. He said that being homeless is exhausting, but that he has met some interesting people. Juan passed by and Jones added, “He’s one of the most helpful people down here.”
Juan moved in with his wife Ashley. She said that she feels safer being in the new community.
“It’s away from all the drama, guns and arguing and fighting. You get a lot of resources too, especially with the baby,” she said, patting her expanding belly.
Ashley and her neighbor were comparing tents. Her neighbor said that he had never had a tent before and was happy with the three zipper windows and vent at the top.
Marsha Curry–Nixon was also pleased how things had gone. She’s the founder and executive director of Amiracle4Sure, which is heading up Miracle Community.
“I’m so excited about what’s to come,” she said. “This is the first phase.”
Curry-Nixon recognizes that this is one option for housing not “the” option for those experiencing homelessness.
“Like our logo says, ‘Where housing options are valued,’” she said. “If they choose to stay in their vans and cars, we’ll have a space for them. If they want to go into a building with walls, we’ll have that provided for them. If they want to stay in this outside space, they’ll be appreciated for that as well.”
Curry-Nixon’s lived experience in homelessness as a mother of eight, in recovery, has informed her understanding of struggle and how to help others through their journey.
When Curry-Nixon first came to Harrisburg, one of the first people she met was Randie Yeager, then head of Dauphin County Children and Youth Services. Yeager helped Curry-Nixon and her family then, and today she was there helping folks move into their new living accommodations.
“This is the future site of low-income housing for our unhoused community members, and this is the start of that, “said Yeager, now Dauphin County Human Services Director.
Rico hauled lumber to help build the new encampment.
Yeager pointed out that Rico was hauling two-by-fours with a broken arm.
“Unhoused community members have a hammer in their hand, and they are helping to get set up,” said Yeager. Rico chimed in, “A lot of people don’t want to come, but they don’t have any other choice.”
Community members chatted about some of the misperceptions that the unhoused at PennDOT have about the Miracle Community. Some said they had concerns, but those concerns disappeared when they came to the site.
There is still much work to be done. Electricity needs to be hooked up, then charging stations will be available, shower stations created, drinking water made available, and an open-air cooking area built. The community can help in that work.
“We’re going to intentionally come at least twice a month to do a walkthrough and clean up,” Curry-Nixon said.
The project can use solar heaters and fans, 50-gallon plastic containers with locking lids, blankets and, of course, funds to cover expenses, like the $300 a month that it will cost to have water on site. Relationships are also important.
“Anybody that wants to come and be friends with our friends, they’re welcome do that,” said Curry-Nixon.
While those details get worked out, 10 people had planted their tents by late Friday afternoon. Naomi, 26, hauled her area rug towards her pallet, three neighbors piled into a tent to see how big it was. Juan made up the bed for his pregnant wife, and another community resident hauled his mattress along the path towards his new home.
Some names have been changed to protect anonymity.
Donations can be taken to Amiracle4Sure 1735 State St., Harrisburg.
Financial donations can be given at https://www.amiracle4sure.com/
