Homeless again ... maybe

Posted: Sunday, April 29, 2012

Visitors keep telling Phil “Papa Bear” DiNardo that he and the others in Bucks County’s oldest and largest homeless camp must move out before Tuesday. But the Lord tells him something different.

“I ain’t gonna give it up,” he said Thursday. “Jesus is telling me to wait.”

DiNardo isn’t the only Tent City resident who isn’t convinced that bulldozers and backhoes will begin dismantling their homes in a few days to make room for a new warehouse. Even after an industrial-size trash bin recently appeared outside the encampment.

The people here say they’ve heard the same warning every month for the last two years.

Phil "Papa Bear" DiNardo

“When they bring the bulldozers, I’ll believe it,” one man said. 

But Bristol Borough Police Chief Arnold Porter last week confirmed that property owner JRZ, LLC intends to bring heavy construction equipment onto the 23 acres where the camp is located to start excavating the site. The borough council approved development plans for a 253,000-square foot warehouse in 2005.

“Everyone has been very patient with them,” Porter added.

Local churches, advocates for the homeless and social service agencies have been working with camp residents to relocate them into temporary or permanent housing, as well connect them with social services, drug or alcohol treatment.

A local faith-based group called “The Way Home” is working to obtain federal nonprofit status and hopes to secure housing for some Tent City residents, according to Don Richards, a member of the Advocates for the Homeless and Those in Need, which works with the Lower Bucks homeless.

The group’s plan is to provide subsidized housing for four people at a time, Richards said. As for the other camp residents, he isn’t sure what will happen to them.

“That is the question,” he added.

A Philadelphia homeless shelter offered to take some men, but no one wanted to relocate, said Keith Smothers, a case manager with Penndel Mental Health who is working with camp residents.

“This time it’s pretty serious. I think some folks are waiting to see what will happen before they move,” Smothers added. “They will stay there until they actually see someone come in and raise the place. I guess we’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”

WATCHFUL WAITING

Tent City, as it’s come to be known, has quietly existed on and off for at least 20 years tucked in the woods next to Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol. In 2010, though, Bristol officials started looking for the property’s owner after the hospital filed a complaint, citing concerns about patient and employee safety.

Residents who live there occupy camping tents or large wood and tarp-covered structures. They use propane-fueled heaters, lights and stoves. They cook for each other, watch over belongings, attend Sunday church services, and share whatever they find.

Most say they rely on disability checks, charity, and scavenging nearby shopping center trash bins. Many have mental or physical disabilities, chronic health problems or substance abuse issues, all obstacles to finding decent housing.

Diane and Jim moved into Tent City about two months ago, after they were evicted from their Bristol Township apartment. They couldn’t afford the rent anymore, though Diane is on Section 8 subsidized housing. Social workers took her three girls, ages 14, 12 and 7, into foster care, Diane said.

Before they ended up at the camp, they slept in Jim’s car. He knew other people who’ve stayed in the camp, so one day they showed up. They’ve been there ever since.

They’ll be there Tuesday, though Jim says their belongings will be packed, just in case.

Papa Bear DiNardo in his tent

For three years, DiNardo has lived in Tent City. At age 63, he is the oldest of the more than dozen people who call the place home.

Before he landed in the camp, DiNardo said he rented a motel room. Before that he lived in his car for seven years. His family knows his circumstances, he said. He has worked as a truck driver and a cab driver. He owned a Warminster deli. He ran a video store for nine years.

But now DiNardo says he is too old and sick to pack up his life again.

If the bulldozers come on Tuesday, he’ll take what he can carry. He worries he’ll have to leave behind his collection of religious objects and Bibles he keeps inside his tent.

He explained that the Tent City is a place where people who have no place go. How many are still here? DiNardo started counting on his fingers.

“Two, four, six, nine, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, we got 16,” he said. “And that is an off week.

Some people have already moved on, most taking their tents deeper into the woods. DiNardo likes it in the camp, though he doesn’t love it. He believes he landed in Tent City for a reason that only the Lord knows.

Last Christmas everyone was broke, so DiNardo made a sign out of a piece of scrap wood, writing in black marker: “Help Bristol’s Homeless, Please.” He stood outside a local shopping center and rang a little bell.

The money he collected he spent on presents for people in the camp, things like propane fuel and cigarettes. It was a good holiday, he said.

Many camp residents are known to local community groups. DiNardo and others recently helped with a spring cleanup at the Latino Leadership Alliance of Bucks County’s headquarters in Bristol.

“None of them would take a dime,” alliance President Theresa Conejo said. “They did it because they have big hearts and wanted to give back to the community and the kids.”

DiNardo hadn’t decided if he’ll refuse to leave Tuesday. But he’ll be there, on his porch with a cup of coffee.

“I never thought it would come to this day, and it still may not,” he said. “I’m looking forward to an exciting day.”

Jo Ciavaglia: 215-949-4181;  email: jciavaglia@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @jociavaglia