Why We’re Here … A Conversation, Not an Argument

Campout for Compassion 2026 … Saturday, November 14, 2026

Our approach to homelessness may appear left-leaning … but this isn’t about left or right.

The best available science, research, studies, and real-world results help us understand what works and what doesn’t. There will always be people and groups who try to distort or manipulate the narrative to fit a particular view … but facts are facts, and results are results.

In the end, we all want the same things … cleaner, safer parks and waterways, a return to a sense of normalcy in our community, fewer people living on the streets, and our neighbors having a safe place to call home. These goals do not have to be in conflict.

Our recommended educational resources reflect a “shelter first” and lowest-barrier approach. These resources are recommended, not required. If you disagree with what we provide, you are welcome to bring countering research, information, and perspectives to the conversation.

All voices are encouraged. While this project will not provide or recommend “treatment first” educational materials, people who support those approaches are still welcome to participate and speak.

We are not here to tell you what to think. We are not here to tell you how it should be done. We are here to start having conversations … to examine uncomfortable facts from our worst nightmares … and to see that problems we have come to think are impossible to solve may actually be possible.

We do not need to agree on everything to find common ground. Our purpose is dialogue … nothing more.