Camp Quixote is a tent city that provides safe haven for people experiencing homelessness. The camp is transitory in nature and is only located at any one site for 90 days. At that point the camp packs up and moves to another site for 90 days, and so on. The other local congregations that have hosted the camp are Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, The United Churches of Olympia, First Christian Church, St. John's Episcopal, and the First United Methodist Church.
· The residents of Camp Quixote are adult single men and women. No children are allowed. Some persons have lost employment; others have day jobs at minimum wage who cannot afford the current rental market. Others, suffering from physical or mental illness, have no services available to them. There are currently about 20 residents.
· All applicants for residency undergo a background check conducted by law enforcement agencies. Registered sex offenders or those with outstanding felony arrest warrants are not eligible for residency.
· Residents must agree to abide by the Camp’s Code of Conduct: No alcohol or drug use, no violence, no forced sex, no stealing, and no uninvited guests.
· The Camp has incorporated under Washington State law as a non-profit corporation and governs itself according to its Code of Conduct and the City of Olympia ordinance governing temporary homeless encampments.
· At the entrance to the Camp there is a Host Table. “Hosts” provide a 24/7 “presence” for the protection of the Camp and as insurance to the neighborhood against unwarranted activities (e.g. loitering) by the Camp’s residents. The camp has a system for policing itself, so little is required from the Volunteer Hosts in the way of security.
· For more information on Camp Quixote, please visit: http://campquixoteoly.googlepages.com
Camp Quixote: How you can help
- Get trained to be a “Host.” Hosts sit at the Host table provide a presence for the Camp’s protection and for the community.
- Sign up at the host table to bring a meal for the Camp. Several families or a group coming together works well.
- Donate financial help to WPC to offset Camp expenses or to the Camp itself.
- Supply the camp with the below on-going material needs. Bring any donations to the Host table.
If you would like to volunteer time or materials please contact the church office.
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Camp Quixote: Want / Need List
If you would like to donate items to the camp, following are supplies that would be helpful. Bring donated supplies to the host table.
Flashlight for host table
AAA, AA, C & D batteries
Propane tank (full or empty)
Dollars for propane
Drop light with extension cord
Extension cords (orange, 25-50 foot)
Cotton rope for tie downs (not nylon)
Clear, heavy plastic
Tarps, 10’x12’ or larger
Hand sanitizer (pump bottles or small individual size)
Mr. Coffee (or similar coffee maker) for host table
Weber Barbecue and briquettes
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