As the city of Seattle deals with the homeless issue by kicking them out of their makeshift camp sites under freeways, bridges and greenbelts, two Ballard churches are welcoming them and there have been no major problems.

On Mar. 1, Tent City 3, the roving camp for the homeless moved into the parking lot at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church. In late February, Trinity United Methodist Church became an official SHARE/WHEEL (Seattle Housing and Resource Effort/Women's Housing Equality and Enhancement League) shelter for approximately 20 homeless people who sleep in the gymnasium.

The decision by Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church to host Tent City 3 was a nine-month process of discussion by the congregation where members asked many questions.

"The congregation shared how they felt. It was an overwhelming vote. We took time to listen to input," said Pastor Steve Grumm.

During two meetings to inform area neighbors about the camp's March and April stay, some local residents were upset they were not consulted in the decision.

"We can't decide programs at the church on how neighbors feel," said Grumm.

Most people have been supportive and asked what they could do to help the 90 homeless residents of Tent City 3.

Parents and children at North Beach Elementary School are making health kits for the residents. Loyal Heights Elementary parents are organizing a meal.

Windermere Realty hosted a dinner at the church recently for the men and women. A local ski patrol donated ski jackets.

"I'm impressed with the people stepping forward to offer help. There are more and more people," said Grumm.

When the camp started moving in, some neighbors came by to assist them. The Tent City 3 residents set up their temporary homes constructed of tarp, duct tape and anchored by plastic crates full of rocks.

People are feeling connected to issues around housing said Grumm. "They are getting a clearer sense of homelessness, the issues they face through individual people who experience it. This is a community that will support that kind of (transitional) housing."

When Trinity United Methodist Church became a permanent host of a Seattle Housing and Resource Effort/Women's Housing Equality and Enhancement League shelter, a public meeting was held to gather input. Only a handful of people showed up and they wanted to help.

"We have to do something about the thousands of homeless in the city. Maybe a handful wants to be homeless. Most do not want to sleep outside," said Lang.

Churches have played a big role in the issue.

Trinity United Methodist was the first church in Ballard to welcome Tent City in 2001 and 2002.

In 2001, the city of Seattle ruled it was illegal for a church to host Tent City in a residential area and fined Trinity $75 a day.

The church negotiated with city officials. They came to an agreement that using church property to help the homeless is intrinsic to what churches are all about, said Pastor Rich Lang.

Seattle Housing and Resource Effort/Women's Housing Equality and Enhancement League, the organization that runs Tent City in Seattle and the eastside, along with Trinity accepted a restriction. Tent City cannot stay at a church for more than six weeks.

Concern from the community living near Trinity United Methodist Church was another matter at the time.

"There was huge opposition back then. People were hysterical. They calmed down," said Lang.

Lang believes strongly that people need a roof over their head. Tent City is not the greatest thing, but it provides a powerful sense of community, support and basic stability, he said.

With very little opposition to Tent City 3 coming back to Ballard these next two months, Lang said, "this neighborhood has values. That speaks well of us."

"Until we commit as a city to building low income housing, the religious community has taken the lead to provide shelter," said Lang.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com