The creator of a tent city for homeless people in Akron is holding a cleanup day Thursday now that the city has ordered the encampment to close.
Sage Lewis is the 47-year-old Akron activist and entrepreneur who set up the tent city on his property.
He said residents have already done most of the cleanup work at the site, but he’s hoping supporters will come anyway.
“Let these homeless people know that they’re not alone, to remind them one last time that people do care,” said Lewis.
In September, Akron City Council voted against a zoning change proposed by Lewis and his Homeless Charity and Village, causing the tent city to close. Last month Akron gave notice the tents must be dismantled by January 5.
According to the city, of the 46 people living there December 10, they found shelter for 45.
Lewis says 22 people were still living there last week and he’s not sure where they will go. His charity purchased two houses in need of rehab where Lewis says five or six people can live.
“This is incredibly slow. It is not sheltering people tonight. It seems there is no political will to shelter people that are living outdoors,” said Lewis.
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