CPOY 73 Documentary Award of Excellence: Tent City, Akron, OH
Tents began to congregate behind the building at 15 Broad St., Akron, OH during the summer of 2016. Over the coming months, a few tents turned to a dozen. Then 25. Then over 40, until eventually roughly 50 of Akron's homeless population called 15 Broad St., or Tent City, as it is now known, home. Tent City's continued existence has led to a controversy with the city of Akron, with some Akron residents complaining about Tent City, and others rallying behind it. According to the US Census Bureau, 25.4% of Akron's population lives in poverty. Tent City has drawn attention to the rampant poverty and high rates of homelessness in Akron, and to the lack of effective solutions offered by the City of Akron.
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Slide 7 of 12
April 25, 2018
Herman smokes a cigarette outside the entry to Tent City. Residents and non-residents alike, most of whom are homeless, gather at Tent City during the day. Many smoke throughout the day, littering the ground with cigarette butts. "Most people ask why the homeless are always smoking, why they don't just quit and stop wasting their money. I always want them to think, how easy would it be for you to quit? Then think about all the added stress, mental issues, and health issues that come with being homeless. It's not that easy," Herman said. A retiree, Herman lived at Tent City for months before finding an apartment he could afford. He now volunteers at Tent City.
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