The title of this post pretty much describes much of our work here the last few days.
How would you like to sell a spot in this tent for a family of four to join 12 others? The tent has electricity but no appliances included - not even a light or a fan (these are occasionally donated but aren’t given out until there’s enough for everyone as you can imagine the riots). And like all real estate deals it’s location, location, location. Is it near the bathrooms, showers or food line? Must you walk up a long hill? Is there a crying baby in the tent? Are the neighbors the same ethnic group? Are they obnoxious?
I spent most of yesterday morning trying to sell a spot in an air-conditioned box home. You would think this would be a move up from a tent. It took five tries before I found a family wanting to move. In some cases they really liked their current neighbors or didn’t like the new ones or didn’t want a smaller space even if it had AC, or just didn’t want to move one. more. time.
To do these “home showings,” you must first find the people. There is some general organization into areas and tents are numbered, but they aren’t lined up in order. Then when you find the tent you must talk to someone in charge, not just the kids. Translators aren’t always available. It is both frustrating and humorous trying to communicate. Then you show them their potential new spot.
If you successfully close the deal, then that leaves an empty spot in the tent and you must start the process again - this time trying to “sell” the tent spot that has just been vacated. Sometimes you have to set a guard at a spot to keep squatters out.
Amazing to me is that many folks clean up their old spot for the next family.
At one point yesterday I was in a small tent with five Afghan men arguing loudly and rapidly.
I’m not sure what was going on, but it had something to do with electricity. I just waited for them to talk it out. The man took the spot for his family.
I’m not sure what was going on, but it had something to do with electricity. I just waited for them to talk it out. The man took the spot for his family.
Other members of our group saw more difficult things. One man started beating his wife when told they must make room for more (neighbors pulled him off, and he was reported). Terry had a situation where they were going to call the police because a man refused to move (he had circumvented the process and just grabbed an empty spot). Believe it or not, this situation ended up peacefully and with a hug.
So the camp is like a giant puzzle where the pieces are being rearranged constantly - trying to take care of the most vulnerable and having some sense of fairness. The folks in the office (also volunteers) have all the data on ages, sicknesses and other factors that go into housing decisions. Our team just implements. We do give choices. A family already housed does not have to move (though they may have to make room for more). The choices for new arrivals are harder - their choice is take it or leave it (which leaves them on the streets without a spot in the food line). There are 400 new arrivals to fit in the puzzle this week. It is heartbreaking.
Today we work evening shift which will be a combo of real estate deals and guarding gates.
