When we began our documentary, The Neighbors We Left Behind, three years ago, we aimed to shed light on the disparities faced by the unhoused community in the wake of recent legislation. What we didn’t expect was to be so touched and ultimately impressed by the stories that were shared. We naively didn’t realize the community formed between those living on the street. Old Tent City is the greatest example of how that community can transform lives.
We didn’t get a chance to visit the camp until its days were numbered, but even then the camaraderie was clear. The residents of Old Tent City had created their own city on the outskirts of Nashville. When society tried to push them aside, they banded together to build structures to live in, some of which even had running water.
Old Tent City wasn’t perfect. Those we spoke with who were living in the camp, openly shared the hate they faced—not only from outsiders but also among themselves. They, too, wished for a cleaner, safer environment; however, uprooting them from their homes that they built with their own hands is not the solution. For those who call Old Tent City “unclean” or “violent,” I urge you to look deeper. Being forced to hide from society means no trash pickups, and living outside constantly in survival mode can make anyone irritable, sleep deprived and disoriented. All of these factors can adversely influence interpersonal relationships. It is essential to recognize that when individuals are forced to hide from society, their circumstances become a breeding ground for misunderstanding and prejudice.
Old Tent City offered more than just a roof for some. It provided community, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. For many, it was a sanctuary, while for others, it was a final refuge in desperate times. Although its surroundings may appear unsafe to those unfamiliar with its reality, I implore you to cultivate empathy for those whom society has sidestepped and dismissed. Everyone deserves dignity in life, the right to exist in a space they have made their own, and the respect afforded to any other resident of our community. No one should be forcibly removed from their home, especially when that home is merely a manifestation of their survival. As we reflect on our journey filming Old Tent City, we are left with a profound recognition of our shared humanity and the urgent need to approach homelessness with compassion and understanding.