Tent City pops up again in Joplin after tornado
Missouri food banks are continuing efforts to support individuals impacted by the Joplin tornado last month. Now news about historic water releases from upstream Missouri River resevoirs is prompting agencies and organizations to plan for relief efforts, including around the St. Joseph, Missouri area. A recent news report on the Joplin KOAM-TV website indicated a tent city was created to support tornado victims. A tent city created by homeless people in Joplin was bulldozed in 2010 by city officials. An article in the Joplin Globe reinforced common stereotypes of homeless people rather than explore socio-economic conditions in the area which may have caused the need. “The kinds of reports we’ve been called to are varied: assaults, drinking, various code violations, intimidating behavior,” Police Chief Lane Roberts said. “It runs the gamut, but it’s difficult to control because it’s off the beaten path.” Around 20 tornado survivors have b...