Meet Your Neighbors: Resident of Homeless Encampment Just Like You and Me, If You and Me Lived in a Tent in the Woods

Though Targetville is apparently now gone, we recently learned of another homeless encampment in the woods behind the Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride when it became the scene of a sexual assault earlier this month. Now thanks to the Fairfax County Times:, we've gotten to meet Hoyt Nelson Chick III, one of its residents:

As a skilled handyman performing odd jobs such as carpentry, electrical repairs and even some HVAC work, the 58-year-old hauls his tools and 6-foot ladder onto Fairfax Connector buses and comes home the same way.

Like many area residents, he mows his lawn, complains about his neighbors and roots for the Washington Capitals. What may set him apart from most county residents, however, is that his home is a series of tents located in the woods adjacent to the county-owned Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride lot where he has lived for the last six years. According to a study conducted by Fairfax County in April 2009, Chick is one of about 1,730 homeless residents living in Fairfax.

“I’m a homeless advocate,” he said in his raspy voice as he stands in his tent compound wearing Crocs, bifocals and a Washington Nationals cap. “Yeah, I’m homeless, but I don’t bum cigarettes, money, or anything else anyone could complain about, so everyone basically lets me be.”

His compound, consisting of several tents, tables and makeshift workstations, is trash-free and organized. “This is my home,” he said. “I take pride in it like anyone else.”

He uses propane tanks to both cook on a camp stove and to heat his bedroom. “I can be up in here in nothing but my drawers — with a stogie and a cocktail — on a 40-degree day, and feel nice and toasty,” he laughs.

He has a lawn mower that he uses to clear an area he calls “the front lawn.” He has occupied this current abode since early 2003, and has certainly made it his own.

A Vietnam vet, Chick became homeless in 2001. He says his tents were searched after last week's sexual assault.

On Oct. 5, while he was sleeping, someone used one of Chick’s tents to allegedly rape a 19-year-old girl. County police obtained a search warrant and searched the compound. “They were looking for a condom,” he said. “I don’t think they found it, but they took a blanket.”

A suspect turned himself in to police two days later, but Chick said he still feels invaded, the same way anyone would if someone broke into their home and committed a criminal act.

“In addition to the fact that this dude used my tent for whatever,” he said, “police came and went through all my stuff. You’re damn right I feel violated.”

Chick basically just wants a little respect -- and to be left alone.

On days he is not working, Chick utilizes Reston’s Embry Rucker Shelter to do laundry, take a shower and chat with friends. His intelligence and compassion is evident as he counsels other homeless people about programs available for their benefit, and imparts street wisdom to the younger set, giving them the benefit of his experiences.

“He certainly has the ability to become a homeless counselor,” said Aaron Sawyer, manager of the Clothes Closet in Herndon, where Chick once fixed the central air-conditioning system. “There is no shame to him. He wears his lifestyle out in front of him like a badge of honor. He could easily be the link between those in need and those on the outside trying to understand that lifestyle.”

For now, Chick just hopes his life can get back to normal after all the unwelcome attention recent events have brought upon him. “Like I said, all I want is a little respect,” he said. “And maybe something to keep skunks out of my tents.”

In conclusion, anyone who can claim the owner of Jaxx, the awesome Springfield nightclub where you can still go see 80s hair bands like Ratt, as a character witness can't be all bad, the end.