During the afternoon of Oct. 10, the homeless encampment “Nickelsville,” jokingly named after Mayor Greg Nickels, moved into University Christian Church’s parking lot on the corner of 50th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 15th Street. The camp fills three-fourths of the lot with tents, housing about 100 people. The remaining lot is still used by the preschool across the street.

The camp has moved several times since first setting up in south Seattle Sept. 23. Land-use zoning prohibits camping in most areas within Seattle, which has forced the camp to move numerous times.

The church, which invited the camp to its parking lot, received a land-use violation Oct. 16 warning the church to remove the encampment before Oct. 31 or receive a fine.

The Reverend Janetta Cravens Boyd said the church hopes to work with the city toward a solution that doesn’t require the church to get a permit or pay a fine.

“I think the city understands that we need the time to give hospitality,” Boyd said.

Some church members are worried about the financial effects of Nickelsville on the church, but Boyd said the church will discuss concerns in a meeting this Sunday.

Camp resident Clifton Perkins, who works seasonally as a fisherman in Alaska, said some camp residents are just between jobs, while others are transients who choose to live in temporary shelter. Some are chronically homeless because of mental health issues or drug dependencies.

Nickelsville has its own set of rules, including a ban on alcohol and drug use, as well as volunteer security at the gate of the camp. Perkins said although campers may not bring drugs into the camp, he thinks some may use drugs outside the premises.

At a community meeting last Wednesday, a Nickelsville representative said the only time the police have come to the camp is when they were called by the camp.

Nickelsville residents indicated they would like to stay in the lot until at least 2009. The camp is currently full, serving about 100 residents, and each of the blue, green and pink tents has its own identifying number, much like an address.

Perkins, whose tent lies between those of a DJ and a window designer, said that Nickelsville could help some people improve their lives.

“You have to use this to determine your way back up into society,” Perkins said.

The camp’s most recent spot at 50th and 15th is busier than previous locations, which Perkins said makes him feel uneasy.

Sometimes late at night, people drive by and shout things like “Get out of here,” and “Get a life,” he said.

Dale Hoff, a member of University United Methodist, said that before last Wednesday’s meeting, he didn’t know much about the camp, but he’s now glad the church is hosting it.

UW junior Cameron Akita, who lives near the camp, said he first found out about it from his parents.

“It’s weird having it so close, but I don’t have any problem with it,” Akita said.

In the end, Boyd said the church is just trying to meet a need.

“We’re not getting any sort of spiritual medal of honor for having them in our parking lot,” she said. “We’re just trying to help them and help move the conversation about homelessness along.”

Reach reporter Roselle Kingsbury at news@dailyuw.com.