Dr. Mom shows the way
RN&R photographer Dana Nöllsch takes a tour of Reno’s Tent City
Tent City opens at 6 a.m. daily. Dr. Mom says not a lot happens this early in the day. The buses arrive from the winter overflow shelter in Sparks, but the early arrivals have to wait in the cold because breakfast isn’t ready at St. Vincent’s until 8 a.m.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Most people in Reno are surprised to hear there is still a Tent City on Record Street near the homeless shelter, says Cindy Radley, otherwise known as Dr. Mom. Radley, 49, has lived in Tent City for 10 months and considers herself a native. She’s acting as my guide today.
She recalls the day Reno Mayor Bob Cashell came out to visit and saw people sleeping on the train tracks and ordered Tent City reopened for the overflow from the homeless shelter complex.
Dr. Mom is a community leader in Tent City. She knows how to get around. She knows where and when to get blankets, food and the meager medical supplies that are available. She’s got the line on where to get tents. You could say she knows the ropes.
She’s got detractors. Some people would say the only reason she meets people at the gate is to see what they can do for her, and the only thing “Dr. Mom” really knows is how to work the system to her advantage.
Cindy “Dr. Mom” Radley says she is a community resource to the homeless: “I’m always here to lend a helping hand. They got a problem; I’m here. They’re sick; I give them medicine, Band-aids, aspirins. They need somebody to talk to, I’m here for ’em. I tell them straight out, ‘Don’t ask me a question unless you want to know the truth because I don’t pull any punches.’ … I’ve become like a mom, an aunt, grandma and stuff to quite a few people down here. I pretty much think I’ve earned their respect, majority of people, because I been down here the longest. I’ve been down here since they first opened up the gates.”
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Tom, far right, has a military pension that lasts him most of the month, but not all. He stays at Tent City for one to two weeks monthly. Although Radley helped Tom get a tent and set up in the beginning, he’s become a little leery of her because he feels she works the system to her advantage.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Wayne Backer, left, and tent mate Ken are excited to get a package of muffins.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Dr. Mom walks with one of Tent City’s many children. “I think at one time—what did I have—I had maybe about 30-40 kids. … I feel like the little old lady with the shoe, she had so many kids, she didn’t know what to do.” While Dr. Mom uses her walker at times, like when its presence moves her to the front of the food line, at other times, she doesn’t need it.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Tent City can be a rough place. Alcohol and drugs are common, and like in any city, there are sections better avoided.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Nan, left, and Mark Triny were recently evicted from their weekly motel. Radley showed the couple how to insulate their tent with blankets and tarps.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
Radley and Anthony Bean shared a tent for a couple of months. Bean was injured when he fell in Tent City’s poorly lit yard. There are many couples who share tents and help one another through hard times.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
There is only one gate in and out of Tent City. It’s locked at 6 p.m. This “No Trespassing” sign is one of the many official signs on the property that go virtually ignored.
Photo By Dana Nöllsch
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