friends & foes community it up

by mike hofstad, volunteer & resident
edited by sarina e. guerra

Hi, how are you, readers? My name is Mike De’Mayhem and I’m a Slabber and Volunteer at the #slabcitycareclub. I’d like to start this article off with a quote by a famous French Philosopher and Anarchist named Albert Camus. He once wrote that “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is considered an act of rebellion!”

Here in Slab City, CA, we are that rebellion! We come from all walks of life. The roads we traveled to get here… are often filled with turmoil, strife, and a desperate plea for change. A new way of life awaited us. A different way to live came with it—a new hope. One where humanity still very much exists, versus just people, and a life where you, and your willpower determine your comfort level and success in this desolate place a few folks call home year round.

The outside world likes to label us Slabbers as homeless, but we are far from that. We are a community that truly knows how to community it up. I think that’s something that most others have forgotten how to do in these days in Babylon, or perhaps they simply no longer see a point in doing anymore. Well, not here! And we are certainly not homeless! Here, the definition of a home is as loose as a goose. We live in Vehicles, Tents, Pallet Structures, Campers, RVs and so much more. Each dwelling serves as a representation of what our creativity can do even with little to nothing to work with. We Slabbers certainly live a decent life, we just prefer one a bit more removed from the everyday hustle and bustle of society.

It’s my honor to introduce to you readers the Slab City Care Club.

Since day one on the job, Slab City has never seen quicker help from so many amazing souls who are also on this venture of love and humility. From the conversations to the camaraderie, life in Slab City is unlike anything you may have witnessed. Here at the Slab City Care Club, Slabbers and Tourists can forget about their worries, meet their community, enjoy a hot meal, and gather some much-needed donated goods. Thanks to the generous donations we received from the Care Club Slabbers and tourists, we were afforded the ability to worry just a little bit less.

On Sunday, November 24, 2024 – the day of the event — the line of 130+ souls I saw was both tremendous and humbling. They showed up Smiling and in Peace, Laughing, Hugging, Kissing, and Fist Bumping… Humanity at its finest! Vehicles lined both sides of the road and every bench, picnic table, chair, and cushion was filled. Slabbers, Tourists, Foes & Friends—EVERYBODY came together to give thanks.

This year, I was especially reminded of how the Native Americans and Pilgrims came together to feast as one. I say this because I personally heard talk of even enemies smiling, being cordial, and coming together during this dinner much like how we’ve had to reconcile our differences in this country’s past. That is the real beauty of this holiday. To Gather and Give Thanks! So Thank You Slab City Care Club, and Thank You Slabbers. Good day. Always stay humble.

Part of the Slab City Residents Break Bread — and Boundaries Collection

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