Alex Boerner

Camp Gordon

Camp Gordon is a community in limbo. The collection of run-down cabins is a halfway house of sorts. For some, Camp Gordon is a step up from homelessness. For others, it is a place to ride out hard times until they can get back on their feet.

Originally owned by Gordon W. Beatty, Camp Gordon was created with cabins formerly used by cadets at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Vero Beach, Florida, which has since been converted into a regional airport. When first built, it was marketed to tourists as a place to "get away" for the summer.

The tourists moved out long ago, and the camp, now operated by Gary Beatty, grandson of the original owner, is a place with an uncertain future as land values continue to climb. Maintenance is minimal and any work that is done on the structures is soon overrun by sand, insects and the humid Florida climate.

For many who live there, there is little alternative. Some have lived there for years; some have come and gone, and some have left and come back.

  
  
     
  
   
  
Abdel Kemmoune sits with Clyde, the family dog, who has been shaved as a result of fleas. Animals are allowed at Camp Gordon, but it is difficult for residents to keep insects out of the cabins, and many of the animals are infested with fleas.
     
  
The Kemmoune family, from left, Abdel, Clyde (the dog), Diana, Ariana, Lisa and Amber all live in one of the small cabins at Camp Gordon. Lisa cannot keep a job as a result of chronic back pain and a myriad of other health problems that began with a work-related accident in New York where she worked in the subway system. Abdel had been out of work for 5 months, but had recently found a job. Neither have health insurance but are working to get minimal coverage. The family moved to Florida at the suggestion of a doctor, believing that the warm weather may help Lisa's condition, which it did not. They came to live at Camp Gordon as a last resort after falling victim to a housing scam and a lack of a steady income. They hope to move out as soon as possible.
   
Amber Kemmoune peeks out the window as her father, Abdelhadi Kemmoune, right, discusses the rent with Camp Gordon Landlord Gary Beatty. Abdel didn't have the money for the week, but Beatty allowed he and his family to stay. Eventually, the Kemmeoune's were evicted and moved into the Samaritan Center, a place with many rules, but where families can stay for free while actively looking for work.
   
Amber Kemmoune leads neighbor friends into the woods while exploring behind Camp Gordon.
     
  
   
  
Tamiko McGriff smiles at her neighbor's daughter, Ariel Thomas, before going to work in the evening. McGriff lives in an apartment complex surrounded on three sides by Camp Gordon. Children from both places often play together.
     
  
   
Ariana Kemmoune sits in the low branch of a tree on the other side of the camp from their house where most of the other kids hang out. Behind her can be seen some of the cabins that once housed cadets at the U.S. Naval Air station from which they were taken. "I hate living here," she said. A statement echoed by the rest of her family.
   
     
  
Lisa Kemmoune sweeps the kitchen floor before making dinner.
  
Abdel Kemmoune, left, spends the evening out in front of the cabin being lived in by Tyrone Anthony, center.
   
Ariana waits at the table for dinner.
     
  
   
One of the many cats that hang around Camp Gordon walks underneath the amputated legs of resident Tyrone Anthony.
   
Tyrone Anthony is a veteran of the U.S. Army who lost both of his legs in the Korean War. For 15 years he has lived in Camp Gordon, a community made up of army barracks that have been relocated and are now used as low income housing in Vero Beach, FL. Anthony receives $604 per month in disability income. His rent is $400 per month.