The hidden homeless camps in West Mich

to the land.

But the city's own assessor's records show differently -- that the city owns it.

"Right on the map it says that it's city property listed on the map," said Sam, who said he also looked up the assessor's map at the library.

Mish, the city attorney, acknowledged there's a question about ownership, which the city is trying to figure out.

"If we're able to confirm that the city of Grand Rapids owns the island in question, then it's very simple," she said.

Either way, Mish said, Sam and his island-mates must go.

"I would say there's a number of missions downtown where he could probably find lodging," she said.

EAST CAMP

About three miles north, somewhere between Island No. 3 and North Camp, there is a settlement known to the homeless as "East Camp." It's along the east bank of the Grand River in northern Grand Rapids, on land owned by the state.

And, the city of Grand Rapids hasn't bothered the campers. Mish, the city attorney, said she wasn't familiar with this camp.

A man known as Doc said he staked out the land two years ago, putting up the first tent. Now, it's home to at least a half-dozen men and women.

It's a step down from North Camp. They have tents instead of stick-built homes. Instead of using outhouses, they bury their waste in the woods.

But, Doc says, it's still a step up from the streets.

Some of the homeless who live in these camps survive on welfare Bridge cards ; some work odd jobs; many get food from church pantries.

"That's why I'm here," Doc said. "Nobody will give me a job."

Some get money by "flying signs," at nearby intersections, begging for money.

"I stand out there...I stand out there like this. This is my sign," said a woman named Sandy, who showed her sign: "Homeless. Anything will help. God Bless."

Some, like Doc, have criminal records. For many, not surprisingly, alcohol abuse is a common denominator.

"I'm a drunk," Doc said. "I'm not an alcoholic; alcoholics go to AA ."

BACK TO NORTH CAMP

In Walker, police know exactly where to find the slowly expanding "North Camp,"  and they have left it alone, except to drop off coats in the winter.

"One of them came back here, said, 'You guys need a few cigarettes?' Gave out a couple cartons of cigarettes," said Gary Owczarzak, who lives there with his brother and his brother's girlfriend.

On a recent hot day, residents say, firefighters filled up wading pools donated by a local preacher. Walker City Commissioner Chuck Deschaine says he stops by to check on them.

"This is a nice place," said David "Cookie" Rodgers, who last year built a chalet at the camp. "Walker city commissoner says as long as we don't have any complaints that he doesn't care if we're down here."

Walker Police Chief Catherine Garcia-Lindstrom said police "have not had any major problems there."

Target 8 isn't saying exactly where the camp is. The land is owned by the railroad.

Passing motorists can't see it from the street, but it's visible from space, at least according to satellite images on Google Earth .

Residents say a military veteran put up the first home about a decade ago. Since then, it has grown to about 10 homes with 15 to 20 residents. Just the other day, a man was building a new place, about 12 by 12 feet. Several others have been built in the last year.

"We have our own neighborhood down here," said Rodgers. "We're a pretty tight band of brothers down here; we look out for each other.

Just about everything is built of wood from old skids.

Most of the homes have outhouses. They don't have running water, but get fresh water from a spigot not far down the tracks.

Some want it kept a secret, including a man wielding a club and wearing a "Security" shirt who confronted a Target 8 reporter and photographer.

"I dont know who brung ya; I don't know who told ya, but get the f--- outta here," the man said. "Plain and simple. We don't want nobody here."

Garcia-Lindstrom, the police chief, said the man is like the chief in the book, "Lord of the Flies" -- a protector who helps settle differences between the campers.

The "Security" chief said he's afraid the publicity will lead "North Camp" to get too big and force the city of Walker, or the railroad, to shut it down.

But others welcome you to their off-the-grid neighborhood.

"This is Cookie's humble hunting cabin," said Rodgers, who built his chalet last fall.

"It's just the privacy, and I don't really have to answer to authority, you know," Cookie said. "I have a small problem with authority, and I don't have anybody telling me what to do back here.

His chalet is 180 square feet, with a pot-belly stove, the half-moon window above the front door, and a loft he sometimes rents out to other homeless friends for $25 a week.

He also put up a mailbox: 123 Railroad Dr.

And, he keeps five pet rats in a cage.

"I don't have television, I have rat-vision," he said.

"This is definitely the best place I've ever lived in."