Ah... good ol' Ebenezer. My role model.


I understand that sometimes you have to make lemonade. I lived in an RX-7 for most of one summer, between dropping out of college and enlisting in the Army. Like you, I didn't steal to make ends meet. But some people do.

Being cautious is not being evil. It is prudent.

I think I would get several like-minded neighbors to knock on the door of their van with a care package of food, blankets/warm clothes, and medical/sanitary supplies.

Doing it this way would get a valuable insight into their living conditions when the door opens. It would show them that they have been noticed, and are being monitored, and would also be a show of solidarity from the neighborhood that you are compassionate, but stand united in case mischief starts happening.

Most humble people in that situation would be grateful for the thoughtfulness, but move on permanately from embarrassment of the situation. I believe if they still hang around after that encounter, they are looking for more handouts, and would possibly escalate to stealing shortly.
Give them a day or two after the neighborhood charity and then call the cops if they persist.

I'd tend to want to go talk to them, scope out the situation and act on the vibes I get. Just like the Aerosmith song says, "The light at the end of the tunnel may be your own."

Are there children involved?

A long time ago when i lived in a Van.......I had several spots that were favorites.
They were quiet, safe,.......So there might be a reason why they chose your area....
Just parking anywhere can be quite hazardous !

Like pigeons if you feed them they will never leave. As I child I lived in a car for a couple of years before school called, my parents were nuts