Charles Berger, 66, is a retired engine mechanic, but has been homeless for two weeks in a Lodi Park. He lives just about anywhere he can.
"Wherever my garbage is, wherever my walker is. I can't walk very good. It's not gravy train no more," said Berger.
About the time time Berger found his way from Stockton to Lodi, flyers denigrating the homeless and telling them they're not wanted started showing up around town. The Salvation Army says the pamphlets came to their attention after a homeless person showed up with one at their door.
"I'm not sure if I go as far as a hate message, but I can surely hear the frustration behind it," said Salvation Army Maj. Mark Thielenhaus.
Thielenhaus says the pamphlets were posted in parks and also showed up on the porch of this homeless advocacy center nearby. The Salvation Army says there are a few homeless that cause vandalism and trouble, but most are simply down on their luck.
"Most of them are good folks, just run out of hard times. Often we have folks with mental illness and other things," said Thielenhaus.
Just about a year ago, Mark Armstrong, who manages the Lodi Grape Festival grounds, says he had had enough of the break-in's by homeless. He started a Facebook group called "Take Back Lodi" that advocates cleaning up after the homeless.
Armstrong says the homeless issue has become more visible as Lodi continues to grow and has no idea who would advocate the homeless they're not wanted.
"It's not anything our group wants to be involved in, not personally. I just think it's sad that it had to happen," said Armstrong.
As for Berger, he says it's just more than trying to scare himself and other homeless away.
"Just hate, hate, hate. If you don't put more love in the world, you're not going to get anything," Berger said.
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