OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Two years ago Osceola County resident Shawna Romkey discovered a small community of homeless people living in tents off Old Vineland Road.
Since then, residents of the encampment say she has been a constant presence, bringing food, supplies and, most importantly, love and kindness.
Neraida Torres, a resident of the tent city, said that last part is what really makes Romkey special.
“Sometimes it’s not about food or having a place to stay, a roof over your head,” she said. “It’s about that hug and showing support.”
Romkey is not homeless but said like many of the tent residents, she panhandles, only in her own way.
When she’s not at the site, which is owned by an individual who has given the residents permission to camp there, Romkey is on social media looking for donations of supplies.
Romkey also tries to give what she can of her own money to the tent city residents, but there isn’t much to go around.
“I’m broke, I’m poor,” she said. “I’m on disability myself.”
The tent city residents weren’t expecting a Thanksgiving turkey for dinner – some weren’t sure they would have anything to eat at all.
But what Romkey does for them is something they say makes them thankful all the same.
WFTV
