Tent City 4 has come and gone. It has gone without fanfare, angry letters or demonstrations. Its quiet departure stands in sharp relief to the angst it encountered when it came in early August. Those against the camp here were concerned about the safety of their families and the value of their property. Many were angry and truly afraid. Many pointed out that supporting the camp does not help the homeless. It just encourages or enables homeless to rely on others, they said.

The camp brought lots of unwanted attention, not only from concerned neighbors but those in other communities determined to make their point against the camp, no matter where it was. Many Islanders were embarrassed by the hostility. Despite how these fears played out in the newspaper and, to some extent, on the Reporter’s Web site, Tent City arrived on a wave of goodwill. Across the board, Islanders rose up and organized to support the camp, providing meals, services and even haircuts.

A brief story in today’s issue of the Reporter reveals that little went on around the camp that was illegal or dangerous.

The city dispatched police officers who walked through the camp an average of three times a day. There were extra patrols in the neighborhood. As any group has, the camp did have its share of miscreants — those with a past. But the camp scrupulously policed itself and worked with police to keep troublemakers out. There were a few arrests for outstanding warrants, but little else.

To be fair, neighbors around the church and campsite did put up with more than their share, whether it was the increased traffic and attention or the worry, right or wrong, that it added to their daily lives.

A couple of City Council meetings (televised for all to see) about the camp were difficult to watch. The worries seemed overblown and offensive. A handful of brave Tent City residents stood up to speak in such a hostile situation. They showed poise and class as they explained why, quite bluntly, they needed our help.

The roving encampment has now moved to the grounds of St. John Vianney parish in Kirkland. What it left behind is a sense that despite the fear and uncertainty that the camp generated, it was the right thing to do.

Kudos to all who persevered and made it happen — especially Rev. Leslie Ann Knight and the members of the Mercer Island United Methodist Church.