Roy Morris has been homeless for nearly five years.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
It's a way of life that many are not used to, however for some Nashvillians, a homeless camp is a natural part of life.
Right off the beaten path of Trinity Lane, a trail in the woods leads to a camp, which many Nashville homeless men and women call home on a regular basis.
There you will find tarps, tents, clothes, pots, pans and other various belongings scattered about the property.
Though the camp is technically illegal, it is the place many call home.
Nashville's News 2 Investigates spoke with Roy Morris, who said he became homeless nearly five years ago.
"I trimmed trees," he said. "I got dropped off here at this ramp and I have been here ever since."
Another homeless woman added she came to the camp after losing her husband.
"I came back to mourn my husband," she said, adding that she keeps her late husband's ashes with her.
When asked what Morris' everyday life is like, he replied, "It sucks," however he added that a homeless shelter is not for him.
After speaking with Morris, Nashville's News 2 Investigates went in search of other illegal camps in the Metro-Nashville area.
Nearby on Dickerson Road, just off of Briley Parkway, a second camp was discovered on private property.
Like the previous camp, the ground was littered with trash and personal belongings.
Also at the camp, Nashville's News 2 Investigates found a large dog in a cage that appeared to be protecting the area.
Despite the unclean living conditions, the 100 pound dog seemed well fed and had both food and water.
"It appears to be a codes issue more than an animal control issue," Officer Billy Briggs said. "The only thing we see is a proof rabies vaccination. We won't seize the dog at this time; we are going to give him 24 hours to call us."
Nashville's News 2 Investigates called the owner of the property who lives in Illinois. He said he was unaware of the homeless camp and the dog on his property.
Officials from Metro Codes said they plan to visit the property in the near future.
