Tent City Says They are Not at Fault for Death of Homeless Man, Family Upset

"Well this situation is a perfect example of not being able to help everybody," Morrison said.

On January 10^th, 57-year old Alan Hayes was found dead, lying next to a building, across from Tent City.

"Mr. Hayes wanted to bring beer with him when he came out to the facility," Morrison said. "And one of our rules is you can not have beer on the campus and because of that he refused our assistance."

Frank Morrison is the general manager for Tent City.

He said they tried to help Hayes, they even gave him food and blankets, but he refused to stay with them.  

"We can't force someone to do something they don't want to do," Morrison said. "We want to be as open and helpful as we can but if they are not prepared to come into our environment they are going to stay out on the street ."

Now Hayes' family is upset-posting on social media.

She said they 'should be ashamed for rejecting the man and then he froze to death. He was a human, he had feelings, that was cruel."

Officials here at tent city understand why the family is upset, but just like any other community, they have to follow rules to keep their residents safe."

"We do have a few rules that we ask everyone to follow," Morrison said. "but we are trying as best we can to help everyone who needs a place to stay."

Those rules include no alcohol or drugs and residents must be over the age of 21.

But there was one rule Morrison was willing to look past in order to help Hayes.  

"We require that you have a picture," Morrison said. "In his case we even passed on that requirement because it was going to be cold and we needed to get him a place to stay."

Morrison said he wants the family to know he is truly sorry for their loss and he sends his deepest condolences.