JACKSONVILLE, N.C.- In covering a story about assistance for veterans, yesterday Nine On Your Side's Tony Rawlings met a couple that lives in a tent. Today, Tony followed up with the couple to see how they survive in the woods.
At first glance, no one would expect to see a tent set up in the woods near apartments in the middle of the city.
A closer look shows that this is the permanent home of Robert and Dianne Dennis. We first met the couple during Tuesday's veteran stand down.
Robert is a disabled Army Veteran and the two were getting clothes and blankets to stay warm.
The couple live in a tent in the woods, but they don't consider themselves homeless.
Dianne says they get by fairly well, cooking their own meals and borrowing water from neighbors.
The couple cooks on a camping grill in their tent.
The tent itself is set up like a one bedroom apartment. There's a dining area, sleeping area and storage for food and clothes.
Robert says he works when he can but sometimes he pan handles to make ends meet.
The couple say they have permission from the owner of the land to live on the property and that the Jacksonville Police check on them from time to time to make sure they're ok.
Robert and Dianne have struggled to find shelter since 2007, but they're making it the best they can.
The couple has a pre-paid cell phone in case of an emergency. Dianne also has a neice stationed at Camp Lejeune who comes to check on them every now and then.
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