Author’s new novel about homeless to benefit those living in Woodbridge tent camps

WOODBRIDGE — A Woodbridge author’s new book is inspired by spending time in the area’s homeless camps.

Richard Garon’s new novel, “Lee Fits,” is dedicated to Russell J. Campbell, a man he met in the homeless camps, situated alongside area streets. The wooded area around Potomac Mills malls has long been a haven for homeless living in tents in self-sustaining communities.

The dedication of the book states, “You won’t have to sleep in again in the cold in the woods.”

“Our church helped get him a studio apartment and he lived there until it was necessary to move him to a nursing home… It’s really important to raise public awareness about the homeless and recognize there’s a lot we can do to give them a hand; to give them hope,” said Garon.

His church, Immanuel Anglican in Lake Ridge, began a homeless ministry more than seven years ago. It’s been focused on those helping those who live in the woods.

“There’s no one-size fits all solution, and feelings of accomplishment are often joined by frustration as we try to help. But we see continuing our efforts as part of our church’s mission,” said Garon.

Garon has been a source of information for us here at Potomac Local as we’ve worked over the years to cover the issues facing the local homeless population.

His church is also one of many that are a part of the Cooperative Council of Ministries working to address the homeless issue in our community.

“It’s a great group and new leaders there have helped to greatly improve offerings available to the homeless. They have been great to work with as we use ‘Lee Fitts’ as a vehicle to raise money for the homeless,” said Garon.

Garon describes the title character of his novel:

“Lee Fitts is a really good person at a time when we need a really good person. He struggles to find himself following the trauma of an unimaginable tragedy.  Honesty, compassion, forgiveness; it’s all there in his actions. At first glance, it seems he’ll never survive in a world where such attributes make him easy prey for those guided by self-promotion at all costs. But hang on; it turns out he’s more than able to take care of himself, and we can take great pleasure in seeing the goodwill and determination he brings to recovering a talent many thought was lost forever.”

The book also gives a glimpse of what life is like for someone spending a night in a homeless shelter.

Garon will sign copies of his novel on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2nd & Charles bookstore at 2904 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge. Proceeds from the sale of the will be donated to the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, which serves as a temporary refuge for homeless campers near Potomac Mills mall.