Dave Williams stands outside the tent where he lives in a patch of woods in Cranberry Township. Williams has lived in the woods for nearly three years.

CRANBERRY TWP — Dave Williams is unlike other township residents in that he doesn't live in a house with a median value of $245,000.

In fact, Williams doesn't live in a house at all. He lives in a tent in woods between Interstate 79 and Route 19.

Williams, 40, has lived in the woods for nearly three years, all while working as a dishwasher at Domenico's on Route 19.

Williams might be homeless, but he's quick to shoot down the notion that he's needy or begging for money.

“Just because you're homeless doesn't mean you have to live like it,” he said, noting he routinely boils water from a nearby creek and bathes in it. “My life don't stop because I'm homeless.”

Williams sported jeans and a jacket with a clean-shaven face and slicked back black hair as he told his story.

Originally from the North Side of Pittsburgh, Williams came to Cranberry more than a decade ago to live with his father and stepmother after living on the streets in Pittsburgh.

However, his father died, and Williams learned about a 12-year-old son he never knew about. That's when the child support payments started, payments that totaled $150 every two weeks.

That amount of money, which he pays, was enough to force Williams out into the tent in the woods.

“I told (the child's mother) I was out living in the woods,” he said. “But I don't think she believes me.”

His tent, located far enough back in the woods that it isn't visible from the road even in winter, has walls and ceilings that are more than four inches thick with blankets and tarps. The foundation consists of wooden pallets that are six inches off the ground to prevent flooding.

Williams noted that he isn't exactly sleeping on the ground. A propane-powered heater provides more than enough heat to keep him warm in freezing temperatures, while a boat battery powers his portable DVD player.

He also has a battery-powered stereo that often plays radio stations as he relaxes after work.In fact, Williams said he's doing so well that people often drop off clothes and other items for him, and he ends up taking them to the nearby Goodwill store.“People help me out when they can,” Williams said. “I appreciate the help, but I have more than I need in terms of luxuries and comforts.”Williams said he's living on private property so nobody can forcibly remove him.John Williams, 60, who owns Williams Westco, allowed Williams — no relation — to stay there.The two have become close friends, and John Williams even takes Dave Williams home with him to sleep when the temperatures dip below zero.“He's a good, clean, honest kid,” John Williams said. “He's harmless and he ain't bothering nobody.”Dominic Lombardo, the owner of Domenico's, agreed and said Williams is a model employee.“Dave's a really nice guy,” he said. “He works all of his days, never calls off. He's a really reliable guy.”Township manager Jerry Andree said that police check in on Williams to ensure his well-being, but beyond that, they largely leave him alone.However, Andree said he's aware of residents going out of their way to provide Williams with items like clothes and toiletries.“I think that demonstrates we're a very connected community, and when there's a need out there people rise up to the occasion and offer resources,” Andree said.For now, Williams is happy and healthy. But that doesn't mean he's not looking for an upgrade.Williams said he's been talking to Catholic Charities, which is trying to find him more permanent housing. He said he's looking at a trailer park behind Pizza Roma on Route 19.However, that trailer park costs $400 month to live in, more than his budget allows. He hopes Catholic Charities helps bring that amount down or maybe a Good Samaritan might help.Regardless, Williams said he's not going to beg.He said that he's not looking to leave Cranberry, noting that everything he needs is within walking distance, since he does not have a car. His job, several convenience stores and a bar are all close.“The quietness, the environment, no neighbors,” Williams said. “I'm doing all right out here.”

Dave Williams sits inside his tent where he lives between Route 19 and Interstate 79 in Cranberry Township. The walls and ceilings of his tent are more than four inches thick with blankets and tarps, and the foundation consists of wooden pallets to keep it off the ground and prevent flooding.