The Des Moines City Council has approved a plan to seek federal funding for a new homeless village aimed at providing temporary shelter.
He mentioned they have about a month to find partners to operate the village. The council recently voted to apply for federal funding to support this initiative. They’re looking at a $2 million grant from the CARES Act to build 43 individual shelters at 2501 Maury St.
City Councilman Chris Coleman noted that this village is part of a broader strategy to tackle homelessness. Last year, the council implemented a camping ban, which has drawn some criticism for being too harsh.
The city plans to purchase shelters from Pallet, a company known for creating quick and affordable housing solutions. These shelters are designed to last at least 20 years and can be moved if necessary.
Des Moines would join a few other Midwest cities with similar projects. Madison, Wisconsin, set up shelters last year and has expanded since then. The goal is to provide temporary housing while helping people transition to permanent homes.
The village will include family units and a section for single individuals, including special accommodations for older adults and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there are concerns about how the intake process will work, especially for marginalized groups.
City Councilman Josh Mandelbaum highlighted the importance of figuring out the budget for running the village. He believes that if done right, this project could be a positive step forward.
Councilman Joe Gatto expressed his support for the Pallet homes, seeing them as a good alternative for the community. The city is hopeful that this initiative will make a real difference in addressing homelessness.
