Des Moines Seeks Funding for Homeless Shelter Village

Des Moines is moving forward with plans to create a Pallet Shelter village aimed at addressing homelessness, having recently applied for a $2 million Community Development Block Grant. The initiative proposes constructing 43 individual shelters at the site of an old school, but has faced opposition from local residents concerned about public safety. City officials emphasize the temporary nature of these shelters and aim to transition individuals to permanent housing solutions. The city manager highlighted the urgency of finding service provider partners within a month to manage the site effectively. This project follows last year's controversial camping ban, reflecting a broader strategy to tackle homelessness in the area. The Pallet homes are designed for individual use, have a minimum lifespan of 20 years, and can be relocated as needed.