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(Des Moines, IA) -- A new study from Drake University and Homeward Iowa is examining homelessness in the Des Moines area. Angie Arthur is with the planning organization. She says results of the study came from interviews with 10 different families experiencing homelessness in Polk County.
"We're able to have several recommendations," Arthur says. "One is increasing the supply of emergency housing units and emergency shelters. It also talked about not having enough affordable and accessible housing."
She says of the existing places to go, rules at shelters put pressure on the families.
"We heard a lot about the 30 day rule," Arthur says. "That idea that they have 30 days to get in and out really hangs over their heads and creates a lot of anxiety."
She says that varies from shelter to shelter.
"What we really found is people are on an acute moment of crisis upon entering shelter," Arthur says. "So, learning new rules and learning expectations for a specific place can be even more confusing than it might be otherwise."
The Des Moines City Council passed an ordinance earlier this year that allows a fine for camping on public property.