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(Des Moines, IA) -- Churches in Des Moines will now be allowed to operate as emergency shelters and provide camping for the homeless.
"Hopefully this is a wrinkle that might be used by a congregation somewhere that really wants to help. Maybe it's one or two homeless individuals, but with the kind of services and support that can get them out of homelessness and into a better, dignified life," said Des Moines City Councilman Chris Coleman.
Places of worship now have the option to provide temporary shelter to people experiencing homelessness during extreme temperatures—specifically when temperatures rise above 90°F, fall below 32°F, or during a declared emergency by the governor or mayor.
"I am aware of at least one church that has an immigrant family living in their building—a family whose funding was cut off and would be homeless—and we want that to be legal," said Councilman Mike Simonson.
Churches will be able to decide if they want to participate and must apply for a permit from the city in order to allow camping. The provisions are added onto an ordinance passed last year by the City Council, which imposes a fine for camping in public areas.