A Des Moines homeless ordinance could make it illegal to camp or tent on public property [Video]

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – Iowa’s capital is close to making it illegal to camp or tent on public property.

Many homeless advocates support the ordinance because they say it should encourage the unhoused to visit shelters, where they can get help.

Melissa O’Neil is the CEO of Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS), the homeless shelter in downtown Des Moines.

“There’s a lot of community collaboration that has really come together because of this ordinance,” said O’Neil.

O’Neil says the new ordinance would make it illegal to tent, camp or sleep on public property anywhere in Des Moines. She hopes it leads people who are on the streets to the services and help the shelter provides.

“What we are looking for here is just continuing conversation to make progress in the situation we are all trying to solve,” said O’Neil.

A problem that may be bigger than Des Moines.

Fire officials say an outreach program determined the homeless …