The bill proposes using state funds for short-term solutions for unsheltered homeless populations through the creation of parking lots, camping facilities and shelters for homeless people in the area. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Advocates for homelessness, mental health and domestic violence resources said Tuesday that a bill redirecting state funding toward short-term solutions and criminalizing camping or sleeping in public spaces would not help address homelessness in Iowa.
At a subcommittee meeting Tuesday morning, speakers with the Cicero Institute, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, promoted the legislation. They told lawmakers that the long-term housing solutions recommended by federal law through “Housing First” policies do not address rising rates of unsheltered homelessness – people living outdoors, not using shelters.
Jacob Dupuis with the Cicero Institute said the legislation, Senate Study Bill 3175 , specifically addresses rising rates of unsheltered homeless populations. He said unsheltered people were at high risk for being perpetrators and victims of crime, encountering health complications as well as struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.