Tim Nelson is a Des Moines-based campaign staffer.
The Des Moines City Council will hold an emergency meeting on July 22 to decide whether or not to criminalize homelessness in the city.
The ordinance would allow the city to fine homeless people for sleeping in public spaces and would allow the city to get rid of what little property these people have faster.
As someone who has experienced homelessness, I find this ordinance cruel and ineffective.
In 2014 I had a massive mental health breakdown that ultimately ended with me being homeless for a few months.
In between hospital stays, I frequently slept in parks or other places.
Had this ordinance been in effect, I could have easily ended up with a fine, which would have made getting out of the homelessness cycle even tougher.
What pulled me out of homelessness was resources. If Des Moines wants to solve the homeless issue, the city needs to spend money on providing shelter instead of spending money enforcing this cruel prospective ordinance.
I would encourage everyone of conscience to reach out to the Des Moines City Council and mayor.
Our homeless population is not in a position to speak up for themselves, so we must speak out on their behalf.
Editor’s note from Laura Belin: Here is the full text of the proposed ordinance.