Iowa City City Council Approves $20,000 for Temporary Homeless Shelter // Local Businesses Petition Council to Reject Temporary Homeless Shelter

Here's the good news: The Iowa City City Council approved $20,000 to pay for a temporary homeless shelter at the old Aldi's building on Gilbert Street in Iowa City. This shelter would be staffed by two people, would provide shelter for 20-25 people, and would be in operation in January and February 2015. This would alleviate some of the overcrowding at the Shelter House and could be used as a "wet shelter" (i.e., be available for individuals who'd been drinking). Those individuals are turned away from the Shelter House.

And then there's the bad news: A group of business owners that operate near the old Aldi's building have begun fighting back against the temporary shelter. According to KCJJ, they are concerned about increased criminal activity. They also appear concerned that this temporary shelter will become a permanent homeless shelter.

A petition has been signed by 37 representatives of nearby businesses. They want the Iowa City City Council "to refrain from funding, participating in and/or providing any financial or other support for the creation and/or operation of any homeless shelter at any location other than the location now operated by Shelter House."