DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines city leaders say they are making progress in helping the growing homeless population, following the implementation of a controversial ordinance last year that bans sleeping and camping on public property.

In a workshop Monday, city leaders presented their findings from the initiatives they've implemented since the ban, including creating an outreach team with Primary Health Care that works directly with people experiencing homelessness. They say they have helped 365 people in the last eight months.

Primary Health Care says a $50,000 Problem Solving Fund through the city budget has been a lifeline to homeless families with children. So far, it has paid for a deposit and first month's rent for five families.

"Two of those were families of over six people, s

See Full Page