DES MOINES, Iowa — Late in 2024 the City of Des Moines ordered all homeless camps to be removed. Now the City Council is weighing an option for temporary housing for homeless.

“There’s quite a few communities who’ve done this,” said Malcolm Hankins, Assistant City Manager. “Again, these are temporary solutions. These are not permanent structure so they’re intended to serve a temporary capacity and so their communities.”

Hankins said the idea is to transition people to more permanent housing, not to stay in the houses long term.

The homes are called Pallet Homes. They are built by a company in Everett, Washington. They have been used in cities around the country.

“The city has made a very clear that our interest is in providing housing for those who are most need,” said Hankins, “This is one of those opportunities to do so so we’re continuing to look at every opportunity we can.”

The Des Moines City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to approve an application for federal funding to get the homeless village started.

City Manager Scott Sanders pointed out that the City will be seeking a partner to help make the project a reality. He added that due to Des Moines budget condition, they are not able to fund the city without some help.