Joppa's tiny village concept includes an on-site medical clinic. Drawing courtesy of Joppa
A nonprofit has purchased 21 acresnear the Des Moines International Airport to build atiny village for unhoused people.
Why it matters: Organizers say the village could be part of the solution to the metro's growing population of people experiencing homelessness, but city staff have warned the project has complications, according to a document obtained by Axios.
Catch up quick: Joppa, the local group behind the project, began reviewing the tiny village concept about a decade ago.
The organization is planning a smaller-scale replica of Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, which provides permanent homes for more than 370 people.
DSM's village would have around 50 people.
Driving the news: Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority sold Joppa excess land at 1661 County Line Road for $360,000 this year for the project.
A rezoning application has been filed, Joppa CEO Joe Stevens tells Axios in a written statement.
Flashback: The nonprofit's plans stalled in 2021 after community concerns about the group's finances and operations surfaced, but operational reforms have since been made, according to a memo sent to some City Council members from city staff about a year ago.
Zoom in: The memo, part of a more extensive review of how to assist unsheltered people, noted Austin's success in providing on-site services and community support for village residents.
Yes, but: Ongoing costs and issues like the need for a bus line to or sidewalks at the proposed site are among the DSM project's challenges, staff warned.
What they're saying: The privately funded project will require no taxpayer money, Stevens said.
He did not directly answer questions about the project's anticipated total cost, the amount raised, or the expected timeline for opening.
