Homeless people in Virginia Beach could find shelter in an encampment authorized by the city under a proposal being studied by the city's staff.
Staff members tell The Virginian-Pilot that an authorized "tent city'' would make it easier to provide services to the homeless and keep tabs on them.
If the City Council approves the proposal, it would be the first authorized homeless encampment in Virginia.
But Mayor Will Sessoms said he can't recommend the proposal.
Sessoms said he wants to work to prevent people from being homeless.
Housing and Neighborhood Preservation Department director Andrew Friedman said issues to be addressed include policing, sanitation and how long an encampment would exist.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
