SAINT LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - Homeless people living in tents along the banks of the River Des Peres in South St. Louis are speaking out against a plan to ban them from pitching tents on public rights of way.
"I actually used to live in an apartment, down the street from here, years ago," says 41-year-old Crysta. "I had a roof over my head. I had a job. I'm usually a fast food cashier or in a factory. I love to work, I always have since I was 15." But Crysta says she lost her son and her partner last year. "I've kind of been my own hindrance since then."
Kim Heinz says she became homeless after her husband left her, she had hip problems, lost her job and got evicted. "It's not just, you know, homeless people aren't just junkies, they're people that have had a bad run of luck."
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is considering a bill that would make it illegal to put up tents on any city-controlled property.
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