7:31 AM

Give me your poor? Maybe not in Iowa City

Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:00 am

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Locals are protesting the groundbreaking on construction of a homeless shelter in Iowa City that officials hope to have completed by October 2010.

The groundbreaking event on Wednesday was interrupted by protesters, many of whom live or work near the proposed shelter site.

Mobile home park owner Janet Dahlen says the shelter will attract sex offenders to the area.

Shelter executive director Christina Canganelli says sex offenders are not permitted to stay at the shelter overnight, but are allowed to do laundry, shower and eat.

Construction is set to begin immediately.