SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Springfield officials say the city will change its procedures for relocating homeless people after it receives complaints from residents.
The change was prompted by criticism last week when police broke up a homeless camp without giving any notice to those living there.
The Springfield News-Leader reports (http://sgfnow.co/1kKWK4Q ) the city will now give occupants of homeless camps 24 hours notice to move and advocates for the homeless will be notified to help them find a new place to stay.
Spokeswoman Cora Scott said in a news release Monday that the city is seeking advocates who are willing to help when homeless people are moved.
Advocates said they had some questions about the new policy but were hopeful the city will work with them before the camps are closed.