Making camping on public sidewalks a crime - that's what a new measure under discussion in Bristol, Virginia, would do.

Some say it specifically targets the homeless - but city officials tell News 5 it's about public safety.

"We need to take care of the homeless, we need to provide for them, we have some great resources in Bristol," said Bristol, Virginia Mayor Anthony Farnum.

One of those resources is the Salvation Army, with Maj. Brooks Gilliam saying he is having conversations with city officials.

"You really can't make it illegal for somebody to exist, and it doesn't really provide any options."

Should the ordinance pass, it would make it a misdemeanor for anyone "to camp on any city-owned street, sidewalk, alley, or other public rights-of-way."

But as Maj. Gilliam says, that could hinder these individuals.

"I think it also kind of ties up law enforcement and the courts. It puts something on people's criminal record, makes it harder for them to get permanent housing."

Housing and shelters has been a talking point for both the Salvation Army and city officials.

"Some of those resources that I've been talking to are at, or almost at capacity, so we need to figure out how do we provide more resources," said Farnum.

"We have 39 beds currently, and that's part of the problem too, is capacity in the city," added Gilliam. "There's simply not enough beds for the number of folks that we have in the area."

Bristol, Virginia Mayor Anthony Farnum says he's also concerned about public safety.

"It's a safety thing, whether it be just traffic or say a handicap person going down the sidewalk in a wheelchair and there are some folks camping out, they need to move. You can't be camping on the sidewalk or in the street."

Adding the city needs to do its part to support the homeless community, and protect area citizens.

"I think the biggest thing is just trying to figure out what is going to be best for Bristol, for people in Bristol trying to figure out how do we provide resources to homeless folks that are down on their luck, that need some help, and then how do we also enforce laws for people who are breaking the law."

Bristol, Virginia City Council is expected to revisit this ordinance during a meeting Tuesday evening.

Tennessee passed a similar measure that took effect in July.