Wednesday, January 14, 2009
National Alliance to End Homelessness Releases New Report
Homelessness decreased by 3%, from 2005 to 2007, for the State of Utah.
On any given night in Utah, there are over 3,000 people who will be homeless. In the 2007 homeless count, 2,700 or 90% were sheltered in emergency shelters or transitional housing with only 300 or 10% of the homeless population being on the street. This compares with the 2005 homeless count where 83% were sheltered and over 500 or 17% were on the street. This is a significant improvement of moving those homeless off the street and into shelters and transitional housing. Another improvement was 35% were persons in families which was a decrease from the 2005 count where 42% were persons in families.
Today, the Homelessness Research Institute of the National Alliance to End Homelessness released its second Homelessness Counts report. According to the report, Utah experienced a 3% percent decrease in homelessness from 2005 to 2007.
The report, which contains both state and national data, shows a 10 percent decrease in homelessness in the nation, from 744,313 per night in January 2005 to 671,859 per night in January 2007. This includes a 28 percent decrease in chronic (long-term) homelessness and an 18 percent decrease in family homelessness. While overall homelessness has declined, the picture varied among the states, with 36 percent reporting increases in homelessness and the rest reporting decreases.
“However, many local advocates and service providers are presently experiencing an increase in homelessness which is reversing the reduction in homelessness from 2005 to 2007 because of the current recession and housing foreclosure crisis” according to Lloyd S. Pendleton, director, Homeless Task Force. Pendleton said “The State has a ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness and reduce overall homelessness by 2014, but achieving that goal will now be a greater challenge because of the present economic conditions.” According to Pendleton, a new statewide homeless count on January 28 will provide a better idea of the current impact on homelessness and the emergency sheltering system. “Additional resources will be needed and how to address that need is under consideration” he said.
A number of factors contribute to homelessness - lack of income, eviction due to foreclosure, physical health and disability, mental health and trauma, substance abuse, and weak social networks - but a lack of affordable housing, both in Utah and across the nation is the primary driver.
“Our hope is that this year the new Administration and Congress will make ending the tragedy of homelessness an important part of their plans for change,” said Nan Roman, President of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “We encourage them to use the upcoming economic recovery bill to help people who lose their jobs or are evicted as the result of foreclosure to avoid homelessness. Small amounts of money for rent or utilities can help people stay in their homes. Furthermore, investing in affordable housing through initiatives like the National Housing Trust Fund will help ensure that no one is without a home.”
The 2005 and 2007 estimates are compilations of point-in-time counts collected by local Continuums of Care (CoCs) of which there are three in Utah, Salt Lake County, Provo/Mountainland, and the balance of the State. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined jurisdictions that oversee homeless services and are required to count their homeless populations every other year on one night, the last week in January. As such, the report provides data on CoCs within states as well. Despite limitations, the estimates act as a tool for assessing the progress the nation has made on reducing homelessness.
Data for every state and community (CoC) for which data are available, as well as an explanation of the methods used to collect the data, are included in the full report.
To download a full copy of the report, visit: http://www.endhomelessness.org
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Housing and Community Development •
Monday, January 12, 2009
January is National Mentoring Month
Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert and the Utah Commission on Volunteers
encourage Utahns to change the life of a child by becoming a Mentor.
Salt Lake City, Utah - Where would you be without the people who taught you, believed in you, and helped you get where you are and become the person you are today? Chances are your life was touched by a mentor.
“Every child needs the support of a caring adult in their life,” said Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert, “The support of a kind, willing heart can forever change the life of a child.”
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, children with mentors are:
• 53% more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol
• 55% more likely to avoid delinquent behavior
• 64% more likely to improve academic performance
• 72% more likely to build healthy relationships with peers
• 89% more likely to have good self-esteem
What this translates to is a stronger more vibrant community which in turn improves Utah as a whole.
“Mentors demonstrate the strength, heart and soul of our communities,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, “When you choose to mentor a child, you enrich your own life as much as you do the life of child.”
Malyssa Egge, a volunteer mentor at Bluff Elementary School remotely located in Utah’s Four Corners, is committed to the most basic life and educational goals of her students. “I know I’m in the right place,” she stresses, “I find mentoring rewarding and appreciate the opportunity to be a positive role model.”
There are thousands of children in need of a mentor right here in Utah. Become a mentor today. For information on how to get involved go to the Utah Commission on Volunteers website http://volunteers.utah.gov
The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering.
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Housing and Community Development •
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
MLK Honorees Recognized for Community Service
SALT LAKE CITY - The State Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will honor several community members at the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr., Drum Major Awards Luncheon that will take place on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 11:30 a.m., at the West Valley Cultural Celebration Center (1355 West 3100 South). This year’s luncheon will feature keynote speaker, The Most Reverend John C. Wester, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
“We are honoring these leaders for all their hard work and service in the community,”said Trystan Smith, chair of the MLK Commission. “The honorees are people with the Drum Major Instinct, who have set the tone for a more respectful, understanding and accepting community and have worked for justice, peace, and righteousness.”
The 2009 Drum Major Award Honorees are:
* Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County Mayor
* Frank Cordova, Community Activist/Executive Director of UCLR
* Anela Kalaiwaa, Adopt-A-School Program Volunteer
* Maung Maung, Chair, Asian Advisory Council
* Sarah McClellan, Project Director, Northern Utah Coalition, Inc.
Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr., Commission nominates and selects community members deserving of this special recognition. “We feel their work in the community and service should be recognized. These are individuals who are about equality for everyone,” said Jesse Soriano, Jr., director for the State Office of Ethnic Affairs.
For more information contact Silvia Thomas at 801.538.8758 or visit http://www.ethnicoffice.utah.gov/ .
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Ethnic Affairs •
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Free Service to Link Potential Renters and Affordable Housing - Invitation to Landlords
Salt Lake City - The Utah Division of Housing and Community Development is inviting landlords to list their affordable rental properties on the State’s new searchable housing database. This service allows landlords to advertise their properties at no charge, makes properties known to more people, and also answers basic questions for potential renters so they are more informed when they call.
The Utah Affordable Housing Database is a free, easy-to-use, online tool that helps low-income individuals and families find a safe, affordable place to live. “With the economic crunch, we have more and more households needing affordable rental units,” said Gordon D. Walker, Division Director. “The tool is more useful as more landlords and property managers choose to participate”.
Since the website debut in October, the site has averaged 5,100 hits per month. Searches can be customized by people with special needs including seniors, large families, homeless individuals and people with disabilities. Vacancies can be identified county by county. The site currently represents 7,928 rental housing units statewide including 1,066 assisted living units.
Utah’s need for affordable housing continues to outpace availability. “We want to make certain that existing affordable units are filled by eligible renters as soon as a vacancy occurs,” said Walker. The database can be found at: http://www.findhousing.utah.gov . Landlords and property managers can call 801-538-8872 for questions or assistance.
The database is managed by the Division of Housing and Community Development in the Utah Department of Community and Culture.
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Housing and Community Development •
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Fairground improvements coming to Sevier County
Salt Lake City, Utah - The Utah Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) Thursday approved $2.6 million in enhancements to the Sevier County Fairgrounds.
About $600,000 will come as a grant, and the rest as a 30 year loan at zero percent interest. Combined with $1 million in county funds, the money will pay for grandstand seating, a concessions stand and announcer’s booth, more parking and other upgrades.
New lighting will enable the facility to host evening events. An exhibit hall will cater to various community functions and larger animal stalls will be available for rent by private groups and citizens. The grounds also will be made more accessible to people with disabilities.
“These upgrades will enable the facility to capture more revenue and keep the county fair going,” said new CIB board member and Sanpete County Commissioner Claudia Jarrett. “The current fairground site is more than 70 years old. Due to normal wear and tear, some of the buildings pose a public safety hazard.”
The Community Impact Board awards grants and low-interest loans to cities, towns and counties impacted by mining and the extraction of oil and gas on federal land. Most of the money benefits rural Utah and is spent creating safer, more liveable communities. The program is managed by the Division of Housing and Community Development under the Utah Department of Community and Culture.
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Housing and Community Development •
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
UtahArt and Film Showcase Opens Friday
SALTLAKE CITY ― Contemporary visual art and film from throughout Utah will be the focus of the upcoming exhibition at the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ Rio Gallery. The 2008 Individual Artist Grantee Showcase is composed of film clips, mixed-media pieces, sculpture, and paintings by the 19 recipients of the Divisions’ Individual Artist Services grants program.
“I am delighted with the selection for this year’s showcase. Not only do group exhibitions provide an excellent opportunity to learn about several talented artists at one time, but viewers will also have a chance to see how the concepts of texture, emotion, and light in artwork translate from a still to moving images, and from 2D to 3D forms,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
In January of 2008, 49 artists submitted applications for a grant as either an emerging or established artist. Emerging artists are eligible to receive a $500 grant. Established artists are eligible to receive up to a $2,000 grant. In 2008, a total of $26,180.61 was awarded. This number is historically close to $25,000.
The artists featured in this exhibition are: Jen Allen, Namon Bills, Sandy Brunvand, Anna Campbell-Bliss, Day Christensen, Susan Harris, Brian Hoover, Erin Kaser, Steven Larson, Laurie Olson-Lisonbee, Maureen O’Hara-Ure, Stacy Phillips, Kelly Pugh, Sylvia Ramachandran, Steven Stradley, Jennifer Suflita, Roland Thompson, Stephen Williams, and Margaret Willis. A complete matrix of name, discipline, award, and location of residency follows this release.
The 2008 Individual Artist Grantee Showcase will open with a Public Reception on Friday, December 5, 2008, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., in conjunction with the 2008 Gallery Stroll. It will be on view through Friday, January 8, 2009. The exhibition is at the Rio Gallery located inside the Rio Grande Depot at 300 South 455 West in Salt Lake City. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note the gallery will be closed for the holidays on Thursday, December 25, 2008, and Thursday, January 1, 2009.
For more information on the Individual Artist Grantee Showcase, visit the Utah Division of Arts and Museums website at http://arts.utah.gov, or contact Grants Manager Katie Woslager by email at or call 801.236.7550.
About the Utah Division of Arts and Museums:In 2007, the Utah Arts Council paired with the Office of Museum Services to create the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, which is part of the Utah Department of Community and Culture. The Division’s goal is to promote innovation in and the growth of Utah’s arts and culture community. The Utah Division of Arts and Museums provides funding, education, and technical services to individuals and organizations throughout the state so that all Utahns regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or economic status can access, understand, and receive the benefits of arts and culture. Additional information on the programs and services of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums can be found at http://www.arts.utah.gov.
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DISCIPLINE
ARTIST NAME
GRANT
CITY/COUNTY
Established Artist- Sculpture
Jen Allen
$1,677.11
Wallsburg/Wasatch
Emerging Artist- Painting
Namon Bills
$500.00
Spanish Fork/Utah
Established Artist- Mixed Media
Anna Campbell-Bliss
$2,000.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Mixed Media
Sandy Brunvand
$2,000.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Mixed Media
Day Christensen
$2,000.00
Highland/Utah
Established Artist- Sculpture
Susan Harris
$2,000.00
Cedar City/Iron
Established Artist- Painting
Brian Hoover
$1,683.00
Cedar City/Iron
Established Artist- Film
Erin Kaser
$2,000.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Painting
Steven Larson
$1,725.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Painting
Laurie Olson-Lisonbee
$1,712.50
Salem/Utah
Established Artist- Painting
Maureen O’Hara Ure
$1,712.50
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Sculpture
Stacy Phillips
$1,733.00
Park City/Summit
Emerging Artist- Painting
Kelly Pugh
$500.00
Blanding/San Juan
Emerging Artist- Sculpture
Sylvia Ramachandran
$500.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Emerging Artist- Painting
Steven Stradley
$500.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Established Artist- Painting
Jennifer Suflita
$1,250.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Emerging Artist- Painting
Roland Thompson
$500.00
Cedar Hills/Utah
Established Artist- Film
Stephen Williams
$1,687.50
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Emerging Artist- Painting
Margaret Willis
$500.00
Salt Lake City/Salt Lake
Total funded for FY08-09
$26,180.61
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Utah Arts Council •
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Relief for Utah home owners Program helps with home repairs
Salt Lake City, Utah - Cash-strapped seniors can finally get help financing those overdue home repairs.
Utah’s decades-old Rural Single Family Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program has gone statewide, and is now available in Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties. Previously, the program was limited to five regions of the state, or 26 counties.
“Help is now available to all income-eligible home owners, and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said Gordon D. Walker, Director of the state Division of Housing and Community Development. “Even the most basic repairs can seem like a luxury in today’s financial market. People are struggling and the credit crunch has made it difficult for some to obtain loans.”
The Rehabilitation & Reconstruction program is a lender of last resort, and works with home owners who have been turned down by the banks or who don’t qualify for reasonable rates.
Fixed-income seniors may apply to borrow any amount of money at low interest rates; loan amounts are limited only by the scope of the project and a household’s ability to repay the money. Some may qualify for deferred-payment loans, not payable until the home is sold or refinanced.
Eligible home improvements include the replacement of roofs, windows and doors, and the repair of electrical problems and water damage. Also eligible are wheelchair ramps, railings and other upgrades designed to make homes more accessible to people with disabilities.
“Some people are reluctant to apply because they think they earn too much to qualify, or they’ve been labeled a credit risk,” said Lisa Yoder, the program manager. “But we encourage all interested home owners to inquire. Those who don’t qualify for our program may be eligible for other programs.”
Investing now in much-needed repairs preserves a home’s value and can extend its life-span by 15 to 20 years, said Yoder.
To apply, or get more information, call 1-877-488-3233 or visit http://www.housing.utah.gov
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Housing and Community Development •
State Grants Program Gets New Management
SALTLAKE CITY ― Boise, Idaho native Katie Woslager is the new Grants and Endowment Manager for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. Woslager, who joins the Division with a background in management, human resources, and sales, will play an integral role in the development and roll-out of the Division’s new online grants system.
“As we move into an online grants management system as part of our technology initiative, Katie clearly displayed the right mix of experience and skills needed to lead the program. She has a natural professional rapport with the technology team, and she is at ease working with constituents. I am confident she will be of great assistance in moving the program forward into the digital age,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
“When I first found out about the position, I realized that it offered a great opportunity to help make this program more effective and accessible for our constituents,” said Woslager. “I am looking forward to taking this program’s strong foundation and developing a program that is open, accessible, and that the Division can rely on.”
Katie Woslager grew up in Boise and attended Boise State University where she studied business administration, management, and human resources. Prior to joining the Division, Woslager was Operations Manager for Novo1/Sturner & Klein, worked in personnel administration at Micron Technology, and volunteered at food banks, animal shelters, as well as for a community revitalization organization.
This position, which oversees the Division’s grant application, approval, and distribution process, was formerly filled by Sherry Waddingham. Waddingham retired after working for over 30 years with the State of Utah.
About the Utah Division of Arts and Museums:In 2007, the Utah Arts Council paired with the Office of Museum Services to create the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, which is part of the Utah Department of Community and Culture. The Division’s goal is to promote innovation in and the growth of Utah’s arts and culture community. The Utah Division of Arts and Museums provides funding, education, and technical services to individuals and organizations throughout the state so that all Utahns regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or economic status can access, understand, and receive the benefits of arts and culture. Additional information on the programs and services of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums can be found at http://www.arts.utah.gov.
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Utah Arts Council •
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Utah Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month Awards Event Planned in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City—Governor Jon Huntsman will be issuing a Declaration later this month declaring November as American Indian Heritage Month and the Monday preceding Thanksgiving as Indigenous Day. Utah students are encouraged to study the history of the state’s American Indians and activities are planned throughout the month. Highlighting the celebration is the Indigenous Day awards reception November 24, at the Sheraton Hotel in Salt Lake City. The Division of Indian Affairs will honor Indian and non-Indian people who have made outstanding contributions to American Indians in the state of Utah. This year’s theme is ‘Utah’s American Indian People - Your Time Has Come.’
“With the federal government designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day, I take pride in calling attention to the American Indian presence in the state of Utah and honor the five Indigenous nations: Goshute, Navajo or Dine’, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute,” said Forrest Cuch, director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. “The division joins the Utah tribes in wishing everyone an enjoyable upcoming Thanksgiving Day and holiday season.”
American Indian Heritage Month activities (all open to the public) include:
* November 01 Poet - Musician ‘Joy Harjo’ will kick off the Utah version of the PBS five part documentary series entitled, ‘We Shall Remain’, at the SL Library, 7:30 p.m.
* Nov. 01-15 Faces from the Land: A Photographic Journey through Native America Faces from the land is a traveling exhibition by Ben and Linda Marra that documents the proud spirit and identity of American Indian powwow dancers throughout the United States and Canada
* November 06 Author Rose Johnson-Tsosie, will speak at 7:00 p.m. at the SL Library about her book, Finding Helen: A Navajo Miracle the story of finding her natural family after 33 years
* November 08 Powwow, 12 noon to 11:00 p.m., Utah Valley University
* November 22 Powwow, 12 noon to 11:00 p.m., Salt Lake Community College
* November 22 19th Annual Thanksgiving Community Feast, Indian Walk-In Center
* November 24 8th Annual Indigenous Day Awards and Dinner Celebration at the
Sheraton, 6:00 p.m. reception and awards at 7:00p.m. Open to the public
RSVP - 801.538.8808
The Division of Indian Affairs, a division of the Utah Department of Community and Culture, encourages everyone to attend a powwow and learn more about the culture of Utah’s American Indians.
For questions regarding American Indian Heritage Month, contact the Division of Indian Affairs at 801.538.8808.
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Indian Affairs •
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Road, water upgrades scheduled for Southeastern Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah - The Utah Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) Thursday approved about $4.5 million in water and road upgrades for Southeastern communities.
“These communities have small tax bases, but money is needed now to expedite these projects and keep costs under control. The price of asphalt has stabilized, but is likely to increase in the near future,” said CIB Board Member and Emery County Commissioner Drew Sitterud.
Among the projects slated to receive funding:
• $2.5 million was awarded to the Castle Valley Service District for capital improvements in eight cities: Orangeville, Castle Dale, Clawson, Cleveland, Elmo, Emery, Ferron and Huntington. Some of the money - $970,000 - will come as a grant. The remaining $1.5 million was approved as a low-interest loan to be repaid over five years. Improvements include a rebuild of city streets, curbs, gutters, storm drains, and construction of new sewer lines and water lines.
• A $2 million grant was awarded San Juan County for phase II and III of the Lisbon Valley Road project. Combined with $3 million in county and federal dollars, the funds will enable the county to complete the project sooner and for less money.
The Community Impact Board awards grants and low-interest loans to cities, towns and counties impacted by mining and the extraction of oil and gas on federal land. Most of the money benefits rural Utah and is spent creating safer, more liveable communities. The program is managed by the Division of Housing and Community Development under the Utah Department of Community and Culture.
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Housing and Community Development •
Monday, October 27, 2008
Free Class on the Archaeology of Utah
How long have humans lived in Utah? When did people start farming and growing corn? Why did the Anasazi abandon their homes in southern Utah? What can be learned from the study of ancient skeletons or pottery or broken stone tools? Why are archaeological resources important?
These are just some of the questions to be explored in a free one-day class to be held on Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rio Grande Depot (300 S. Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, Utah). This class on the archaeology of Utah will introduce the concept of archaeology and the prehistoric cultures of the area. The class will also discuss some ongoing projects in the Salt Lake area and around the state of Utah.
For example, students will learn about the 1,000-year-old Fremont Indian village discovered during the early phases of TRAX construction in downtown Salt Lake City. They will also learn about Danger Cave and why this important archaeological site, excavated in the 1950s, is still providing scientists with important information about the past.
The class, which is sponsored by State History, is free and open to the public. Young people in fourth grade and up may attend if accompanied by an adult. However, space is limited. Participants must pre-register by sending an e-mail to with “November Class” in the subject line, or by calling Assistant State Archaeologist Ron Rood at 801/533-3564.
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State History •
Monday, October 20, 2008
Competition encourages service among youth
Salt Lake City, Utah - Grants of $1,000 are available to support youth-led service projects as part of a statewide Youth Service Marathon.
The marathon is an effort to promote volunteerism among youth through the launch of 26 service projects - think 26 miles - culminating on April 25, 2009, Global Youth Service Day. The grants represent the official start of the marathon and are sponsored by the Utah Youth Service Marathon Committee.
Young people, ages five to 25, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due October 29.
Twenty-six projects will be chosen to receive funding.
“Research shows that those who volunteer at a young age are more likely to volunteer as adults,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, a Youth Service Marathon partner. “If every teenager in Utah traded one hour of TV a week to volunteer, we could make a profound headway toward solving some of our biggest social problems.”
For a conference agenda, visit: http://www.volunteers.utah.gov, click on Youth Service Marathon.
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Housing and Community Development •
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Multi-Ethnic Business Conference Decodes Utah Business Trends
Multi-Ethnic Business Conference Decodes
Utah Business Trends
How to Expand Your Business into New Markets
On October 23rd the Office of Ethnic Affairs will host the third annual Multi-Ethnic Business Conference from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center located at 1355 West 3100 South. The mission of the conference continues to be one of providing access to information which will lead to pathways of economic prosperity.
“The Multi-Ethnic Business Conference is a forum designed to provide members of the ethnic business community with critical information for both startup and existing businesses,” said Palmer DePaulis, executive director of the Utah Department of Community and Culture.” The conference agenda, with input from the ethnic chambers of commerce provides business opportunities that will produce real results,” he added.
The Conference will feature a series of workshops, plenary sessions, topical panels, and a social gala featuring distinguished leaders from industry, government, and academia who have intimate experience with business trends in Utah. The morning session of workshops will focus on fundamental and advanced business concepts while the afternoon session will be devoted to the new “Green Energy” industry. Participants at this year’s conference will not only learn how to start and improve their business, but how to expand their network, market their business and increase their client base.
For additional information, visit ethnicoffice.utah.gov or call (801) 538-8758.
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Ethnic Affairs •
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
White House recognizes formerly homeless Utahn
Salt Lake City, Utah - John Hailes, a beneficiary of supportive housing and the state’s 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness, will be recognized Wednesday by the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives.
Hailes was homeless off and on for 20 years prior to moving into Sunrise Metro, affordable housing in downtown Salt Lake. In eight months at Sunrise, Hailes achieved sobriety and obtained a full-time job.
The 53-year-old Utah native was reunited with family. He and his fiancé now share a market-rate apartment with no rent assistance.
“People like John are changing misconceptions about the causes of homelessness and prognosis for recovery,” said Gordon D. Walker, Director of the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development. “He’s an inspiration to all of us.”
WHO: Elizabeth Wiebe, Associate Director, White House Office of Faith-based
and Community Initiatives recognizes John Hailes
WHEN: Wednesday, October 15 at noon
WHERE: Utah’s 5th Homeless Summit at the Sheraton Hotel at 150 West, 500 South in The Seasons room
Housing and Community Development •
Law enforcement data support cause to end chronic homelessness
Salt Lake City, Utah - Data on homelessness and the criminal justice system offer fresh evidence that an effort to place chronically homeless Utahns in supportive housing saves lives and money.
The numbers were compiled by housing, law enforcement and justice officials, and support a new strategy for combating homelessness: moving people directly from the streets into affordable apartments where they can get treatment and job training.
The data were released Tuesday at a press conference on the eve of Utah’s 5th Statewide Homeless Summit.
“We’ve known housing improves lives by giving people a fresh start from which to begin to work on other problems, find a job and re-connect with family and society. Now we can show housing saves taxpayer money too,” said Gordon D. Walker, Director of the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development.
Researchers sorted through Salt Lake City police records to determine what it costs to arrest, book and jail people for petty crimes like loitering and public intoxication. They looked at a five-year period, from 2002 to 2006, and identified 39 top arrestees, all of them men and homeless.
In five years, the 39 men logged 15,000 nights at the Salt Lake County jail, data show. That’s an average of 3,000 jail nights a year. In addition, they logged an average of 837 arrests annually, 433 bookings and 155 ambulance calls.
The cost to taxpayers: $2.6 million.
Eight of the 39, however, were able to move into housing as part of a statewide plan to end chronic homelessness. Post-housing, they show a 65 percent average drop in bookings and 55 percent reduction in jail time.
“Housing is more cost-efficient and humane than the alternative,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Burbank. “We can’t arrest our way out of social problems like homelessness and drug addiction.”
The data also are a grim reminder that lives are at stake. Seven of the 39 have since died.
“The scope of homelessness is bigger than impacts to our jail system. Every homeless man or woman has a different story and charts a unique path to recovery and self-sufficiency,” said Walker. ‘But housing is clearly the solution, and we need more of it to reach our goal.”
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Housing and Community Development •