Homelessness in Utah on the Rise
None by Eric Ray
(KCPW News) The number of homeless people in Utah is up 16% statewide, an increase being driven by an upswing in sheltered families, according to a new study from Utah's Homeless Task Force."Even though it is a hot economy and jobs are available, the cost of food, the cost of fuel, the cost of apartment rentals have gone up. Those people who are on the margin are getting hit fairly hard. We think that is impacting the increase," says Task Force Director Lloyd Pendleton.
Pendleton says that while Utah's overall homeless population has gone up, efforts to reduce the number of chronically homeless appear to be working. The report shows a 15% decrease in the state's chronically homeless population. Pendleton says credit for that reduction goes to a change in the treatment model.
"There is a new concept called Housing First. You take them off the street, put them in the housing, and bring case managment to them. Then they can get stable in their housing and then get on their medications or into substance abuse treatment. Then they can get employment," says Pendleton.
The model is being used in homeless housing developments like Sunrise Metro and Grace Mary Manor. Pendleton says by early next year, 45% of the state's chronic homeless will be off the streets. The state has a ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness by 2014.
To listen to a longer conversation about Utah's homeless population, download a podcast of today's Midday Metro.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW
1. Debra said:
I have a firend that cannot afford to rent anywhere and barely survives on his Disability Income each month living out of his vehicle and showering nightly at the gym. Utah doesn't offer much in terms of inexpensive, clean housing. Especially in good neighborhoods where you can feel okay that your personal property will not get ripped off when you turn your back. He is unfortuneate..hearing impaired, 1 good eye, he cannot read and barely communicates well enough to get his point across to those who cannot utilize American Sign Language. I wish there was more opportunity for him to succeed rather than being set up to fail every turn he makes. I do my best to be a friend for him and help him understand his mail, bills, situations, etc. but I am a married for 20 years mother of 2 and cannot use all my spare time helping him figure things out. He is 45 with the mentality of a young child most times. Do you have any suggestions?
Editor responds: Debra, there are several organizations to recommend. First, start with The Road Home, 210 South Rio Grande Street (455 West), Salt Lake City, Utah 84101. PhoneL (801) 359-4142. Email: info@theroadhome.org. Also, Volunteers of America of Utah, 511 West 200 South, #160, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Phone: (801) 363-9414.
2. James said:
My sister is homless and socially broken, she needs the companionship of her three cats. Although she is employed and able to work, she can't get into anything because of bad credit and past evictions. Most housing does not allow the pets she needs or charges a lot for deposits. Any ideas?