Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
Homelessness in Utah is on the rise, but permanent supportive housing programs are working, new data shows.
As Utah leaders work to create a new shelter, I wanted to know what locals see contributing to homelessness in their communities — and what solutions they’d like to see enacted.
Here’s what you shared:
Higher wages
I see two solutions that must work in tandem: Increase the minimum wage and provide more low cost subsidized housing. These solutions will likely require an increase in taxes both directly (increased income taxes) and indirectly (increased prices for goods and services). But, since this is a societal and community problem, the general public needs to be financially involved in the solution.” — David, Salt Lake City
More affordable housing
“I would like to see state-subsidized housing built that is for everyone, in all areas, not just one place. Homeless people could get that housing for free; poorer people could get that housing at a very low cost; and other people could get that housing at a reasonable, low rate ... The existence of that housing would drive down rents in general.” — Jennifer, Salt Lake City
“One part of the solution I’d like to see is more tiny homes that provide a place to store belongings, shelter from weather, running water and heat. Housing is necessary to get the rest of your life in order. The little trailers near the highway overpass are a starting experiment, but those are in an inhuman location, with no greenery, no walking services, near pollution and noise, etc. I saw a wonderful large installation of small trailers in dozens of rows in Berlin, Germany, on an unused airfield. They were very tiny homes, but each had a window, a little front stoop (space for a chair and flowers), grass between each row, and it seemed like an appropriate place for humans, even community.” — Kenwyn, Bountiful
Increased mental health resources — and better access
“I feel a contributing factor to homelessness is lack of ‘rehabilitation resources’ such as counseling for mental and physical health. One solution might be a physical facility — maybe the LDS Hospital on the Avenues if they move to the new location on State Street — that would address these needs, as well as provide temporary residential needs.” — Toni, Draper
“I believe drug and substance abuse is the main reason we see so many on the streets. We no longer have facilities like the Utah State hospital where many such individuals were previously housed. Because many of those individuals have a record that follows them around for an extended period of time, they are unable to obtain a job and many times housing. People can get clean and leave their past behind, but that record is still there. Perhaps a shorter cap on the time for tracking infractions is needed, or perhaps a more liberal expungement process. — Vickey, Salt Lake City
Utah Voices
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
Election 2024
“I’ve come to expect out-loud racism from Trump’s campaign and his staff, but these sharp daggers hit too close to home — directly at my home in Salt Lake County,” writes Jade Velazquez. Read more.
“Our nation’s constitutional order, together with the quest for a more inclusive and just society, will live on — if persons of goodwill promote and support them,” writes Andrew Bjelland. Read more.
“The mental health system has dropped the ball and failed to meet the needs of their most vulnerable clients — those with serious mental illness,” writes Wendy O’Leary, a certified family peer support specialist in Utah since 2007. Read more.
“Indeed, our family and those of many other Jews in this state have been the recipients of numerous acts of kindness from our Latter-day Saint neighbors,” writes Sam Zeveloff, Ph.D, with Weber State University. “One left a particularly indelible memory.” Read more.
Fall holidays
“I like trunk or treats,” writes Shelby Hintze. “Trick-or-treating is awesome! I look forward to all the trick-or-treaters who come to my door every year. But for a lot of kids, house-to-house trick-or-treating is another reminder that they will never really get to be a part of their neighborhood — not fully.” Read more.
“Grief literacy bridges the gap between emotional expression and cultural traditions,” writes Kimberly Ponce Gonzalez, a master of social work student at the University of Utah. “It allows us to respect our traditions and culture while making room for the emotional complexities of loss. As society becomes more aware of mental health, grief literacy must be part of the conversation.” Read more.
Community
“Too many Indigenous people have suffered and died at the hands of the uranium industry,” writes Malcolm Lehi, a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council. “We want our community to have good air, clean water, healthy animals, safe plant medicines.” Read more.
“It has become increasingly clear that we have more work to do in Utah to ensure our values of compassion and welcome match the experiences of new Utahns,” write Guadalupe Center’s Richard Pater and Lourdes Johnson. Read more.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People dance on the Gallivan Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, for Big Band Dance Night.
Share Your Perspective
In the interest of keeping it light during an especially stressful season, I want to hear some good news. What’s going right in your community? What gives you hope? Let me know.
From Bagley’s Desk
A Big Thank You! | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.
