In the midst of seemingly endless coverage about wildfires and summer heat, I came across a post from Crossroads Urban Center, Unsheltered Utah, and the Nomad Alliance, urging Salt Lake City to model part of a new California executive order that provides extra protections when moving residents who are unhoused.
What Would Change?
California’s new rule requires that unsheltered people are given 48 hours notice before an unsanctioned camp is cleared. Furthermore, any possessions seized are labeled and stored for at least 60 days.
How to Get Assistance
If you or someone you know is struggling with housing security, End Utah Homelessness has a list of essential community service resources — they have versions in English, Spanish, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. There’s also an interactive map for cooling centers around Salt Lake City.
How to Help
The Crossroads Urban Center has two food pantries where you can drop off high-priority foods like peanut butter, canned soup, and other non-perishables. They also take clothing donations at the Crossroads Thrift Store at 1385 West Indiana Avenue.
Clothing, supplies, and monetary donations can be made to The Road Home, Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, Unsheltered Utah, and the Salt Lake City Mission. Nomad Alliance is hosting a supply drive on Aug. 4 at Pioneer Park.
Many of these organizations also have volunteer opportunities.
Episode Starter Kit
A few City Cast Salt Lake podcast episodes to provide more context on homelessness in SLC.
🎧 Myths vs. facts about homelessness in Salt Lake.
🎧 Who gets to exist in SLC parks?
🎧 A first look at Salt Lake County’s brand new Homelessness Plan.
