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SALT LAKE CITY — The year 2015 portends to be a good one for Billy, who took part in Salt Lake City Mission's annual Fresh Start New Year's Meal Thursday at the Christian Life Center.
Billy, who is staying at the Road Home's downtown shelter, expects to be in his own apartment within a week and a half.
"I'm kind of stoked about it," said Billy, who would not provide his last name.
To start the new year, Billy was among hundreds of low-income and homeless people who took part in the mission's annual celebration at the Christian Life Center, 1055 N. Redwood Road. This is the 21st year the mission has hosted the event.
"I love it. I come every time. It's one of the best events we have," he said.
The daylong festivities included meals, entertainment, a clothing exchange and fellowship.
Pastor Joe Vazquez said mission staff and volunteers had prepared enough food to feed 3,500 people. They planned to bag up leftovers in to-go boxes for people who attend late in the day.
We're trying to reach out and tell them, 'If you are ready to make a change, there are people here who can help you.'
–Pastor Joe Vazquez
Many people come for the hot meals and a warm place to escape the cold, but assistance is also offered. "We're trying to reach out and tell them, 'If you are ready to make a change, there are people here who can help you,'" Vazquez said.
Billy said Salt Lake Deputy Police Chief Fred Ross, who heads the department's Metro Support Bureau, was instrumental in helping him get into housing.
"Plus, I just got asked out by a girl I've been liking for a while," said Billy, who uses a wheelchair because of injuries to his legs suffered during his military service.
Billy said he had been homeless for a couple of years, part of the time living along the Jordan River. He frequently panhandles at The Gateway, which is where he met Ross, who convinced him to move into the downtown homeless shelter while his housing documents were processed.
"Deputy Chief Ross made a big difference for me," he said.
Shirley Hertig, who is also living at the Road Home and attended Thursday's events with family members, said she, too, is optimistic about 2015.
"I'm hoping to lose more weight and quit smoking," she said, explaining that she had lost 40 pounds during the previous year by eating better and walking for exercise.
She said she enjoyed the mission's annual event because the staff and volunteers were "friendly."
"They're giving out clothes and stuff for all of us at the Road Home. It's nice."
