Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
A two-day summit brought law enforcement, justice and community housing leaders together to find a way to end chronic homelessness.
Leaders of government agencies say they're not only talking about saving money but also lives, because homelessness often leads to crime. One apartment building has changed lives. Community leaders say that is where more of the homeless population needs to go instead of to shelters.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said, "These are the people that society often views, especially in our downtown area, as unwanted, unwelcome because they're different, oftentimes they're dirty. They're asking for money, and they're an annoyance."
At a news conference, the chief joined justice and housing officials to announce a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness, caused by a number of serious situations.
Salt Lake City Prosecutor Sim Gill said, "The criminal justice system is inundated with persons who disproportionately suffer from substance addiction, mental illness or have come from environments of family violence."
The cost to society of caring for some is huge. Thirty-nine chronically homeless men were studied over a five-year period. Collectively, they spent 15,000 nights in jail, were arrested 837 times a year, underwent jail bookings 433 times, and made 155 ambulance calls. This cost taxpayers $2.6 million. Eight of the 39 then were moved to apartments for 18 months. The costs decreased 57 percent.
Gordon Walker, director of the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development, said, "Some of the men spent most of their waking moments in jail over this period of time. They were using it as housing."
Madeline Hawes Wesson was homeless. But having her own apartment at Grace Mary Manor in Salt Lake City has enabled her to focus on looking for work. "I've been able to get myself back together, looking for part-time, temporary, full-time jobs with the Department of Workforce Services. I've been able to update my resume, get it out there," she said.
Everyone at today's meeting said housing is the solution to changing people's lives. Representatives from the government entities say it's possible to reach this 10-year goal.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
