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Carole Mikita reporting As you fill out your tax form, advocates for the homeless hope you will consider a small donation.
The idea is that these contributions will add to the state's 10-year plan to end homelessness in Utah.
Those who have benefited from one homeless program joined Governor Huntsman and Pamela Atkinson for the kick-off. The faces of former homeless families now grace the bulletin board of Family Promise Salt Lake. This is where many of them come first when they need help.
They can use this address for mail, get supplies for school-age children, get clothing from donations, use the shower and laundry facilities and the day room to meet with case managers.
Sally, Family Promise resident: "My husband is going to start graphic design school and I am going to start cosmetology, so we're doing really well..."
It was here where advocates gathered to launch the 2007 Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund Tax Campaign. They say a small donation will make a huge difference.
Gov. Huntsman: "If everyone in this state were to make just a two dollar contribution, every taxpayer, we'd be able to raise a million bucks...you can imagine how far that would go..."
Pamela Atkinson, homeless advocate: "But, please...believe me, if you want to give three or four or even a hundred, there's no stopping it... "
And there are other ways to contribute.
Rev. Jennifer Hare-Diggs, Exec. Dir., Family Promise Salt Lake "Our efforts to serve the families and children of our program would be impossible without the support of a multiplicity of faith communities..."
A long list of churches now provides help in an interfaith effort. First United Methodist Church is among them, as well as St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Each congregation hosts as many as four homeless families. They stay in the church for a week and then move on to the next congregation. Fifty volunteers provide food, shelter and safety for as many as three to four weeks a year. Another group of support congregations donates goods and services.
Justin, Family Promise resident: "They see you need clothes, they bring your kids clothes...they help with what they need...I have not met a person at these churches that I have not liked..."
On your state tax form - under contribution at 22a - Pamela Atkinson is asking for your help with a $2 donation.
