Church statement on homeless outreach

[bsjkki]

The church outlines their response and support for the homeless population in Salt Lake City. http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/responding-needs-homeless-communities  This statement seems to be in response to this event that resulted in Draper pulling their support for a homeless shelter. http://kutv.com/news/local/draper-mayor-withdraws-offer-for-homeless-shelter-after-boos-yelling It seems to odd to me that I read so many articles about how Salt Lake City had solved the homeless problem and then this year, the opposite seems to be true. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-utah-solved-chronic-homelessness-20150418-story.html What's up?

[BlueDreams]

I don't have time to look things up right now, but I remember reading or watching a report on this, part of it is on the definition of "chronic homelessness." These are people that live as homeless for long extended periods of time as opposed to transient homelessness. Basically it means UT still has homeless people, but how long they're homeless is much shorter than it used to be. When I drive, I see plenty of homeless panhandling....but the faces don't stay the same for as long as they once may have.

And draper is not UT. It's just a city that didn't want it. For one, it's a pretty wealthy area of UT. I'm just saying.....it's not entirely surprising to me that Draper would be up in arms over the humanitarian effort happening in their city.    

[The Nehor]

20 minutes ago, BlueDreams said:

I don't have time to look things up right now, but I remember reading or watching a report on this, part of it is on the definition of "chronic homelessness." These are people that live as homeless for long extended periods of time as opposed to transient homelessness. Basically it means UT still has homeless people, but how long they're homeless is much shorter than it used to be. When I drive, I see plenty of homeless panhandling....but the faces don't stay the same for as long as they once may have.

And draper is not UT. It's just a city that didn't want it. For one, it's a pretty wealthy area of UT. I'm just saying.....it's not entirely surprising to me that Draper would be up in arms over the humanitarian effort happening in their city.    

Thou shalt be kind and merciful unto the poor unless it threateneth thy property values in which case thou shalt weep and wail and gnash thy teeth.

[Calm]

Salt Lake is rumored to have solved their more transient and drug implicated homeless issues by putting them on buses and the train and sending them south.  This is denied of course, but it may be why reactions are heated up so high right now...that and Draper supposedly had little time to get used to the idea before the meeting.  The SLC police have been cracking down on drug dealers, etc. for awhile.  One of the parks that used to be quite crowded was almost empty the last time we drove by and I saw different police cars drive by in the area at least four and maybe six times (it was 6 weeks ago).  We go up tomorrow so I will try and remember if it is still sparse.

I would be concerned if a homeless shelter opened up near my grandkids, given the often drug problems that are coupled with it.  They play a lot outside without direct adult supervision, the whole neighbour is pretty young as it is a new development and there are masses of kids running around outside.  I wouldn't be particularly concerned if it opened nearby because then I would be aware of any issues and could adjust.  Plus there are usually adults walking around or working outside (huge yards and a number of retirees) as much as kids.  Unlikely to do it though because we are out in the boonies.

Edited April 7, 2017 by Calm

[Jeanne]

Just an FYI..This has nothing to do with the church..but I found my sister's grandkids and my nephew in Dec. 2013.  They were on KSL News during Christmas time at the homeless shelter called "The Road Home"  next to the mall.  Heartbreaking to say the least.  But I can say that they did make sure the kids were enrolled in school..and they have to check in the room a certain time.  I could only visit..but they did (the state) make sure they got in homes set aside for homeless families.  People at my workplace and I made sure they all had Christmas..my nephew and the childrens mother are finally drug free and though they are divorced..they are still a family.  I remember my niece (age 10 at the time) saying it was hard to get on the bus for school.  Kids picked up at "those places" were called "stinky"...this she said on the news.  I have been Aunt Grandma since then.. I do believe the State as a whole...and individual groups contribute and try to do what they can.  In any case..it is the children....my sister's oldest grand daughter was an adult way before her time.  Now she has her sites set on being a doctor..and an artist.  All are doing well. 

[Rain]

My brother is one of those in Salt Lake that is often homeless due to drugs.  I know Salt Lake has really been working with him to keep him from being homeless.  It isn't always as easy as offering him a place to live. He can be quite picky sometimes.