Homelessness

Federal and local authorities have made headlines recently for clearing homeless camps from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. That concerns advocates in St. George who hope it doesn’t signal a shift in how the country approaches homelessness.

A 1,300-bed homeless campus is planned for northwest Salt Lake City, but the nearest public transportation option is 2.5 miles away. Some stakeholders worry the transportation gap will steer individuals away from the campus and the services it provides.

Starting Sept. 1, a new law will restrict one of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s main methods to control jail overcrowding. Advocates say expanding the jail won’t solve the issue, and the county is failing to address the root of the problem.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the city has improved ”the pieces of the system that we control,” and the Legislature now needs to take action to help.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall said Salt Lake City has made “tremendous progress” on its safety plan, but she’s disappointed that the Legislature hasn’t acted on more recommendations.

With the new revenue source, which launched in November, the state is better poised to meet this winter’s overflow shelter needs.

Salt Lake County has mapped out cool zones for people to get out of the heat, and groups like the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake provide water, sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.

The city’s public safety plan, which took effect in January, calls for increased law enforcement and aggressive prosecution of crimes downtown.

Ogden City Council authorized the city’s purchase of the Aspen Assisted Living facility, sending the Weber Housing Authority looking for a new site.

With a fire code exception from Ogden City, the Lantern House shelter will open 50 additional beds through April 30 when regular beds are full, regardless of code blue status.

The mayor’s new 50-page public safety plan for Salt Lake City details 27 city actions and 23 recommendations that will need city, state and county collaboration.

Some Ogden city officials want more homeownership and wealth in the East Central neighborhood, but the county housing authority wants their facilities to be close to services.