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In the fight against homelessness, Utah has made some significant strides in recent years. The state's current rate of homelessness is roughly 11 in 10,000 residents, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That puts it below the national average, which is good — but not enough. The work is far from over.
This year Gov. Spencer Cox requested $193 million in his proposed budget to combat homelessness, of which the Utah Legislature approved $66.2 million, according to a KSL.com article.
The Utah Office of Homelessness Services reports that since 2019, chronic homelessness in Utah has risen by 96%, with a 27% increase in just the last year. Additionally, 90% of the increase in people experiencing homelessness for the first time in 2022 came from outside Salt Lake County. Every city and county are a contributor to homelessness in the state. There's also a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, along with rising rates of mental illness, substance abuse and intergenerational poverty among the homeless.
That's why Utah's philanthropic community has convened to reduce homelessness both immediately and in the long run.
The Utah Impact Partnership: A collaborative effort to end homelessness
In 2019, Ivory Homes CEO Clark Ivory and Larry H. Miller Group owner Gail Miller founded the Utah Impact Partnership (UIP). The group brings together leaders from philanthropy, business and civic sectors to address important issues affecting Utahns. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, UIP's goal is to enhance philanthropic efforts and government responses to social challenges.
With a specific focus on homelessness, social mobility and economic prosperity, UIP works toward strategic solutions for a better future for every individual in Utah. The group stands on the belief that impactful change happens through innovative leadership and community involvement.
UIP board of directors includes representatives from the Huntsman Foundation, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Intermountain Health, Zions Bancorporation and many others.
Here's how they're working to make a difference in the Beehive State — and what you can do to help.
Roots of collaboration
UIP focuses on key areas like housing stability, affordable housing, substance and behavioral health, criminal justice reform, emergency shelter and public safety. They work closely with city, county and state governments, as well as the Utah Homeless Council, to fund strategic projects.
Since 2021, UIP has worked collaboratively with state government, implementing a coordinated funding model, enacting strategic reforms, and bolstering governance to spearhead a comprehensive effort to combat homelessness. This endeavor is marked by strategic governance adjustments and dedicated resource allocation.
In 2023, the state of Utah pledged $15 million to boost statewide homeless services and UIP matched it with an additional $15 million from community sources. Once they reached that goal, they committed to raising an additional $15 million.
During the latest session, the legislature funded over $50 million toward bolstering and increasing the state's emergency homeless shelter system, including $25 million toward a new 600- to 800-bed shelter in a yet-to-be announced location, plus nearly $4.5 million for homeless prevention programs and over $11 million for behavioral health.
In a recent press release, Gov. Spencer Cox applauded these efforts.
"Our homeless friends need our help, and I'm grateful to live in a state where we take care of each other and our most vulnerable," Gov. Cox said. "We appreciate the collaborative spirit between the state, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Impact Partnership, our cities and towns, the State Courts and so many others as well as the shared commitment to improve lives."
UIP's collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of working together to create systemic change through strategic focus and collaboration.
"This success underlines the effectiveness of our coordinated funding model, proving that together, we can address the most pressing issues in Utah and create a substantial, positive impact," Randy Shumway, vice chair of UIP and co-chair of the Utah Homeless Council, said at the time.
And this is just the beginning.
Shumway added, "We are deeply committed to this journey, focusing our efforts on alleviating trauma, stopping lawlessness and ensuring our actions have the maximum impact on enhancing the well-being and prosperity of our communities."
Project Human Dignity
While raising funds is certainly an important step toward ending homelessness, UIP also wants to ensure lasting change and believes that stigmatization surrounding homeless populations can impact long-term solutions. In an effort to change this public perception, UIP recently launched Project Human Dignity. This multi-year campaign aims to shed light on the causes and solutions to homelessness while promoting more empathy and support for those in need.
Phase one of the project utilizes videos featuring photographs of real Utahns in an effort to authentically capture and convey the stories of individuals in vulnerable situations. The initiative poses the question, "What if we didn't think of Utah's homeless as a problem?" confronting the human aspect of the crisis in a dignified and respectful way that destigmatizes homelessness and promotes dignity in every representation. To see powerful examples of what this looks like, visit projecthumandignity.org.
"Every individual in Utah deserves to be seen and treated with dignity," Clark Ivory, chair of the UIP, said in a recent press release. "By elevating the dignity of each individual and sharing their stories, we reinforce our humanity and underscore our collective responsibility to uplift and support one another."
Gail Miller, co-founder of UIP and emeritus vice chair added, "We invite Utahns to join us in a movement that marries courage with compassion, education with action, and respect with service, aiming to uplift and dignify every corner of our community."
How to get involved
With Miller's invitation in mind, here are a few ways you can involved in the fight to end homelessness:
- Share. Follow Project Human Dignity on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Volunteer. Project Human Dignity offers several opportunities to make a direct impact in the community. Check out the list of organizations on their website that need help!
- Donate. A monetary donation goes directly into strategic investments across the state — and every dollar makes a difference.
- Stay informed. Subscribe to Project Human Dignity's newsletter to get the latest updates on community events and opportunities to serve.
To learn more, join us at www.utah-impact.org.
