This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Over the past two years I have had the privilege of working with Mayor Ben McAdams, with the support of the Salt Lake County Council, to closely examine the issue of homelessness and identify solutions.
This has been a joint effort with the many nonprofit, religious and governmental organizations that serve the homeless community. Last October we announced a set of the outcomes we hope to achieve.
The mayor is now rolling out an action plan. It includes two new, smaller emergency shelters along with steps to prevent homelessness, including access to existing programs and services to benefit people in need. Once Salt Lake City selects the sites for the new shelters, work can begin, thanks in part to money from the Utah Legislature.
Salt Lake County will continue to invest significant resources into services. We are committed to demonstrate that our services system is working for the greatest collective impact.
I have been personally involved in this effort, which remains among my top priorities as an elected official. I am proud of those who have committed so much time and effort. We are now ready to act. Together, we can do this.
Richard Snelgrove
Salt Lake County Council
Member At-large
Murray