This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After serving his country in World War II, Paul Soria wanted to help again during his retirement. He began working at Salt Lake City's Road Home homeless shelter — where he has now worked for 25 years.
Lt. Gov. Greg Bell, joined by officials from the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development, visited the shelter on Wednesday morning to thank Soria, 87, for his service. Bell also expressed appreciation to the shelter's clients who are veterans, reaching out there because they may have missed more formal ceremonies that honor veterans.
The state of Utah is in the midst of a push to end chronic homelessness — defined as residents who repeatedly find themselves without permanent housing. Surveys show that veterans comprise a significant part of this population. Meanwhile, the Obama Administration, under the direction of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, has embarked upon an ambitious plan to end homelessness among veterans in the next five years.
— Matthew D. LaPlante