This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Residents who have concerns surrounding homelessness in Salt Lake City are invited to a community discussion Wednesday night at the Salt Lake City Library.
The library, in conjunction with The Inclusion Center for Community and Justice, will present "Community Conversations: Homelessness" at the main library, 210 E. 400 South, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
During the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to share their opinions and experiences, meet with local organizations that work with the homeless population, and learn about how individuals can offer support, according to John Spears, executive director.
"The public library offers a vital venue for residents to gather and talk about issues that affect our city," Spears said. "We hope this event brings together people with several points of view to share their opinions and find solutions specific to Salt Lake City."
According to the 2013 Comprehensive Report on Homelessness in Utah, there are more than 3,200 homeless people in the state — and about 86 percent of them live in urban areas. Although there are some resources and services to help them, support and input from local residents is vital, event organizers say.
This will be the first of a series of "Community Conversations" at the city library. Subsequent discussions will include topics such as suicide and refugees. For more information on this and other events at the city library, go to http://www.slcpl.org.
— Christopher Smart