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Letter: Why aren’t churches helping the homeless?

FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2016, file photo, a person pushes a cart near the downtown homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. The state auditor says data gathered by Utah officials about the homeless population is riddled with inconsistencies and doesn't help evaluate the effectiveness of different programs due to a lack of clear, measurable goals. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Opposition to The INN Between Homeless Hospice in Sugar House makes me wonder why Salt Lake City churches are not providing programs and services for residents of this hospice.

Most care centers in Utah have Sunday and sometimes weekday programs sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as other denominations. The participation of churches and their volunteers would likely help neighbors opposing this facility overcome their fears.

Salt Lake City churches are missing the boat by not providing for the spiritual needs of these homeless patients. Their participation might also help their church members develop compassion for the less fortunate.

Ann Johnson, Bountiful

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