It was just another day during my daily commute to work in Salt Lake City. However, this time, Utah had just seen record temperature drops during the 2022 winter season and record-breaking snowfall. As I drove on the downtown streets, I could see homeless people shivering on corners, and then I saw a motionless body on the corner by the Milagro apartments. I got out of my car to see if this individual was OK, but they had already passed away due to the freezing temperatures and inhumane conditions in which they were forced to live because they could not afford to meet the basic needs a human requires to survive.
UPR (Utah Public Radio) summarized that House Bill 499 was passed recently in 2023, aiming at increasing homeless shelter options during the winter months and making an emergency plan that could assist people experiencing homelessness during freezing temperatures. The goal of this legislation is to address shortfalls that were found during the last winter season.
Although the passing of HB499 is a huge milestone and breakthrough for the state of Utah in combating the homeless pandemic, it does not provide long-term solutions. Increasing capacity at already overcrowded homeless shelters is not a long-term solution. It will only create another problem. Creating inhumane designated homeless encampments with unlivable living conditions is not a solution; it is quarantining the issue for the short term.
HB499 provides some relief for Salt Lake City’s homelessness but lacks long-term solutions. While providing immediate shelter in extreme weather is vital, it’s a temporary fix that doesn’t address root causes. The focus must shift from merely mitigating to actively solving this crisis through affordable housing, mental health services, and job training. Immediate, comprehensive action is vital to ensure an impactful change.
Austin Williams, Draper