At today’s special meetings, the Council discussed and approved an ordinance for zoning regulations to allow for a temporary overflow homeless shelter at 2234 South Highland Drive, the Sugar House Temporary Shelter (STS).
The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor announced yesterday the new temporary location so that more beds will be available for unsheltered people. The additional beds and shelter options at the STS are necessary to protect lives from the potentially deadly consequences of severe winter weather. These current conditions constitute a “compelling, countervailing public interest,” which justifies this type of temporary land use regulation allowed by Utah State Code.
The STS location will operate temporarily, currently through mid-April, according to the ordinance the Council adopted this evening. (The State Code limits the temporary regulations to six months.) In working with partners at the County, State, and service providers, conversations are happening to ensure that solutions are available to address the shelter need in the future.
The STS would help with the number of people who cannot get into the existing shelters or other temporary facilities in the area due to capacity limits. The new Homeless Resource Centers (HRCs) in Salt Lake and South Salt Lake, and other service providers, are reporting that the facilities are often full. The Sugar House Temporary Shelter will allow expansion of up to 145 beds available to unsheltered individuals in Salt Lake City.
As winter weather has exacerbated conditions for people spending nights on the streets, urgent action on this proposal was requested by the Mayor’s Office.
In their comments, Council Members reiterated the need for all partners and community members to contribute to the ongoing conversation and solutions, especially over the next few days in terms of volunteer opportunities and donation needs.
Resources for anyone looking to contribute or volunteer, Frequently Asked Questions, and comment options can be found at https://www.slc.gov/temporary-shelter/.