This month, I want to discuss how cities, counties and states can share responsibility in addressing specific issues, such as homelessness. To illustrate this, let’s take a look at each level of government’s role in the system.
Salt Lake City focuses on two key areas: community prevention and public safety. We invest in affordable housing, support local homeless services providers, and more.
Salt Lake County’s role is to fund mental health and substance use services, further criminal justice reform, support homeless services, and protect public health. The County Health Department responds to health concerns when people camp in public spaces. To ensure safety and cleanliness, people are asked to relocate so crews can safely remove hazards like human waste, used needles, and other health risks.
Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City also take part in the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. This state initiative coordinates support for community-wide efforts to end homelessness.
The State Office of Homelessness Services collaborates with communities to make homelessness in Utah rare, brief, and non-recurring. The Utah Homeless Services Board plans and executes statewide strategies to address homelessness, including allocating state funding for services.
Read a full breakdown of the city, county, and state’s role.
If you need to report an encampment, visit mySLC.gov.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing homelessness, call 801-990-9999.
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