HOUSING + HOMELESSNESS

Salt Lake City could soon have permanent, legal homeless camps

Jun 14, 2023, 5:00 PM | Updated: Jun 15, 2023, 3:04 pm

Salt Lake City could soon have a permanent homeless camp. Victoria Petro, Salt Lake City Council me...

FILE: Tony Lambert moves some of his belongings at his homeless encampment in SLC on Feb 2., 2023 (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Homeless camps, sponsored in part by the city, could soon come to those who need this service in Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City Council member Victoria Petro told KSL NewsRadio the potential encampment capitalizes on public and private partnerships.  

 

Providing a homeless camp in Salt Lake City would be a group effort

It isn’t the role of the city to provide homeless campgrounds, she said. Instead, they are providing resources that will support private organizations that are already working with people who are homeless.

The city will provide guidance like best practices and help create standards that will keep the shelters safe. And, if all goes well, the establishment of this campground shouldn’t be too far in the future. 

“We’re ready to go once we have those standards set and the private organization has their goals and application,” said Petro.  

Unsanctioned homeless camps

According to Petro, the goal is to work with private entities to host people who are homeless. This is preferred to moving them from one unsanctioned camping area to the next. 

“Right now, it’s kind of like pushing peas around on a plate,” she said. “Every time we push them from one place, they just go somewhere else.”

A dedicated campground would not only provide space for people to find shelter, but build community and institutional trust as well. When you’re dealing with people who are homeless, Petro said, you’re often dealing with people who have been traumatized. That is why when the encampment is approved and underway, there will be similar camps throughout the city.

“Best practices show that smaller camps have higher levels of success,” she said. “Then when the long-term affordable housing finally does come online, then we’ll be ready to get into that because we will have spent the time doing the therapeutic and community building work with them.”

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Housing + Homelessness

Davis County learned over the weekend that the temporary Davis County warming center it was using i...

Bryanna Willis

Davis County warming center changes location due to early building demolition

A Davis County warming center has changed its location after the city got word that the building it was originally using is set for an early demolition.

5 days ago

A "For Rent" sign is attached to a fence at a home in West Valley City, Utah on Monday, July 10, 20...

Randall Jeppesen

Rent bill sputters out in Utah Legislature

The Utah Rental Housing Association opposed the bill, saying the sponsor hadn't taken their concerns into account.

6 days ago

ground is broken on a weber county development for starter homes...

Britt Johnson

Gov. Cox’s starter home goal may face roadblocks, builder says

One Utah builder said Gov. Spencer Cox's goal of building 35,000 new starter homes over the next few years is possible but not easy.

14 days ago

FILE - The Federal Trade Commission building stands in Washington, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Lui...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

FTC lawsuit could bring funds to Utah renters

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Colorado filed a lawsuit against Greystar Management Cooperation.

14 days ago

A "For Rent" sign is attached to a fence at a home in West Valley City, Utah on Monday, July 10, 20...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Salt Lake City ranked one of the most affordable metros for renters

Rent is "affordable" if it makes up less than 30% of the renter's income, according to Redfin.

18 days ago

Unsheltered people gather at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Salt Lake City to keep warm on Monda...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Cities in Utah County asked for donations to warming centers

The Utah County Winter Response Task Force is asking for voluntary funds from cities to help maintain their warming centers.

18 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Salt Lake City could soon have permanent, legal homeless camps