As an elected official and candidate for Salt Lake County Council, I know that one issue consistently emerges as a top concern among our residents: homelessness. It’s a complex challenge that affects our entire community and demands immediate action.
First and foremost, addressing homelessness is a moral imperative. Everyone in our community deserves the dignity of a safe place to call home. Those experiencing homelessness are our neighbors and our fellow community members, and they deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. We have a humanitarian obligation to ensure that no one in our county has to sleep on the streets, wonder where their next meal will come from or lack access to basic healthcare and services.
Homelessness also often intersects with other critical issues such as mental health, substance abuse and economic inequality. By addressing homelessness, we’re not just putting roofs over heads — we’re providing opportunities for individuals to regain their health, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into our community. This is about creating a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.