What do we need to change when dealing with homelessness?

SALT LAKE CITY — As we see more people experiencing homelessness gathering in public places across the country, including here in Utah, some experts are suggesting “seismic” shifts in the way we cope deal with the problem.

Inspired by the holidays and an article from the Deseret News, A Woman’s View host Amanda Dickson reflected on how to reduce homelessness in Utah.

“I’ve been thinking about it more, and maybe we all think about it this time of year…We feel the abundance in our own lives,” Dickson said. “Then our hearts are with those who do not share in this fullness.”

Utah Homeless Services Chairman Randy Shumway told the Deseret News that homelessness is “not a bed crisis, it’s a human crisis.” Shumway said Utah doesn’t need more facilities to support homeless people, but rather more care.

What could prevent chronic homelessness in Utah?

Shauna Scott-Bellaccomo is the former president of the Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah. She said it was “astonishing” to find out that 27% of Utah’s homeless population are chronically homeless.

“I really like the way this article addresses (homelessness),” she said. “It’s just more than, ‘Let’s just give these people a place to live.’ They may be mentally ill (or) they may be struggling with drug problems.”

Dr. Michelle Arnold is a professor of physics at Weber State University. She said she likes the idea of ​​providing resources to the homeless where they are.

“It doesn’t matter what services you have if people aren’t organized enough to learn about them,” Arnold said.

She hopes future resources can take hold sooner.

“Whether it’s targeting people earlier … trying to help them before they get into that situation,” she said. “(Or) trying to identify at-risk teenagers or young adults and perhaps help them before they end up there.”

Making spaces safer for homeless people

Shanua Cheshire is a psychiatric nurse. She said the areas where homeless people congregate and/or seek services could be a target for illegal activities such as drug dealing.

“If there was a way to disinfect those areas so that … illegal drug activity just couldn’t take place there, then I think it would be a much safer place for homeless people,” Cheshire said. “There are some (homeless people) who don’t fit into that category. I think how scary it would be to be either on the streets or even in shelters when there is activity like this going on everywhere and…you feel…incredibly unsafe and unsafe.”

Cheshire said living in such an environment can cause trauma for homeless people.

“None of us live in such a threat environment on a daily basis,” she said. “Those who have come out of homelessness and can now perhaps give us insight into how we can better serve this population have something that we absolutely need.” They have lived experience and we need to listen to what they think will help the most.”

Amanda Dickson contributed to this article.

Amanda Dickson is co-host of Utah’s Morning News And A woman’s perspective on KSL NewsRadio. Keep following her Facebook And Instagram.

Devin Oldroyd is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio. Follow them To X

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