Recently Kevin Griffin, Darin Duersch, and myself toured both the Utah Food Bank and the Homeless shelter which is called "The Road Home". It was a sad commentary that these facilities are needed, but it is also a testament to the Utah spirit that many people are willing to give both time and money helping those in need. During the tour of the shelter it was pointed out that the fastest growing population in the shelter is families. Most of the people in the shelter, over 86% are what is call the working poor. Below are a few facts about "The Road Home"
The Road Home Vison Statement
We envision people moving seamlessly from the cold streets into warm housing from despair and alienation toward hope and inclusion.We envision a community that recognizes the inherent dignity of those who live in poverty and homelessness.The Road Home will work with all of our important partners to realize this vision.
The Road Home History
The Road Home, formerly Travelers Aid Society, is a private, non-profit social service agency established in 1923 in Utah to assist stranded travelers, unescorted and runaway youth, and other disconnected persons. Although historically known for its booths in train stations, bus stations and airports, The Road Home positioned itself to assist a wider range of individuals requiring assistance, including homeless people. Case management by a social worker is emphasized as the critical element in providing quality, long-term resolution to challenges that the individual faces.
The Road Home Accomplishments
The Road Home provided support for thousands of people who were homeless in fiscal year 2007-2008. The Salt Lake Community Shelter and Self-Sufficiency Center served 2,400 households consisting of 2,743 persons, including 1,681 single men, 373 single women and 157 families consisting of 219 children and 188 adults. A total of 195,320 shelter stays was provided. Average length of stay was 30 days for single women, 36 days for single men, and 74 days for families. The Community Emergency Winter Housing Program provided shelter to 2,256 single men, 339 single women, and 143 families with 510 family members. A total of 60,134 shelter nights were provided from October 13, 2006 to April 1, 2007. The Emergency Assistance Office served a total of 3,248 individual clients with 7,891 services including bus passes, birth certificates, clothing and more. Through our Housing Program, 162 households were placed from homelessness into housing. Overall, the Housing Program served 336 households this fiscal year.
We often think about charity only during the holiday season, but the need is there all year long. I would encourage everyone to give something every month to help someone in need. Don't ask why someone has found himself without food or shelter as it does not mater. What counts is that when someone is in need you reach out and help. We adopted a family for Christmas and provided hope and joy for a family in need that we will never meet. I am proud of each of you for your part in our holiday endeavor, you were very generous and I thank you.
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