Press Release
February 29, 2024
Gov. Cox and Pamela Atkinson advocate for Utahns experiencing homelessness by asking Utahns to donate on their state tax forms and online
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 29, 2024) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox and community advocate Pamela Atkinson are urging Utahns to support their fellow Utahns experiencing homelessness by contributing to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund on their 2023 Utah state tax forms or online at jobs.utah.gov/htf.
During a visit to the Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) Program Facility in Sandy today, Gov. Cox highlighted the importance of this initiative, which offers interim housing and medical services to seniors, veterans, and the medically frail who are experiencing homelessness. Additionally, he joined Pamela Atkinson in delivering book donations for a newly established library for residents.
On one single day in 2023, nearly half of Salt Lake shelter residents over 60 years old had a chronic health condition. These are people like Izzy, a resident who recently transitioned from another Homeless Resource Center (HRC) in Salt Lake County. Nearing her 70th birthday, Izzy has battled mobility challenges for some time, struggling to navigate the homeless resource center due to stairs, bunks, and the overall size of the facility. The use of her walker compounded her difficulties, leaving her drained and unable to focus on long-term planning, appointments, and securing housing. However, since moving into the MVP program, Izzy has experienced a newfound sense of stability, privacy, and attentive support from The Road Home and Fourth Street Clinic teams. In just a few weeks, she has witnessed significant improvements in her mobility and motor skills, enabling her to connect regularly with service teams and engage more fully in her journey towards self-sufficiency.
"In 2023, approximately 30,000 Utahns accessed services from homeless systems throughout the state. If you can spare even a few dollars on your state tax form, it can significantly help Utahns experiencing homelessness," said Gov. Cox.
About the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund
All donated funds are distributed to agencies throughout the state that provide vital resources for those who are experiencing homelessness. The trust fund is leveraged with other state and federal funding to provide the maximum impact for the following services:
- Emergency services: temporary shelters, meal service, day centers and outreach services
- Supportive services: varying levels of case management used to help more people move into stable housing
- Housing services: rapid rehousing, transitional housing, rental assistance, on-site case management and security
"This past year has been incredibly challenging for many Utahns, including seniors. We've witnessed far too many of our homeless friends struggle," remarked Atkinson. "Your donations will truly make a world of difference in supporting those who need our help."
Learn more or donate at jobs.utah.gov/htf.
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About The Utah Office of Homeless Services: The mission of the Utah Office of Homeless Services is to address homelessness through partnerships and collaborative initiatives with state and local leaders, philanthropic partners, service providers, and individuals with lived experience. Our vision for the homeless response system in Utah is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. We aim to ensure that all people experiencing homelessness can thrive to their fullest potential, and that our communities are stable and safe for everyone.