From Deseret News archives:
Give to homeless trust fund
This holistic approach has paid big dividends in Utah. Among 17 participants placed in housing under the Pathways pilot launched in 2005, 16 remain housed. One participant died. Nine received Social Security benefits and 10 obtained Medicaid or other government health care coverage. Four clients are accessing mental health services for the first time. Others are experiencing improved health due to routine physician visits and a greater commitment to substance abuse treatment. Another boon of permanent housing for the Pathways participants has been more available beds at temporary shelters.
Indeed, there is strong evidence that this approach not only saves money but vastly improves and saves lives. But this intensive case management requires resources. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., in his proposed budget, has recommended appropriating $1 million of ongoing money to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund. We hope state lawmakers will fund the trust to this level to further the progress made by state and local agencies as well as nonprofit organizations in assisting the homeless.
The trust goes directly for services for the homeless. It is a far better way to assist this population than giving cash to panhandlers, some of whom may not be homeless. It enables the homeless to access services that may eventually address the issues that contribute to homelessness and enable some people to become self-sufficient.
Intensive case management makes far more sense than the same core group repeatedly using temporary shelters where they may have far less incentive to attempt to improve their physical and mental health or social skills. Utahns should ask their elected lawmakers to fund the trust and make a special effort to contribute to the trust fund when they file their state income tax returns.
Recent comments
I'm not "worried" about anyone's lifestyle Anonymous. I'm just...
2 bits | Jan. 21, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
Why should YOU care about someone else's lifestyle, "2bits?"
Anonymous | Jan. 17, 2008 at 5:41 p.m.
I can't help but wonder what could be accomplished if all the money...
Help Homeless Humans | Jan. 17, 2008 at 4:37 p.m.
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