Give to homeless trust fund

One of the more obvious fixes to homelessness is providing shelter to people who don't have it. Not short-term shelters, but apartments that give people a sense of security, privacy and permanency; places where they can more readily address the complex issues that contribute to their homeless status.

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.

Individual Utahns can help, too. The trust, named for a longtime advocate for the homeless, is also funded through state income tax contributions. The check-off for the trust is found at Line 19, Code 02 of the state income tax return. If every Utahn who files an income tax form gives just $2, it would match the $1 million appropriation recommended by the governor.

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.