Help sought for homeless

Two area homeless outreach groups would like to remind people that although the weather may be as hot as a firecracker, it's always cold for people living on the streets.

The Salt Lake Board of Realtors on behalf of The Road Home and Volunteers of America's Utah Homeless Outreach team is calling for donations to help them fulfill basic survival needs such as food, water and medical treatment for people who spend their days mostly out in the elements, no matter the season.

During the summer months, providing water, canned foods, backpacks and insect repellent to homeless people is daily work for the VOA outreach team, but supplies are getting low, said team manager Jessica Fleming.

"When we meet people, we can provide them with a few small items to help get them through a few days on the streets," she said. "Our goal is to find shelter for people and ultimately, housing."

Anyone interested in making a financial contribution or donating water, canned food, insect repellent, new socks or backpacks can drop their donations at the Volunteers of America, Utah administrative offices at 511 W. 200 South, Suite 160, in Salt Lake City, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In Utah, VOA offers a dozen programs to more than 10,000 people a year.

On Friday from 9 to 11 a.m., Salt Lake Realtors are sponsoring a Christmas in July celebration benefiting more than 200 people, including 100 children, at The Road Home, 210 S. Rio Grande St. (455 West) in downtown Salt Lake City.

Plans include games, crafts, a carriage ride, lunch and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus as the Jazz Bear.

Attendees also receive a backpack with games, toys, books, back-to-school items, clothing and personal toiletry items.

According to The Road Home statistics, about 15,000 people statewide are homeless. Matthew Minkevitch, executive director, said the number of families helped by the Road Home has increased 113 percent from over a year ago. Many of them are people who had homes repossessed by banks after defaulting on their mortgages due to the recession.

e-mail: jthalman@desnews.com