Shawna Lechtenberg works as a substitute teacher at a Head Start program in Palmer Court, which was converted from a hotel to 201 units of permanent housing.
Laura Seitz, Laura Seitz, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in more than 12 years, not a single man was housed at The Road Home's overflow shelter in Midvale this winter.
It's a significant milestone and yet another indication that the community's "housing first" initiative is working, said Matt Minkevitch, executive director of The Road Home.
"Last night, we had 99 beds available in the downtown shelter, which is unprecedented," Minkevitch said. "It's a tribute and testament to the kind of housing that our community created, in its thoughtfulness — permanent housing and supportive services for singles and families."
Palmer Court, which was converted from a hotel to 201 units of permanent housing, provides housing and on-site intensive case management for individuals and families who have been in a long-term state of homelessness. It works cooperatively with Valley Mental Health and Volunteers of America, as well as government agencies that oversee employment, food stamp eligibility and health care coverage. The facility also houses Head Start programs, which also include infant and toddler child care.
The over-arching goal of the education component is to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness, Minkevitch said. "It is quite feasible they will never experience homelessness."
After nearly six months of living at The Road Home shelter downtown, Shawna Lechtenberg and her sons moved into Palmer Court in October. Palmer Court has provided her young family stability and easy access to services. She also works as a substitute teacher in the Head Start program. Her family is enjoying the stability of permanent housing after unemployment forced them into homelessness.
"There are resources here. People want to help. Out there, we're a dime a dozen," she said.
At Palmer Court, "We're able to be a family. There (the homeless shelter) we always had to look around and check everything."
Stuart Cowles moved from the Regis Hotel, a low-rent dwelling on State Street, to Palmer Court about 1 ½ years ago. He enjoys having a private room and shower as well as the privacy of living in his own space. "It's clean. It's a lot more comfortable. I feel a little bit of safety," he said.
Like Lechtenberg, Cowles has a job at Palmer Court. He helps clean the facility.
- Cottonwood High School football coach Josh...
- Glenn Beck unleashes his dogs of war
- Four people killed in plane crash in Kane...
- Bus driver on leave after ejecting 7-year-old...
- Dangerous silence: Why you need to talk to...
- Driver dies in fiery early morning crash on...
- KSL-TV welcomes 2 new anchors, new format
- Volunteers save Salt Lake County millions,...
- Glenn Beck unleashes his dogs of war
25 - Liljenquist pushing to make name for...
21 - KSL-TV welcomes 2 new anchors, new format
19 - Utah woman adopted as baby faces...
18 - Vets heart Mitt: Romney enjoys big...
17 - Cottonwood High School football coach...
17 - Man shot brother while showing him...
13 - Rep. Jim Matheson favors getting rid of...
13






DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.
— About comments