Homeless advocate Pamela Atkinson to receive FBI community service award

SALT LAKE CITY — Longtime community advocate Pamela J. Atkinson has been named as the Utah recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award.

"Ms. Atkinson was selected by the FBI for her two decades of selfless dedication and volunteer work with Utah's homeless and low-income citizens," said FBI special agent in charge David J. Johnson in Salt Lake City. "Ms. Atkinson's noble contributions to communities across Utah serve as an inspiration and a reminder that one person can make a difference."

Atkinson has worked to educate community leaders, nonprofit organizations and law enforcement about issues related to homelessness. She works with for the Volunteers of America Homeless Outreach Team and has helped establish charitable clinics for the medically underserved.

Atkinson also instills the volunteer spirit in others by encouraging them to collect bedding, clothing and food for homeless families transitioning into permanent housing. 

"I have had the privilege of being associated with Pamela going on 25 years," said Matt Minkevitch, executive director of The Road Home. "Pamela embodies the compassion, tenacity and vigor of our collective efforts to overcome homelessness in our community."

The Road Home and the FBI will honor Atkinson on Tuesday.