Homelessness in Utah – despite being lower than the national average – remains a persistent problem for the state. In the Castle Country, this population can feel overlooked as statewide spending on the issue is mainly directed toward the Wasatch Front. To raise awareness, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, Life Balance Recovery and the Real Estate Titans are hosting a stand in solidarity in support of the area’s unhoused population.
Damon Davis from USARA and Susanna McGee from Life Balance Recovery joined the KOAL newsroom to speak on the event and the importance it holds.
Speaking on the origins of the event, Davis explained,” I think just the nature of the service that we try to provide for the community. I think Susanna as a therapist and in her situation, the people that she’s trying to help, this is a potential problem for them. And for some of them, it is an active problem that they’re trying to solve.”
“At USARA we see the same population, different people, but it’s a shared problem that Susanna and I are both aware of. And we started talking about doing some hard things in our own lives that would maybe help bring some attention to these people that are our friends and our peers if we want to help them,” added Davis.
For some, the issue of homelessness may not seem like a pressing topic because in the Castle Country it can be hard to identify,” In trying to work with people and help them get sober when they don’t have anywhere to live, it makes it really hard for them to find safe places to sleep,” explained McGee,” Carbon County’s unsheltered community is very different because it’s not as in your face as some of the other communities. And I think people forget about it or don’t recognize how impactful it is.”
The purpose behind this event is to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding homelessness,” It’s fun to imagine us freezing our butts off outside, but we want to get some people to come and talk to us about ways this community can be proactive around that problem,” Davis said,” When you think of a homeless person, there’s a stereotype that comes with that. And it’s a painful one, especially if you’re a mother who just escaped a painful relationship. And now you have two children that have to sleep in your car. That’s not a homeless person. She lives on planet Earth with me. She has a home. She just needs a house too.”
While engaging in the event, participants will also be making yarn blankets, hats and gloves in addition to cold weather kits,” If you’ve got hand warmers or things that you want to share with people that you know may have a real need for them, an immediate need for them, we’re trying to put together some kits with some snacks, some hand warmers, a drink, something that’s going to remind people that they’re a human being that has needs and that we care.”
Donations for these kits can be dropped off at USARA or Life Balance Recovery.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, as McGee explained, “It is one of the coldest nights of the year, which is why we’re doing it that night.” She also discussed how by participating in the stand in solidarity you’ll be aiding the county in the grant process to address the issue,” It’s also when they start doing the homeless counts for the communities for grants. So the people who are able to make it till the morning, would be considered homeless and make it for their counts, which would help the resources in the area.”
In closing, Davis shared,” I just would encourage everybody to come with an open mind. And you don’t have to prepare to spend the whole night with us because we’re going to be out all night. But come for 20 minutes. Come and ask what’s going on and let’s have a real conversation as a community.”
The stand in solidarity will be held on Friday, Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. until sunrise the next day in the USARA/Real Estate Titans shared parking lot at 91 East Main Street in Price. For questions, call (877) 590-5965 or visit www.myusara.com.