SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah State Office of Homeless Services is considering five possible sites to build a 1,200-bed mass shelter.
On Wednesday afternoon, Nomad Alliance, an organization for the unsheltered population, raised concerns that the proposed areas are too far from public transport stops and facilities.
“I don’t see this being a good place to do anything with homelessness or domestic people,” said Eric Hanson, a person experiencing homelessness.
For five years, Eric Hanson has experienced homelessness, most recently in Salt Lake Valley.
“You’ve got McDonalds two blocks over on the left and you’ve got the Mavericks just two blocks here,” Hanson said.
Nomad Alliance stands up for the unsheltered people in northern Utah.
“A lot of people don’t ask this population what they want, how they want to be housed, where they want to be housed, so we’re here to amplify their voices,” said Kseniya Kniazeva, founder and director of the Nomad Alliance. .
The group is concerned about the possible remote location.
“I don’t think people would do well here. I’ve been walking the streets for a few years now and I’ve learned a lot about homelessness and where people like to be,” Hanson said.
Utah’s Office of Homeless Services sent a statement to FOX 13.
“The Utah Homeless Services Board has directed the Office of Homeless Services to identify three potential sites for a 30-acre centralized campus along the Wasatch Front, with access to essential infrastructure, transit and services. The Office of Homeless Services will present site options by December 15, 2024, with plans for community engagement after a site is selected,” said Sarah Nielson, spokesperson for Utah’s Office of Homeless Services.
A few locations are considered Nomad Alliance and a few unprotected people have visited one of the areas.
“5600 South Bacchus Highway. It’s all the way here, the nearest bus stop is about a two mile walk, there are people who are in wheelchairs, who walk with canes,” Kniazeva said.
“If it was a good place for homeless people to come, they would already be here,” Hanson said. He explained that there is a lack of resources at this potential location.
“I don’t see anything here that I like. I would get depressed after a while. And I like being in trouble, but this isn’t the fun stuff,” Hanson said.
Nomad Alliance emphasized that sanctioned campsites are what the unprotected population hopes for.
“Especially because everyone wants privacy, everyone wants a safe place to sleep, away from prying eyes, people can choose which neighborhood they want to live in, they can choose to be integrated into society instead of being expelled to a remote corner of the province,” Kniazeva said.
Hanson doesn’t see himself or others thriving on the edge of Salt Lake Valley.
“They don’t think where we are and how many miles this is from anything. It’s just ridiculous. I don’t see any sensible outcome that’s going to come out of this. I don’t see it working in any way, shape or form,” said Hanson.
The Utah Office of Homeless Services says a final decision should be made in January.