March 3, 2003

Unlike many cities around the country that have homeless services spread throughout the community-making access more difficult — Salt Lake City has a centralized location where several providers help the homeless with a variety of needs. Mayor Rocky Anderson and local service providers announced their intent February 19 to support the continuation of a collaborative professional social service community in the Pioneer Park area, signing a letter of understanding that underscores the importance of balancing future development efforts with the need to maintain centralized homeless services. The common ground reached between the Anderson Administration and the service providers will help guide development in the area, especially as plans for revitalization of Pioneer Park move forward.

"Salt Lake City has a unique opportunity to lead the way in socially responsible growth and world-class homeless services," said Anderson. "Our entire community benefits from the quality of homeless services provided by a network of centralized, collaborative partners working to help people find jobs, health, and permanent housing. Likewise, everyone can benefit from a revitalization of this area that emphasizes the importance of diversity and our compassion for those in need."

Representatives of area homeless service providers greeted the new collaboration with the city as an example of the kind of community support that is needed to continue Salt Lake City's success at integrating homeless services and providing the highest quality of care possible. "It's been nearly 15 years since a city administration stepped forward and committed its support for our unique and fruitful approach to centralizing homeless services in the Pioneer Park area," Allan Ainsworth, Executive Director Wasatch Homeless Healthcare. "We look forward to working closely with Mayor Anderson to develop this part of town in a way that will integrate new investment and activity into the community without displacing homeless people and those who serve them."