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April 2024 | Vol. 24 Iss. 4
NEW SANDY HOMELESS SHELTER CATERS TO THE NEEDS OF THE MEDICALLY VULNERABLE By Rebecca Olds | r.olds@thecityjournals.com
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new Sandy homeless facility opened in January with a unique mission among Utah’s homelessness aid scene. Its goal is to provide interim housing not just for those experiencing homelessness, but for medically vulnerable people such as veterans, those aged 62 and above, and those experiencing health challenges while living on the streets. “I call it ‘Most Valuable People,’” said Pamela Atkinson, longtime advocate for those experiencing homelessness and namesake of Utah’s Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund referring to the MVP initials that stand for “Medically Vulnerable People.” “To have a special place where you've got challenges like they have, I think it makes a huge difference,” she said. “It says we recognize you have extra challenges, we recognize you need different facilities and different accommodations, we care about you, and (you’re) just as valuable as anybody else.” “Once people start feeling special, then I think that gives them hope.” Three organizations—The Road Home, Fourth Street Clinic and Shelter the Homeless—have tag-teamed efforts to maintain the building, staff volunteers and security, and provide medical care to guests.
The first of its kind in Utah
A general homeless shelter includes bunk beds that leaves very little space for maneuverability when wheelContinued page 8 The Fourth Street Clinic’s mobile healthcare bus is parked in front of the new Medically Vulnerable People facility on Feb. 29 until the on-site clinic is renovated. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
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Sandy Arts
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Mont Millerberg
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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
30 plus years of service garners award
PAGES 13-18