- Volunteers conducted the annual Point-in-Time homelessness count along the Jordan River Trail on Thursday.
- Led by Soren Simonsen, they gathered data about those living along the trail to inform federal funding needs.
- Fewer unsheltered people were noted, indicating potential resource connection improvements.
Editor's note: This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake.
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County is getting an up-close look at homelessness.
The yearly Point-in-Time Count aims to figure out where and how federal funding is needed to help the unsheltered population.
On Thursday, volunteers focused on the Jordan River Trail. They were led by Jordan River Commission Executive Director Soren Simonsen.
"We just wanted to make sure that we were actually accurately capturing what was happening around the Jordan River, because we know people that are coming here," Simonsen said. "It's usually a last resort."
The commission does its own daylight surveying for the annual census. Simonsen said it helps the commission approach people who are otherwise hard to see along the dark trail, surrounded by natural lands.
They started at the Gadsby trailhead off North Temple and only encountered one unsheltered person, who had already participated in the survey earlier in the morning.
They collect data like birth dates, conditions that led to that person being unhoused, and how long they've been homeless. That information is then used to determine which resources are needed to best fit the needs of this area's homeless population.
"It's really encouraging that we're not seeing as many people outside in the elements where their lives are at risk, and hopefully those facilities, which we know are full and are being well utilized this winter," Simonsen said. "This Point-in-Time Count in previous years has informed the winter response now, and we're actually seeing a real benefit because we're not encountering as many people as we saw last year or the year before."
Simonson pointed out problem areas due to issues stemming from homelessness, including the trail right up against Backman Elementary.
Volunteer Jason Gan, a cyclist, said he noticed the improvements in this area.
"A lot cleaner than I think it's been previously this year," Gan said. "There's definitely a lot less unsheltered people here, but also, in terms of restoration, I think is also a lot of improvements. Along the corridor, a lot of, I know there have been some organizations and the parks department has been helping restore the land and plant more native trees."
There's still issues with water quality.
"The biggest challenge with water quality really is human waste," Simonsen said. "As the homeless population, unsheltered population has grown, a lot of surrounding businesses and convenience stores and others have become a little more protective of toilets."
Simonsen said they've observed people camping in their cars or RVs also dumping waste in the river.
He said trash is also an issue.
"When the water levels rise, they'll often wash out campsites, and then all of that debris and litter ends up in the river as well," Simonsen said.
His team takes note of areas that need to be cleaned or items that should be picked up. Simonsen said the commission will clean up garbage and personal items that seem to be abandoned. He said they'll usually include more well-equipped crews to pick up items like drug paraphernalia.
Simonsen said they also take time during the count to educate unsheltered individuals.
"We encourage people to camp away from the river for their own safety," he said. "If there's a big storm, the water level can rise 3, 4, 5 feet."
They said it's encouraging to see fewer people along the trail this year. It benefits the river, and their hope is it's an indication of people getting connected with resources.
