Solving homelessness at its source.
Salt Lake is no stranger to homelessness. This hard truth is the case in many major cities, and we see evidence of it every day—from driving past makeshift camps to encountering unhoused individuals on street corners, desperate for food and toting everything they own.
We aim to help solve the problem at its source. Bullied and pushed around from street to street, our unhoused neighbors face eviction and property destruction frequently at the hands of government sweeps. Left hungry, unsheltered, and cold, these members of our community can become trapped in a cycle of destitution and, at times, resort to crime to survive.
This is where our partnership with Volunteers of America, Utah comes into play. The VOA, one of the five nonprofits we are proud to support through our Impact Coalition, aims to serve those who are unhoused and may be suffering from substance abuse issues, domestic violence, and/or mental illness.
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“Volunteers of America, Utah builds a community-supported bridge that provides a path for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and their self-reliance.”
With over 150 staff members and thousands of volunteers, VOA Utah serves more than 10,000 people in the state of Utah each year. Offering counseling, direct aid, short- and long-term housing options, internships for those trying to get off the streets, detox services, youth mentoring, and daily meals, the VOA is doing everything in its power to end homelessness in our city.
How can you help?
1 // Participate in Our Donation Drive
Until December 15th, we’ll be collecting donations to VOA Utah at our South Main location. The most urgently needed items include winter coats, hand warmers, tents and tarps, and sleeping bags. You can also purchase items from VOA Utah’s Amazon Wish Lists, which will be delivered directly to their headquarters. These lists, as well as a list of items the VOA is unable to accept, can be found here.
Concurrently, our Salt Lake City gym will be collecting donations for The Gear Fund Collective, while Ogden will be collecting donations for YCC of Ogden.
2 // Volunteer Your Time
There are numerous opportunities to volunteer for VOA Utah, including meal serving, donation sorting, and compiling holiday gifts. This Season of Giving, grab a buddy and spend some time directly helping others in need. View the full list of fulfilling volunteer opportunities here.
3 // Donate via Impact Coalition
The Impact Coalition was formed to provide consistent support for nonprofits making positive impacts in our local communities. Front members have the option to donate $1 or more each month to one or all of our nonprofit partners by simply adding a donation to their membership. Our partners include the SLCA, CAWS, Utah Clean Energy, VOA of Utah, and the YCC Family Crisis Center (Ogden only). The Front has pledged to match donations up to $40,000 this year.
This past month, for the first time ever, The Front and its members hit our goal of donating $80,000 total in 2021! We could not be prouder! If you’re not already participating, we invite you to join us in supporting these powerful organizations that make a true difference in our community, like the VOA. Give back and join the Impact Coalition here.
4 // Work for VOA Utah
The VOA of Utah is hiring like CRAZY right now! If you want to make an impact through your daily work with a stellar organization, browse their career openings and benefits here.
Subscribing to VOA Utah’s newsletter is a great way to stay in the loop about current events, volunteer opportunities, career options, urgently needed items, and more. You can sign up here.
The winter season is harsh and unforgiving in Salt Lake City. Please consider one or more of the above ways you can make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you!
