Building a Community Where Everyone Has a Home
Salt Lake County is facing a housing crisis. With rising rents and a growing homeless population, it's time for decisive action.
The Problem:
Salt Lake City has a shortage of 5,507 affordable units for households earning 40% or less of the Area Median Income.
In 2024, over 9,800 Utahns became homeless for the first time—a nearly 10% increase from 2022.
Nearly 22% of renters in Salt Lake City spend over half their income on housing.
Aaron’s Plan: From Crisis to Community
1. Expand Affordable Housing Development – Collaborate with cities to rezone underutilized properties for mixed-income housing. Increase funding to the Housing Trust Fund to support new units.
2. Enhance Supportive Services – Invest in non-congregate shelters with comprehensive services, including mental health and employment support. Strengthen partnerships with organizations like The Road Home.
3. Protect Renters – Advocate for a West Side Rental Assistance Fund and support a Right to Counsel program for tenants facing eviction.
4. Strengthen Regional Collaboration – Launch a Salt Lake Housing Compact with surrounding cities to coordinate resources.
Why This Matters
Because housing is the foundation of everything. A child who sleeps in the same bed each night does better in school. A parent who doesn’t fear eviction can show up to work stronger. A community with stable housing is safer, healthier, and more united. We’re not just solving homelessness—we’re investing in the dignity and potential of every neighbor.
What the County Is Doing Now
Salt Lake County supports affordable housing through its Housing and Community Development Division (https://slco.org/housing-community-development/), which administers the Salt Lake County Housing Trust Fund. This fund helps finance the development of deeply affordable and supportive housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
The County works closely with Housing Connect (https://housingconnect.org/), the regional public housing authority that administers Section 8 rental assistance, manages permanent supportive housing, and coordinates services across local partners.
In addition, Salt Lake County participates in the Coordinated Entry System (https://utahhmis.org/coordinated-assessment/), which matches people experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing based on their level of need.
Local Nonprofits Making a Difference
These nonprofits are on the front lines of housing support and homelessness prevention. They are great places to volunteer, donate, or seek services:
• The Road Home – https://theroadhome.org/
• Shelter the Homeless – https://www.shelterthehomeless.org/
• Volunteers of America, Utah – https://www.voaut.org/
• Catholic Community Services of Utah – https://www.ccsutah.org/
• YWCA Utah – https://www.ywcautah.org/
• Utah Community Action – https://www.utahca.org/