State official outlines homelessness strategy, urges more beds and long‑term funding

Wayne Nederhauser, homelessness coordinator for the State Office of Homeless Services, told the Salt Lake County Council on Feb. 11 that homelessness is both a transitional condition and a persistent one tied to severe mental illness, addiction and trauma. He said state data show many people enter homelessness briefly and exit quickly, while a smaller “persistent” group remains unsheltered and often needs long‑term supportive housing and intensive services.

Nederhauser said the state and local partners have identified a need for substantially more shelter capacity and supportive housing: the local homeless system needs roughly 1,200 to 1,600 additional beds and a new central campus concept while maintaining scattered sites. He urged funding for a family non‑congregate shelter in South Salt Lake and steady operating funds rather than only one‑time appropriations.

“Once you’ve crossed that line into homelessness, you’re in a crisis situation,” Nederhauser said. He described an approach that emphasizes prevention and early intervention—keeping people out of homelessness where possible—and different responses for transitional versus persistent populations, including diversion, treatment and supportive housing programs such as permanent supportive housing supported by ACT teams.

Council members asked about housing supply and the relationship to rising housing costs. Nederhauser and staff noted that cost of housing is highly correlated with homelessness rate and that building deeply affordable housing requires gap funding, low‑income housing tax credits and rent support. State staff cited creation of over 1,500 deeply affordable units in recent years but said more gap funding is required to meet demand.

Nederhauser also described how treatment and reentry programs must be sustained beyond short interventions; he cited programs (for example, longer residential recovery programs) with lower recidivism when supports continue for years rather than months.

Council members, the mayor’s office and state board representatives discussed pilot projects, the state plan for homelessness and requests for legislative funding. Committee members emphasized the intersection between homelessness, mental health and public safety—saying comprehensive, long‑term funding is required to reduce unsanctioned camping and repeat criminal justice contacts.

No council vote was taken on funding at the Feb. 11 meeting; the Office of Homeless Services offered to provide data and assistance to the council as it evaluates funding options and potential shelter and supportive housing sites.