November 21, 2017
Help Those in Need the Right Way This Holiday Season
(SALT LAKE CITY)—With the holiday charitable giving season upon us, the Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) encourages good Samaritans to utilize existing social service agencies rather than conduct direct outreach on their own, especially when it comes to serving food to the homeless.
“It’s wonderful when people give back, especially this time of year,” said Gary Edwards, executive director of SLCoHD. “And we want to make sure that people’s charity is received by those in need in the best—and safest—way possible.”
Several excellent organizations in our
community provide meals to people in need. Together, these organizations already serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner nearly
every day of the year, and they rely on donations and volunteers to do so.
“Providing assistance through these existing
programs is the best way to give back to your community,” Edwards continued. “These
organizations have a structure in place to utilize your time, goods and money
in the safest and most efficient way possible.”
Homeless-assistance organizations available to receive volunteers and donations include:
-
St. Vincent De Paul
Dining Hall
801-363-7710
ccsutah.org -
Rescue Mission of Salt
Lake
801-355-1302
rescuesaltlake.org -
The Road Home
801-359-4142
theroadhome.org -
Salt Lake City Mission
801-355-6310
saltlakecitymission.org
In addition, food outreach events on public property (such as a park, street, or sidewalk) in Salt Lake City require a Free Expression Permit from Salt Lake City Events. For more information, visit slcgov.com/frexapp.
People experiencing homelessness and other individuals in need can be particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness, so it’s important that the food they receive is prepared using safe food handling practices. Many people experiencing homelessness have also already been affected by Salt Lake County’s hepatitis A outbreak, and it’s critically important that food handlers—especially those serving vulnerable populations—be vigilant and thorough in their hand washing.###