Hundreds of homeless people gathered at the Salt Palace Friday to connect with services — including a makeshift courtroom — that could help get them off the streets.
The event is called Project Homeless Connect. It started in 2016 and is back for the first time since before the pandemic.
"I think me and my kids are one of the lucky few that get the opportunity to stay in the local homeless shelters," Tracy Himes said. Hope that amid the free resources, something would be able to help her and her family get to a better place.But accessing housing and job services can be impossible for others who are facing legal barriers.
"Some people feel that it's about not holding the unsheltered community accountable for their crimes. That's not true. They're being sentenced. The sentence is equivalent to the fine you would pay for a similar offense," said Judge Jeanne Robison with the Salt Lake City Justice Court. "It isn't about giving them a pass for criminal conduct, but it is about providing access to justice.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sunshine Thursday, Friday; Severe Potential Friday Night - Alabama NewsTemperatures surge into the low and mid 80s Thursday afternoon and the sky remains mainly sunny. Thursday night remains mild with lows near 60°, while low clouds and fog likely develop again.
Read more »
Sunshine Friday, Severe Storms Possible Friday Night - Alabama NewsSevere storms remain possible Friday night through early Saturday morning. However, the severe risk area and risk level from the storm prediction center has decreased since Thursday's outlook.
Read more »
Salt Lake City police to host gun buyback event, where public can surrender unwanted weaponsThe Salt Lake City Police Department will host a gun buyback event Saturday, where residents can relinquish their unwanted firearms, no questions asked, and no ID needed.
Read more »
Driver of stolen SUV doesn't get far after crashing into Salt Lake City police carA 31-year-old man stole an SUV in Salt Lake City Wednesday night, but he didn't get far after ramming an unmarked police car while trying to flee.
Read more »
Salt Lake County reports 1st measles case in Utah since 2017The Salt Lake County Health Department announced a resident has tested positive for measles after traveling outside the country, but the public is at minimal risk of illness. It's the first case of measles in Utah since 2017.
Read more »
Salt Lake County confirms first measles case in 6 yearsA Salt Lake County resident who traveled outside the U.S. has been diagnosed with measles — the first case confirmed in the county since 2017.
Read more »