Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis in Southern Utah
B
By Carol Hollowell, CEO, Switchpoint
ecause no two people experiencing homelessness have arrived there in the same manner, no one source can provide the pathway to self-sufficiency. The same is true about the housing crisis in southern Utah; no one person or no single organization can or will be the solution. As we say at Switchpoint, “It takes all of us.” • It takes social service agencies moving beyond their own turfdom and weaving together a support system that fills the gaps through which individuals and families have fallen. • It takes governmental units identifying the most vulnerable in our communities and prioritizing their housing needs. • It takes entrepreneurs and millionaires recognizing that they have a moral obligation to reach out and help. • It takes churches, service organizations, and neighbors stepping up and reaching out to those who need it most. Our housing crisis impacts every facet of our community, from young families, teachers, and police officers to seniors citizens and veterans. Without a vast and growing web of partnership, the housing crisis will continue to spread unchecked.
Our housing crisis impacts every facet of our community, from young families, teachers, and police officers to seniors citizens and veterans. Without a vast and growing web of partnership, the housing crisis will continue to spread unchecked. 54 Southern Utah Business Magazine :: Spring 2022
Switchpoint never misses an opportunity to invite partnerships; everyone has something to give. Their recent housing project, Riverwalk Village Apartments, is a prime example. The City of St. George donated the land and provided significant funding. The State of Utah awarded federal lowincome tax credits. St. George Housing Authority provided eight subsidies. Private foundations and churches donated more than $3 million to round out the funding. The net result is a fifty-five unit 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartment complex that serves a wide range of incomes. 172 individuals call it home. Unfortunately, fifty-five units is only a small portion of the 1400 units currently needed. Jerry moved to St. George from Chicago and never imagined he’d find himself staying at Switchpoint in a homeless shelter. He moved to the area to take a full-time position as a supervisor at Dean Foods. He is not struggling financially. He does not have a criminal record or a substance abuse history. However, in June 2021, he was given notice that the town home he was leasing had been sold. He had fifteen days to vacate. Because of the current housing crisis, he was unable to secure another rental. Jerry stated, “I’ve had a successful life and career. I’ve had a great life. This is like the lowest low. Quite frankly, I can hardly look anyone in the eye.”
