Salt Lake County’s annual point‑in‑time count on Jan. 28, 2026 recorded 408 people living without shelter, down from 517 the previous year. While the overall homeless population remains high, the drop gives hope that community efforts are making a difference.
Local volunteers step up
In Cottonwood Heights, the Emerald Hills Institute organized a winter clothing drive to help those without stable housing stay warm. The nonprofit, which brings together people of different faiths and backgrounds, asked for new or gently used coats, boots, gloves, scarves and other winter gear. Organizer Bengisu Kul said the goal was not only to provide practical items but also to convey love and care to the recipients.
“I hope that they feel love, and I hope that they know there’s somebody out there that does care for them,” Kul told volunteers as they sorted donations on Sunday. The collected items will be delivered to The Road Home, a local agency that distributes clothing to people experiencing homelessness throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Count shows mixed trends
The coalition’s count also noted 2,130 people in emergency shelters and 300 in transitional housing, for a total of 2,838 individuals experiencing homelessness that night. While the unsheltered count fell, officials warned that homelessness among unaccompanied young adults and seniors 65 and older has risen over the past three years.
Salt Lake City’s homeless resource centers reported being functionally full throughout October, according to a recap of the City Council meeting on Nov. 10. The city continues to seek additional resources to meet growing demand.
Personal stories highlight need
Chance Peterson, who has been homeless for three years, spends much of his day at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake. He said staying sober and finding warmth are daily challenges.
“I’m trying to stay sober, so I usually just hang out in the chapel and pray,” Peterson said. “When I’m outside in the cold, it just stings the skin. Wet shoes are another problem. You’ve got to go inside and ask for new shoes quickly.” He added that blankets, hats, gloves, sweaters and long underwear can make a huge difference during winter.
Receiving warm, dry clothing, Peterson said, “means a lot. Very blessed, very blessed.”
How to help
The Emerald Hills Institute’s drive listing asked for donations by Nov. 15, with a drop‑off location at 6715 S. 1300 East, Suite 100, in Cottonwood Heights. Volunteers can call 801‑462‑6402 for assistance or to arrange later drop‑offs. The Road Home also accepts seasonal winter clothing at several resource centers; details are available on its donation page.
Community members are encouraged to contribute clean, gently used items to keep the most vulnerable residents safe from the bitter Utah winter.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
