Meet the 2020 Downtown Achievement Award Recipients
Jan 26, 2021
When enjoying the holiday magic in downtown Salt Lake City, generous Utahns are often prompted to help people who need shelter, a meal, warm clothing or health care. Speaking plainly: giving to a panhandler does not help that person; it perpetuates their living on the street. There are wonderful service providers in our community that reach out daily to those in need and are truly helping by providing shelter, housing, healthcare, clothing and meals.
Here are six ways to give direct support to effective service providers. You can give knowing that your gift will truly help those in need.
Home4change.org -- Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation:
During the holiday season, you can double your donation when you give to Home 4 Change. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Miller Family Foundation, every dollar you donate here will be matched, dollar for dollar, until the $10 million dollar goal is reached.
Give at home4change.org
HOST (Homeless Outreach Service Team):
The Homeless Outreach Service Team, aka HOST, is a partnership with the SLCPD and homeless service providers to connect homeless individuals with social services and resources. 100% of donations go to the Pamela J. Atkinson foundation and are dispersed to local homeless services providers.
Give at https://slchost.org/
Candy Cane Corner:
The Candy Cane Corner provides a holiday shopping experience for families participating in services at the YWCA, the Road Home and VOA Youth Resource Center. Shoppers can pick out a variety of toys and clothes to give one another and stay warm during the cold winter months.
See their top 10 donation needs and give at http://candycanecornerslc.org/donation
Giving Machine:
In the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, you’ll find two vending “giving” machines stocked with philanthropic opportunities. You can choose from local and global giving options that range from food and medicine to soccer balls, eye care and more.
Learn more about the giving machines at https://www.mormon.org/christmas/giving-machines
Utah Food Bank:
Last year, the Utah Food Bank distributed 32.7 million meals. Organize your family and friends and hold your own food drive or donate at any Harmons grocery store. Cash donations allow the food bank to buy in bulk and provide more meals for more people.
Give at utahfoodbank.org
Volunteer:
Many Utah service providers rely heavily on volunteer work to operate their programs. Serve a dinner or help with activities and programming. Learn more about service providers that accept volunteers at the HOST website.
