SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 2, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Thursday it is donating $10 million to help build additional housing for the homeless in the Salt Lake Valley.
A news release from the Church said leaders approved the donation to contribute to the construction and development of more housing in the valley. Funds for this donation are from the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church, which comes from the voluntary contributions of Church members who have designated their donation for humanitarian purposes.
“Homelessness affects all sectors of our communities,” said Bishop Gérald Caussé, presiding bishop of the Church. “Around the world, we join hands and hearts with dozens of partners engaged in alleviating suffering in their respective communities, and in the process we point people towards greater self-reliance.”
The Church’s donation will enable nonprofit organization Shelter the Homeless “to achieve better outcomes and ultimately assist those with housing challenges to elevate their personal circumstances,” the news release said.
The news release added discussions are ongoing with respect to the Deseret Industries store at 130 E. 700 South in Salt Lake City. The Church stated it has offered the city the option to purchase this property to be used as a future homeless resource center, and is also exploring options for a new Deseret Industries store “to address downtown patron and associate needs.”
